http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/review-2010-toyota-prius/ (http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/review-2010-toyota-prius/)
[laugh]
Thanks
[laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh] [laugh]
Bahahaha! Loved the part about not being able to get out of the driveway. A friend of mine brought his parent's Prius (or was it a hybrid Civic) to school for some reason and he had the damnedest time parking it since his carport spot had a somewhat steep incline with poles on both sides. He had to get the approach to the parking spot just right and zoom into the carport from the busy street or push it up the hill since the little electric motor couldn't go up the incline. Actually, it was so weak that he would roll down the driveway toward the street unless he stomped on it hard enough to engage the gas engine. In that case he'd have to quickly lay on the brakes to keep from plowing into the building. [laugh]
The comments are interesting too:
"i think i would rather swallow a .45 caliber shell before i drive one of these
i've seen the future am i'm glad i'm gonna be dead before it gets here"
Very Funny Commercial: Toyota Prius vs Hyundai Elantra (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TpCAIFv6t5o&feature=PlayList&p=974265F29C998FB3&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=52#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
OMFG^^^^^That was awesome [laugh]
VW TDI meets the Prius commercial
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXK63kvUi6U
Hehe, funny how the "owner" of the GTI is a VW bug. ;D
That site and jalopnik both make me laugh. They're like Car & Driver used to be back in the day.
The Prius is to Americans what trains and bus' are to the rest of the world. It's a means of transportation for people who only want to go from point A to point B and don't really care for the method. There's no joy, no passion, nothing a car lover would like about that car. That said, I hope a lot of people buy them so that there's plenty of leftover petrol to fuel my LS3 V8.
Quote from: superjohn on June 20, 2009, 03:31:57 PM
That site and jalopnik both make me laugh. They're like Car & Driver used to be back in the day.
The Prius is to Americans what trains and bus' are to the rest of the world. It's a means of transportation for people who only want to go from point A to point B and don't really care for the method. There's no joy, no passion, nothing a car lover would like about that car. That said, I hope a lot of people buy them so that there's plenty of leftover petrol to fuel my LS3 V8.
Na, the Prius is the way for Americans to scream, "Look at me! I'm green!" I strongly feel that there are "better" ways to get around that are both more efficient and more fun. They aren't quickly recognized as being more efficient, though, and not everyone knows that they're more efficient either.
Quote from: erkishhorde on June 20, 2009, 04:46:11 PM
Na, the Prius is the way for Americans to scream, "Look at me! I'm green!" I strongly feel that there are "better" ways to get around that are both more efficient and more fun. They aren't quickly recognized as being more efficient, though, and not everyone knows that they're more efficient either.
in fact, the prius is
not that green (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/20/AR2009062001523.html)
Quote from: erkishhorde on June 20, 2009, 04:46:11 PM
Na, the Prius is the way for Americans to scream, "Look at me! I'm green!" I strongly feel that there are "better" ways to get around that are both more efficient and more fun. They aren't quickly recognized as being more efficient, though, and not everyone knows that they're more efficient either.
South Park's take on this was quite amusing. It had something to do with emissions? ;)
Quote from: redxblack on June 20, 2009, 10:00:46 PM
South Park's take on this was quite amusing. It had something to do with emissions? ;)
http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103216 (http://www.southparkstudios.com/episodes/103216)
Actually, now that I think about it, it's as ridiculous to lambast a Prius for being no fun to drive as it would be to criticize a Ferrari for not having cup holders.
We ( meine frau, mein vatter und ich ) were in München last month. In a week I don't think I saw one Prius. Saw lots of small fuel efficient diesel cars. But very very few Japanese cars and not one Prius. Gas was euro 1.30 - 1.40 / liter , $6.00 - $7.00 / gallon.
Top Gear: Jeremy Clarkson Drives a Toyota Prius (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWxn3i7SXHE#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
Prius More Enviromentally Damaging Than BMW M3 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKTOyiKLARk#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)
;D
Adam
Quote from: superjohn on June 21, 2009, 01:17:50 PM
Actually, now that I think about it, it's as ridiculous to lambast a Prius for being no fun to drive as it would be to criticize a Ferrari for not having cup holders.
Point. It's like Ferrari saying, "The rear view mirror is so small because you're going to be going too fast to care what's behind you anyway."
It's still fun to make fun of them though. ;D
Quote from: herm on June 20, 2009, 08:34:29 PM
in fact, the prius is not that green (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/06/20/AR2009062001523.html)
All "Prius is not so green" arguments originate from a single, non-peer reviewed article published by a company called "CNW Marketing." They refuse to show their research. Basically they made up some stuff. Here is the long version of that statement, with numbers and science and whatnot.
http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_vs_prius.pdf (http://www.pacinst.org/topics/integrity_of_science/case_studies/hummer_vs_prius.pdf)
That being said, the Prius is like diet motoring. Bland, but ultimately better for its consumer.
