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Is Prius an Econobox?

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by Thai, May 3, 2011.

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  1. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    What makes some of you think that the Prius is an econobox??

    For me, an econobox is like a Corolla, Civic, Focus, etc..

    Is it based on pricing? Well, a Camry can be had for under $20k...in fact, according to Toyota website, the Camry's starting price is almost $3000 below that of Prius II. So, is Camry an econobox because of its price??

    Is it the space inside the Prius? Well, the Prius is classified as a midsize car. It has a lot more room than a Civic.

    Is it the platform from which the Prius is based on? Well, is the Lexus HS250h an econobox too because the Prius and HS share the same platform.

    So, what makes some of you think that the Prius is an econobox??

    Some of you mentioned that the Prius V is an overpriced econobox. Really? A Camry Hybrid costs $34k...and it does not nearly have the advance techno stuff that a Prius V with ATP has. A Camry price ranges from $19,800 to over $32,000. A Prius price ranges from $23,000 to $35,000 more or less.

    I am confused by this persistent classification...more often than not by II owners. :confused:
     
  2. revhigh

    revhigh MPG Enthusiast

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    The classification is so 'persistent' as you so accurately note, because it is shared by most owners who look at the Prius realistically.

    Spending $35K on a Prius does not make it a $35K car.

    Thai, you've been arguing this point ever since I've belonged here, and you still haven't convinced anybody .... enjoy your $35k Prius and think of it as a Rolls Royce if you wish. Enjoy your Mark Levinson stereo or JBL or whatever it is, and pretend it's the Boston Philharmonic if you wish. I really don't care one way or the other.

    The facts are that spending tons more on a car whose base price is $24K CAN NOT MAKE IT A $35K car (nor could it ever compete with other cars in that price range, which is the real proof), no matter the arguments.

    There is not another person on this board who argues so vehemently and incessantly that the Prius and it's components are so much more than they are. That can only be because you are so desperately trying to justify their costs to yourself.

    Myself ?? I'm at peace with my decision to buy a Prius.

    I really wish you could get there too ! :D

    REV
     
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  3. sipnfuel

    sipnfuel New Member

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    Toyota has three marques, Scion, Toyota and Lexus. Scion & Toyota is more mainstream, Lexus is luxury. Scion is geared to younger drivers, since the stereotype is older folks like Toyotas. Still a Lexus IS250 is somtimes considered only "near-luxury". Sometimes a Mercedes C-Class is only considered "near-luxury". By that logic, if those vehicles are only "near-luxury", then a Prius is definitely not luxury. If it is not luxury, it is mainstream and/or economy.

    VW/Audi
    Honda/Acura
    Nissan/Infiniti

    Ford/Mercury/Lincoln
    GMC/Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac

    Hyundai has two marques, Kia and Hyundai, but not one we consider "luxury", thus they carry "luxury" vehicles in their Hyundai lineup along with their economy cars like the Accent and Elantra.

    If we want to talk about ultra-luxury, perhaps Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguar etc.

    If you are going to spend >30,000 for a Camry, why not just by a Lexus ES 350?

    The Prius is grouped with the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Avalon, Sienna

    If you want to talk about the whole lineup it includes Venza, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra
     
  4. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Comments in bold.
     
  5. revhigh

    revhigh MPG Enthusiast

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    Of course it isn't 'luxury' .... it's a slightly upscale econobox .... a GREAT upscale econobox .... but an econobox nevertheless. Imagine the results if the Prius was put in a test group of REAL $35K cars .... it would win in exactly ONE category ... fuel economy .... and it would lose badly in every other category that could be tested. This doesn't make it a bad car ... it's a GREAT car, it would simply have been involved in a test way above it's ability and class.

    REV
     
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  6. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    It depends on what one wants. A loaded Camry has more stuff than a base ES. A loaded Camry attracts less unwanted attention at a supermarket. A loaded Camry costs much less to maintain.
     
  7. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Sounds like you have some facts to back up all this, right? Show me why it is an econobox. Easy. Facts, not stupid anecdotes.

    BTW, random facts...according to Motor Trend, a Prius V can do the figure 8 handling test better than a Ford Fusion Hybrid.
     
