"KBB praises the Prius c for “value, versatility, and mileage-maxing potential,” highlighting a less-than-$20,000 starting price, four diverse trim grades, and the potential for 53 mpg city/46 mpg highway. Perhaps most impressive about the 2014 Prius c’s Best Hybrid/Alternative Energy Car victory is the fact that it had to beat out the rest of the Prius family (Prius, Prius v, and Prius Plug-in) in order to do so." Three Toyota Vehicles Win KBB 5-Year Cost to Own Awards
I had already figured out that the C was one of the best cars out there, but, glad to see KBB recognizes it also.
Comsumer Report: "Acceleration is slow. The cramped driving position is flawed. The ride is always busy, and the cabin is loud. Plus it reminds us that not all small cars have nimble handling." 1. Acceleration is slow. I disagree with him. I was supprise how fast the C pulling out the parking lot when I first test drive the C. Get on highway was a little slow, but not much different than any other 4 cylinder cars. This guy must drive the car in ECO mode. 2.The cramped driving position is flawed. Got no idea what he mean. If he meant the seat, then he is so wrong. 3. The ride is always busy. What the heck is this? 4. the cabin is loud. Only half true. Only loud on highway, but I can't believe if this little noise can bother anyone. 5.Plus it reminds us that not all small cars have nimble handling. Nothing wrong with prius C handling. Actually, most reviewers gave C very good handling. Conlusion: Look like he is comparing the C with a luxury car. I read his report before I bought my C4. He got me worry at the time, but I tested out his points. Doesn't seem any of his claims were real.
CR panned the C, that's what made me interested in it. IMHO they are always wrong when it comes to car evaluations. They give it a bad review, but, say it has one of the best records for reliability. Makes one wonder if they know what they are talking about.
I read CR when I was car shopping and while I was initially bummed to see this review, after reading tons of other reviews, I really think that in general, they're ultimately comparing it to much more expensive and/or large cars. Their baseline of what seems to be a comfortable ride with good interior is definitely a luxury car. My last car was an older 2-door Honda Civic and the Prius C definitely doesn't seem any less comfortable compared to that and even the acceleration isn't bad.
I doubt the implicit comparison car is a 'luxury' model, but I can well believe they are thinking of a car like the Honda Accord or the Toyota Camry. I own a Prius vagon and the classic liftback. If it turns out we have to keep a 3rd car (yuck), it is going to be a tight race between the Prius 'c', Yaris and a Honda Fit. Anyway, Congrats Prius 'c' owners!
I don't know if I like this. I was the older brother in my family, and I always hated it when the little brother got cocky.... So enjoy the accolades....but keep it down....
I think collectively, we all know what KBB is now stating. A reliable hybrid under $20k. IMO, a new standard in Econo-Boxes. As for CR, they actually prefer the Honda Fit. As far as Econo-Boxes are concerned, the Fit is nice. But in the long run if one was to eek every cost-saving / efficiency advantage from a car like hybrid owners do, then it's really hard to beat the C.
Great review, and if your in the market for a 2013 there are some good deals out now for them. I just picked up my 13 C4 for just under 21k.