Quote from: superjohn on June 21, 2009, 01:17:50 PM
Actually, now that I think about it, it's as ridiculous to lambast a Prius for being no fun to drive as it would be to criticize a Ferrari for not having cup holders.
In this day and age, there's really no excuse for a car being completely boring to drive. With computerized/automatic frigging
everything, it's not hard to add some kind of Whee Mode, even on a car otherwise intended to be sedate and dull.
Ultimately the Prius is an uninteresting first step on the road to hybrid cars.
They tried to meld a conventional car / transmission with an electric assist drive. All that does is give you the worst of both worlds.
The next stage is something closer to a primarily electric car, with some ultra-efficient Micro turbine generator providing power for long drives. Plus turbines will run on anything (gasoline, diesel, bio-diesel, kerosene, ethanol)
As for that "how green is the Prius" study: Pure BS. One of their assumptions was that the Prius owner would junk the car completely at 100K miles [roll]
Well, yes and no. The first article says that the loaded version ran up close to $34k. No, contrast that with a Fit or a Versa that get in the 30's for mileage but cost half the price. How long will it take you to recoup the initial $17000 extra you paid over the cost of the Fit or Versa?
Prius has never been about saving money though.
Quote from: NAKID on June 22, 2009, 08:27:03 AM
Well, yes and no. The first article says that the loaded version ran up close to $34k. No, contrast that with a Fit or a Versa that get in the 30's for mileage but cost half the price. How long will it take you to recoup the initial $17000 extra you paid over the cost of the Fit or Versa?
Not a fair comparison, as a Prius is classified as a Mid-Size vehicle, whereas the Fit and Versa both are classified as sub-compacts.
Also, try a source like www.intellichoice.com (//http://) or www.edmunds.com (//http://) and use their cost of ownership features to look at all costs involved, not just MSRPs.
Quote from: Statler on June 22, 2009, 08:54:35 AM
Prius has never been about saving money though.
Or the environment.
If they
really wanted to be useful (at least in California), those that have a vehicle that makes 0 emissions when not moving would swap their carpool stickers with the 18 wheelers, thus getting those guys off the road faster.
Quote from: NAKID on June 22, 2009, 08:27:03 AM
Well, yes and no. The first article says that the loaded version ran up close to $34k. No, contrast that with a Fit or a Versa that get in the 30's for mileage but cost half the price. How long will it take you to recoup the initial $17000 extra you paid over the cost of the Fit or Versa?
You're asking how long it would be to recoup the cost of leather and navigation with better fuel efficiency? Base:base the difference in MSRP is more like 7K.
That car is just ugly! The designers should be ashamed of themselves. That car would be a little easier to accept if the designers had just put a little effort into it.
Years from now, when cars will be more efficient, I hope we can look back and laugh at this thing. But if this is the direction car design is heading, I'm buying a horse!
Quote from: The Architect on June 22, 2009, 09:31:52 AM
That car is just ugly! The designers should be ashamed of themselves. That car would be a little easier to accept if the designers had just put a little effort into it.
Years from now, when cars will be more efficient, I hope we can look back and laugh at this thing. But if this is the direction car design is heading, I'm buying a horse!
It's called aerodynamics.
Why do you think the Honda Insight is virtually the exact same shape?
ferrari makes an aerodynamic car as well, but few people refer to it as ugly....
a little off topic, but why cant Toyota put the diesel they use in the landcruiser 70 series (http://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70-series) in the tundra? or for that matter sell the 70 series in the states?
or for that matter, why are we (USA) only now starting to see some of the clean, high mileage diesels that have been scooting around Europe for a while now?
^^^^
I'd rather get a diesel over a hybrid, anyday.
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on June 22, 2009, 10:53:16 AM
It's called aerodynamics.
Possibly a factor, but doubtful it is the overriding reason. The Honda Civic has a lower drag coefficient.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_drag_coefficients (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automobile_drag_coefficients)
edit: the 2009 model is better than most for drag.My guess is the shape is for 3 reasons, in order of importance (1 and 2 are a very close, 3 is a
distant 3rd IMO):
1) Toyota wanted the Prius to be a practical car for running errands around town. Hatchbacks are just that...small and can carry a lot.
2) Prius owners want everyone to know they are green, and driving an electric car. Toyota knew this, so they made the car look futuristic, or different. You can tell it's a Prius (aka smug mobile) from a mile away...just like their owners like it. [coffee]
3) Aerodynamics. Kinda important, but not as much as you'd think since the Prius is designed as an around town car...where aerodynamics are far less important.