  8. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    A Prius is very good for what it is, even world class in it's class, but it isn't what it isn't.

    The Prius is built to a price point and it includes some expensive Hybrid components. It's a relatively roomy economy car with techie gadgets added. Even if you add the extra gadgets that are in a V, it's still an economy car with gadgets and bling added to it.

    The car itself is not even in the same class as Camry or Avalon. They both feel much less like an econo car when you drive them. As a car, a Prius is someplace between a Corolla and A Camry. Dressing a V year old girl up in her mothers clothes does not make her a mature woman.
     
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  9. revhigh

    revhigh MPG Enthusiast

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    I have ZERO jealousy for III's, IV's, or V's whatsoever ... they're all very nice cars ... as I said, I am totally at peace with my II decision, your buyers remorse must be very painful to cause you to react so defensively about a material posession. Who cares what someone else thinks of one of your possessions, as long as you're at peace with your decision ? Confident people don't need to make desperate arguments to justify anything to anybody.

    Continually reverting to saying that anyone without the same level car as yours is either financially unable to have it, or jealous of it, just proves that you have a deep-seated remorse that must be continually justified to others.

    Sorry about that ....

    REV
     
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  10. revhigh

    revhigh MPG Enthusiast

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    Well .... there ya go !!! Seven FACTS ... well .... maybe not 7 :D (above) that prove the Prius is an econobox !!

    Good list XS ! Case closed. Next thread please .... :D

    REV
     
  11. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Really? Then why did you post this in a thread that is not really about the different models!

    Hmmm, seems kinda weird to post this for no apparent reason!! :rolleyes:
     
  12. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Thai, the Prius is an economy car. Deal with it. Stop trying to make yourself feel better, it looks pathetic. Econobox? Semantics.

    Stupid discussion man...lol. NEXT.
     
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  13. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Another II owner...what a surprise! ;)

    Wait...so, a Camry or ES350 isn't built to a price point?!! Holy crap!

    Economy car? Because it gets good fuel economy?

    It drives differently? Ok. Road noise? Did you know that a Honda Accord has more road noise than our Prius? Hell, my wife's TSX is only marginally (at best) quieter than my Prius. Handling? Well, a Ford Fusion Hybrid is slightly worst according to MT. Acceleration? Well, it's a hybrid. Is CT200h an econobox? Just a few examples.

    But, lets get back to facts...all of what you listed are subjective. Apparently, Revhigh can't tell the difference. :rolleyes: Actually, by EPA, the Prius is in the same class as Camry.
     
  14. 32kcolors

    32kcolors Senior Member

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    I couldn't care less about what other people call my V with ATP.
     
  15. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    Feel free to back up what you said with real facts...instead of stupid commentary.
     
  16. billnchristy

    billnchristy Active Member

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    I guess it depends on your idea of econobox. My idea is a 1993 Mazda Protege...manual windows, tiny little vents, crap radio, crap seats etc.

    My 16k Ford Fiesta has a really nice interior, is quieter than my Prius, has a pretty decent radio and is pretty well appointed...I mean bluetooth, USB audio etc for 16k.

    I think econobox is a myth now.
     
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  17. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    Where are your facts? My commentary owns your attempt at a legit discussion.
     
  18. Thai

    Thai Prius Neophyte

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    uhhh...see page 1. :rolleyes: What part of my initial post did you not understand?
     
  19. xs650

    xs650 Senior Member

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    Yes, all car are built to a price point. The Prius' price point is such that it has a lot of Corolla level ingredients. It had to use them to be able to include the expensive hybrid systems and still meet the price point. It also helps that they are relatively light and help keep the car's weight down.

    You are confusing bling and widgets with level of car construction. If that makes you happy, :cool:.
     
  20. macmaster05

    macmaster05 Senor Member

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    And BTW, Joe Blow and even 98% of Prius owners (i.e., non-PriusChatters) can't tell you have a V. They don't know sh** about fog lamps! They don't notice your 17" rims! Ok fine, they can see your nav system...IF THEY RIDE IN YOUR CAR.

    To 99.9% of the world, you own an economy car.
     
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