Poptop sunroof in a Prius?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Gray Beard - 15 Mar 2005 00:26 GMT

Hi - I have a 2003 Prius (LOVE IT) that I got in October.

Has anyone put in an aftermarket pop-top sunroof in a Prius? I had one in
my last car, and as a birdwatcher, I really liked being able to see UP.

Did the 2003 Prius ever come with a factory sunroof?

- G

Reply to this Message

dbs__usenet@tanj.com - 15 Mar 2005 02:37 GMT

> Hi - I have a 2003 Prius (LOVE IT) that I got in October.
>
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
> - G

Sunroof was not an option. I seem to recall that I've heard of people
putting in an aftermarket one with no unusual problems.

Daniel

Reply to this Message

Kevin Kirkeby - 16 Mar 2005 01:40 GMT

I don't know if putting in a sun-roof is terribly smart in a car like the
Prius. If you are installing a clear glass panel that is flush with the
roofline and non-retractable, that's one thing - it probably will not effect
the aerodynamics of the vehicle. If, on the other hand, you're talking about
a retractable, removable or "pop-able" sunroof, you'd be fooling to install
it.

Has anyone here tried to open their windows above 40 MPH? That popping you
feel in your ears is from air being forced into the windows off of a very
aerodynamically stable body. Try driving about with your windows down for a
trip that you normally take with the windows up. See if the gas mileage
difference isn't at least 15% worse. I am willing to bet that an open roof
would achieve the same loss in aerodynamics, and probably a worse pressure
effect than an open window.

KK

>> Hi - I have a 2003 Prius (LOVE IT) that I got in October.
>>
[quoted text clipped - 10 lines]
>
> Daniel

Reply to this Message

morelos - 15 May 2005 15:36 GMT

"Gray Beard" wrote:

>Hi - I have a 2003 Prius (LOVE IT) that I got in October.
>
[quoted text clipped - 6 lines]
>
>- G

Actually, if you look at these images, you’ll see a little
wind-deflector i got for my `01. in 89,250 miles wind noise from the
sunroof has never bothered me from 0-102.

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/front.jpg

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/inside-front.jpg

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/side.jpg

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/inside-top.jpg

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/interior.jpg

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/parked.jpg

http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius/corner-parked.jpg
i think it’s worth every dime, and i’m going to have one custom-made
to fit my ’05.

~ dan ~

check out http://www.fruzzetti.org:8080/pics/2005-may/prius for every
shot i took today. I still need to put the bra back on the darn
thing.

edit: those are seatcovers!

edit # 2: i can get 55.3 mpg from hayward to northridge, california
(345 miles) if i set cruise at 63mph, even with the sunroof and the
wider tires (185 dunlop super sport AP)

Reply to this Message

mrv@kluge.net - 15 Mar 2005 15:32 GMT

2001-2003 Prius did not come with a factory sunroof.

However, some people have had one installed aftermarket.

Quality really depends on the installer you choose. Be aware that
you'll loose a few inches of headroom with the install, though.

Reply to this Message