That's my guess anyway. Fugly.
Quote from: herm on June 22, 2009, 10:58:46 AM
or for that matter, why are we (USA) only now starting to see some of the clean, high mileage diesels that have been scooting around Europe for a while now?
refining capacity of low-sulfur diesel. main reason why diesel was $1 or more per gallon than gasoline until very recently.
increasing demand would increase price further.
why honda & nissan have delayed their diesel sedans.
also a factor in why tundra diesel is delayed.
Quote from: herm on June 22, 2009, 10:58:46 AM
ferrari makes an aerodynamic car as well, but few people refer to it as ugly....
on the link Triple J provide, F430 F1 was best at .34 cd. 2010 Prius is .25 cd.
Here is Jeremy Clarkson's take on the Honda Insight:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1)
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on June 22, 2009, 12:32:25 PM
Here is Jeremy Clarkson's take on the Honda Insight:
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1 (http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/driving/jeremy_clarkson/article6294116.ece?token=null&offset=0&page=1)
[laugh] [laugh] [clap]
The Honda's petrol engine is a much-shaved, built-for-economy, low-friction 1.3 that, at full chat, makes a noise worse than someone else's crying baby on an airliner. It's worse than the sound of your parachute failing to open. Really, to get an idea of how awful it is, you'd have to sit a dog on a ham slicer.
Quote from: Triple J on June 22, 2009, 12:49:06 PM
[laugh] [laugh] [clap]
The Honda's petrol engine is a much-shaved, built-for-economy, low-friction 1.3 that, at full chat, makes a noise worse than someone else's crying baby on an airliner. It's worse than the sound of your parachute failing to open. Really, to get an idea of how awful it is, you'd have to sit a dog on a ham slicer.
BAHHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHA....ROTFLMAO
Quote from: Randimus Maximus on June 22, 2009, 10:53:16 AM
It's called aerodynamics.
Why do you think the Honda Insight is virtually the exact same shape?
These cars are aerodynamic:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_E-class (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes_E-class)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry_Hybrid (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Camry_Hybrid)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_6#Second_generation_.282007.E2.80.93.29 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mazda_6#Second_generation_.282007.E2.80.93.29)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Genesis (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyundai_Genesis)
and they don't look like ass.
Quote from: Triple J on June 22, 2009, 12:07:58 PM
2) Prius owners want everyone to know they are green, and driving an electric car. Toyota knew this, so they made the car look futuristic, or different. You can tell it's a Prius (aka smug mobile) from a mile away...just like their owners like it. [coffee]
This theory I'll accept/understand.
I hate 'em, really. It's the only particular model I come across on my twisty commute that does not pull over to let faster cars by. I suspect they don't want to lose precious battery life be re-accelerating, or are enjoying their long, steep descent with the regen braking thing on.
Sure it might save them energy but when you have a line of five cars hitting the brakes in all sorts of odd places because your dang car just does not get out of the dang way, it's time to consider some courtesy. I'm going to start removing their happy little "access ok" stickers.
Quote from: MrIncredible on June 23, 2009, 11:31:14 AM
I hate 'em, really. It's the only particular model I come across on my twisty commute that does not pull over to let faster cars by. I suspect they don't want to lose precious battery life be re-accelerating, or are enjoying their long, steep descent with the regen braking thing on.
Sure it might save them energy but when you have a line of five cars hitting the brakes in all sorts of odd places because your dang car just does not get out of the dang way, it's time to consider some courtesy. I'm going to start removing their happy little "access ok" stickers.
When I do ( finally ) get in front of these types of people, I generally take it as an opportunity to give my windshield a good, thorough spraying ... This may take a minute or two, as I really want to make sure i get everything off. As a nice side benefit, I get to share it with the car behind me. Particularly fun on a bright sunny day.
Pay it forward [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
;D
Adam
Just as an aside: If people really " cared " about the environment they'd move into a city and take mass transport to work, or simply drive less. Seeing Priuses parked outside of 3500 sq ft McMansions on my way to work is a cognitive dissonance that is truly startling. Living simply isn't the car you drive or a freakin' bumper sticker.
And yes, I realize I own three bikes - I will cede this point straight away before someone calls me on it [laugh]
Cheers,
Adam
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on June 23, 2009, 11:34:47 AM
When I do ( finally ) get in front of these types of people, I generally take it as an opportunity to give my windshield a good, thorough spraying ... This may take a minute or two, as I really want to make sure i get everything off. As a nice side benefit, I get to share it with the car behind me. Particularly fun on a bright sunny day.
Pay it forward [thumbsup] [thumbsup]
;D
Adam
That's the issue-you *cannot* get in front of them on these roads unless they specifically pull over to let you pass. One could pass on a moto, but a car is impossible, even with the ones I have that are terribly quick. You're just trapped behind them. It's infuriating.
