That Prius is ...How Much?

[Kal-El]

Originally Posted by bronsin

The cars reason d' etre is high gas mileage period.

The "high end" argument just muddies the water. (as Toyota no doubt intended)

Which is fine if people want to buy into that.

Yes, the Prius is designed from top to bottom to squeeze the most out of every drop of gas. BUT, Toyota was also smart enough to know that the Prius needed not be a base line economy car if it was to become as successful as it has. Would the Prius get even higher MPG's if it were the size of a Yaris? Maybe, but not guaranteed (remember aerodynamics - a smaller car cannot be as sleek and rakish). The Prius has become, by far, the hybrid king because Toyota came up with the perfect formula. Affordable, but not el cheapo, just the right size for general practicality, and a look that satisfies those that want to show that they drive a hybrid.

With all that said, now that the Prius is hugely successful, Toyota is expanding it's Prius line-up with the V and C and maybe more. The C will fill that lower class spot some maybe looking for.

Spend some time on PriusChat forums and you'll learn the many reasons people have bought the Prius. Many of them not just for gas/money savings, but for the whole package. Some buy it because they love the technological aspect of it. They know that the Prius doesn't necessarily add up economically compared to a Yaris. But these people didn't want the Yaris.

A quick look at the interiors will tell you the big difference in class.

Originally Posted by bronsin

The problem is the insane mentality people have today. I mean, Obama just twisted the manufacturers arms into committing that their cars will get 63 mpg by 2020 or something? Thats crazy! What are these people thinking? How much is this car going to cost? My 650 cc motorcycle didnt get 63 mpg! Is it going to be like "carbon credits" where no one makes a car that gets 63 mpg we just have to pay a "tax" because ours doesnt? Is it going to be something like the Volt or the Leaf which costs even more than a Prius?

Am I going to be the victim of all this nonsence?

Hell no Im not going quietly!

Welcome to the world of Washington bureaucrats. Non-engineers that know nothing about cars or anything else for that matter that just yell out numbers that sound good and somehow automakers have to achieve them.

Get ready for major changes in the auto industry. Engineers have already spoken out saying cars will have to give in at least one of three areas: Price, size, or safety. Well, safety's out. And don't expect cars to shrink too much. So guess what? We're going to get a bunch of offerings like the Volt. A $41,000 compact.