I test drove the Prius and frankly was a little freaked by the rear visibility, esp at night. I'm in the 5 foot 2 range and shrinking, so I don't know if that mattered. I had read enough to expect a problem, but am I just hyper-sensitive? Do you get used to it?

(I'm new to the site, so I'm asking forgiveness in advance because I just can't seem to locate the previous discussion I have seen about this.)

I think it's definitely something you can get used to. The first time I test drove one I thought it was a little weird. Particularly the split in the window where the spoiler is. But I knew it was something I could get used to.

My wife is 5' 3" and more sensitive to "weird" things, so we made sure she got to test drive it. She had no problem with it whatsoever.

Since we got our Prius 6 weeks ago, I haven't noticed it and the few times we've shared the driving on a couple of long trips my wife hasn't complained. In fact, I think the visibility is better than it was in my '03 Accord.

(that's what my car tells me, so it must be true)

Some tall folks have mentioned having more degrees of freedom in moving the mirror in the NHW20 (current) model. But I've never been really happy with the rear view of our Camry, Echo and Prius. I've had vehicles with better overlap of the outside and rear view mirrors and it could be improved.

When my wife and I change drivers, we both go through considerable 'adjusting' to get the mirrors to work right for us. With a broader viewing angle, the problem would be greatly reduced. I understand there may be aftermarket mirrors that solve the problem.

Bob Wilson

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The rear visibility bothered me, but only when I back up.The two side mirrors, and the rear view mirror are fine for normal driving-"checking your mirror" before changing lanes type driving.
The visibility is mainly a problem when I back up. I completely swivel my body around so my head is facing rearward; the visibility is fine in that position. I just can't bring myself to use only the rearview camera and the mirrors.The camera is handy for checking for short/small things that would be hidden from view in the shadow/blindspot below the rear bumper.On level ground, the rear blindspot is ~30 feet or more. The camera "sees" just a couple of feet behind the bumper-handy.
I wouldn't and didn't let it hold me back.If I was a bit younger(55 yo), I would probably be even more comfortable with the camera.Luck,Charlie

I'm 6'3" and my wife is 5'4". When I test drove the Prius it didn't bother me at all. However, it really bothered my wife and was probably the deciding factor in pushing us towards the Camry.

Visibility is my single biggest complaint about the Prius. After 15 months, the rear window still bothers me. Also, the visibility out the right passenger side windshield (2:30) is terrible. The frame blocks oncoming traffic from the right.

I guess I quickly adapt to whatever I'm driving. Before the PII I owned a Saturn '95 SL2. My wife drives her GMC Sierra truck.

Never noticed the poor vis out of the PII. I love all the windows, gives the car a spacious feel you wont find in any other car its size.

Oh, I'm about 5'5'', and my wife is shorter.

Visibility is limited out the back because of a horizontal bar (spoiler?) and the sloped rear end. I use my mirrors a lot. I have an '05 with no camera so can't speak to that. I got used to the visibility restrictions. I'm a little extra vigilant. Its a small trade for such a great car otherwise.

I've owned an '06 Prius for 3 weeks and I'm still getting used to the back window. I've never owned a hatchback before, so the view may just start small and the spoiler makes it worse.

The only time it really bothers me is at night when there's a car behind me and its headlights are blocked by the spoiler. If I go up a slight incline, the headlights suddenly pop into view over the spoiler and I automatically look at them.

The backup camera is only useful when parking and then only for a couple of seconds.

However, the overall driving pleasure is great and I loved filling up today and paying $18 after driving 355 miles!

David