Quote from: MrIncredible on June 23, 2009, 11:46:48 AM
That's the issue-you *cannot* get in front of them on these roads unless they specifically pull over to let you pass. One could pass on a moto, but a car is impossible, even with the ones I have that are terribly quick. You're just trapped behind them. It's infuriating.
There's always the shoulder ;)
Remember: I'm in MA. Hogging the passing lane doing less than 90 will get you tailgated, sworn, and honked at ... By the State Police [evil]
Adam
I'm *from* Mass.
These are basically one lane roads. There is no shoulder.
Quote from: MrIncredible on June 23, 2009, 12:11:08 PM
I'm *from* Mass.
These are basically one lane roads. There is no shoulder.
Woah, woah sorry there dude guy! Didn't mean to belittle your massness ;D
Grille mounted RPG is the best option in this case ;)
Adam
Don't you have the option to roll in the kaiser?
Quote from: DrDesmosedici on June 23, 2009, 11:58:08 AM
There's always the shoulder ;)
On Sunday, I saw a woman (on a cell phone, no less) in a Pontiac Solstice gun the engine and fly around the apparently-too-slow truck in front of her. This was across the double yellow, right at the entrance of a sharp, blind hairpin turn on a two-lane forest road, and she almost lost it at the apex as a result. [roll]
On topic: Earlier in the day, I saw what appeared to be a Prius group drive (there were three in a row), holding up a line of motorcycles, naturally.
Quote from: herm on June 22, 2009, 10:58:46 AM
a little off topic, but why cant Toyota put the diesel they use in the landcruiser 70 series (http://www.toyota.com.au/landcruiser-70-series) in the tundra? or for that matter sell the 70 series in the states?
Just spent the last couple of months driving one of those around Afghanistan, and it was a remarkable truck! Had more than enough grunt to move it about quite nicely, and that is with the additional ton of armor that had been applied to the chassis.
Passed a Prius on the highway today that was in the right lane with its flashers on. Couldn't tell if it was a mechanical issue or if they were just hypermiling - doing about 50 on a 65 mph interstate where traffic often flows at 75+.
I always wonder if they're jealous of my gas mileage as I zip past them. ;D
Quote from: x136 on June 23, 2009, 12:47:57 PM
On Sunday, I saw a woman (on a cell phone, no less) in a Pontiac Solstice gun the engine and fly around the apparently-too-slow truck in front of her. This was across the double yellow, right at the entrance of a sharp, blind hairpin turn on a two-lane forest road, and she almost lost it at the apex as a result. [roll]
I've also seen this woman! Except she was driving a white Explorer at the time and talking with her friends?/family? in the car while passing on the outside of a blind corner on a mountain road with a cliff wall on one side and a cliff edge on the other. She hit the outside curb and nearly tipped it. Psycho.
No self respecting man would ever drive a Prius
Quote from: RavnMonster on June 24, 2009, 04:48:12 AM
No self respecting man would ever drive a Prius
Why? Is it the looks, the lack of power, the removal of any driving sensation or just because?
Quote from: The Architect on June 24, 2009, 11:13:13 AM
Why? Is it the looks, the lack of power, the removal of any driving sensation or just because?
yes.
Quote from: The Architect on June 24, 2009, 11:13:13 AM
Why? Is it the looks, the lack of power, the removal of any driving sensation or just because?
No....
it tastes like quiche.
Alright, what if the prius looked more like this
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2004-2006_Mazda3_hatch.jpg (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:2004-2006_Mazda3_hatch.jpg)
Would it still taste like quiche?
[laugh] This thread cracked me up. I sent the article to a friend who has a Prius and man was he pissed. [laugh]
He went on for about 5 mins critiquing the article and responding to every point that the guy didn't like about it. That was totally worth the reaction to share it with him! [evil]
Quote from: DCXCV on June 23, 2009, 03:49:22 PM
I've also seen this woman! Except she was driving a white Explorer at the time and talking with her friends?/family? in the car while passing on the outside of a blind corner on a mountain road with a cliff wall on one side and a cliff edge on the other. She hit the outside curb and nearly tipped it. Psycho.
no no....she drives a green chevy trailblazer. This morning she was texting on her phone and swerving back and fourth(happens when you only look up every 10 seconds), then ran off the road into some mesquite trees (she was fine, mesquite brush is quite soft, except for the thorns that scratched the shit out of her car). I felt really bad cause I was giggling as I jumped out of the car to check if she was okay [laugh]
I don't like the prius. It is more of an image thing than an actual benifit to the environment. BUT...it is a step in the right direction. Pioneering technology is always kind of crappy when it first comes out.