Prius is Gutless?

It was a 3.0. It had an electronic carb that just had the primaries from a Quadrajet. That car couldn't even pick up speed going down a hill. I used to tell people it had a gas diesel.

 

Seems this review is a direct cut & paste job from a press release.

2013 Passat TDI 0-60 mph = 9.3 seconds
2013 Jeep Compass Latitude – 9.8 seconds
2013 Dodge Dart Limited – 9.9 seconds
2013 VW Jetta S Gasoline - 10.3 seconds
2012 Toyota Prius C – 10.6 seconds
2012 Honda Insight – 10.6 seconds
2013 Acura ILX Hybrid – 10.8 seconds
2013 Chevrolet Spark – 11.3 seconds
2012 Fiat 500 Lounge – 11.4 seconds
Volkswagen Up! – 12.6 seconds
All Pages - Top 10 Slowest 0-60 MPH Vehicles Motor Trend Tested in 2012 - WOT on Motor Trend
The quickest Prius 0-60 mph time we’ve ever recorded is 9.5 seconds.

Prius Plug-In accelerated from zero to 60 mph in 10.1 seconds, the same time as the regular Prius. 2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Review | Edmunds.com

 

Some numbers here:
Best & Worst Acceleration | Quickest Vehicles - Consumer Reports
Fuel Economy vs. Performance | MPG vs. MPH - Consumer Reports

Best & worst acceleration unfortunately doesn't go back very far.

I don't like 0-60 mph times very much, personally. There's too much variation and if you go to a drag strip, you won't get those numbers but will get a 1/4 mile time and speed. There's a lot of variance in that too, but less as a % of the total time than 0 to 60.

 

I had a 1980 or 70 something Datsun B210 honeybee second year of college. Wow that thing was a pile of cowdung. In the color of babys%^t brown which my carpool buddy affectionately called it.

I wouldn't call my Prius gutless, but it wheezes a bit going up the really steep hills. It would be sweet if it road noise was knocked down on freeway. Maybe hatchbacks tend to offer up more road noise.

 

0 to 60 time useful for entering freeway from a metering light? a way to compare acceleration capability.

 

^^^
True, but there's too much variance as the run is too short.

Back to the earlier points, from having lived in CA and WA, I can safely say there can be a ton of variance in the apparent brand preference, depending on the area.

If you lived in the PNW, you'd think that everyone drives a Subaru and that they have a pretty big share. Yet, if you look at April 2013: Showers Edition and Auto Sales - Markets Data Center - WSJ.com, they have a small share. At my former work up in WA, the BMW 3-series was almost the "unofficial" employees' car.

 

Also, consider the source. The NY Daily News is not a reliable source. It is not a reputable newspaper.

 

I gave up years ago wanting a "fun" car in handling. Had a '99 Bug that was a blast on back roads and such. Rather have great mpg's, cargo and passenger space. When I have near 16yo cousin liking my ride - that says a lot.

I have few complaints with my 2012 Prius. Like the flying bridge. Given the direction of the Avalon and the next Corolla, the future is bright for the next Prius.

 

I'm probably the biggest nitpicker around here so here goes....

The all new Avalon has a slightly creased edge right where one might rest a right shin. Just about to post up interior dash pics in another thread of the 14 models outselling Prius for 2013 year to date. Each one of their center console to center stack areas are more or less the same. Said it before, time to fall in line Toyota with 2016 Prius.

I do not think Toyota ought to migrate back to the totally open space in front console on 04 - 09 Prius.

 

No, you have thoughts as to what sells you on the center console. For me, I like the GenIII flying bridge. Love the looks, and it works for my lifestyle. Hope to see your post of the 14 center stacks outselling the Prius.

I doubt the center stack design is the reason that the Prius is being outsold. The auto press and general public being sold on power and performance over all other is one aspect. Life slower can be good. Add to that the auto press harps on the "noticeable" engine stop with hybrids. For me, so what? It shows me that I am saving gas.

I could go on about the bs that the auto press and the public has about the Prius. But in the end sales do show that Toyota knows how to do hybrids better than others....

 

Hey, you guys missed my 1964 Series IIa Land Rover 4cyl with the Fairy overdrive option. Zero to 60 is infinity (top speed is around 58 MPH), although you can use the 16 forward speeds (4 in reverse) to creep up grades that frighten hyaenas and she'll scoot through savannas that challenge wildebeest. Part of the beauty of auto technology is that you can pick the best car for your circumstances and needs.

 

Had an '87 Nissan Sentra with 70hp of fury. I think the a/c used up about 20hp, lol.

To our resident nitpicker, sales <> better, but if you want to play that game, the 3rd gen Prius crushes the hybrid Civic, Insight, CMax, Jetta hybrid, regardless of all its "shortcomings".

 

all others combined.

 

I actually test drove a VW Jetta Hybrid--liked the car expect for the brakes which i thought I had no control over. I felt I had to brake really early to get the car to stop or if i lightly tapped the brake the car jarred and I felt like I was going to go through the windshield. I am not slamming VW, but these brakes are absurd. I bought a Prius V 5 and LOVE it!!

 

I would give up the current console. Having a good place to put the phone is important as stated in the Avalon, Charging wirelessly or tethered, or hide the phone under this cubby, Brilliant!

 

Yeah, but you'd probably get about 15 mpg less with another 60 hp.

I'm pretty sure a Prius can out-accelerate a semi, so you might want to rethink your driving decisions going forward.

 

If anyone is considering purchasing a Prius I would advise you to drive one. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by the handling and acceleration. Remember, there are a few gearheads here that have had some pretty fast cars so the points of view may vary from yours.

I once rode in an early IH Scout 4 cyl that would be fascinating to watch in a drag race with my old '57 VW bus. Conversely, I had a warmed-up 5.0 Stang with stick that I was truly afraid to let my wife drive. YMMV!

 

You make a very good point, I've got to adjust my driving style to the car I'm driving, I haven't driven a car this slow for a number of years, I do need to adjust!

 

In power mode, the Prius Gen III does fine for passing and mountain roads. It doesn't have any problems at this altitude (> 1 mile).