Unexpected bonus

On the whole, it is a really good and modern design. It is an acquired taste for some, but it isn't overtly ofensive like some designs out there. There have been a few articles I have read about vehicle styling and the current trend is to very agressive looking facias. Look at late model vehicles and the headlight openings slant downward and inward, grills are agressive etc. Not even 10 years ago cars were being designed with a flat or plesant facia but that seems to be all gone now.

The Prius does have an agressive design facia, however it isn't overly agressive and doesn't look overly "mean". So, the car doesn't really turn people off, but the car is also not "out of trend" either.

I can honestly say nobody has told me that my car is ugly. If they did I wouldn't take it personally, but it is a good sign that nobody has panned it.

 

I've had a few people compliment my Prius, not knowing that it was a hybrid. They usually repsond with something like "Oh, so that's what they look like."

 

You want to see an ugly car? Look at the Chevy Malibu MAXX (their wagon). It looks like they wanted to morph the hatchback and notchback sedans together. Basically, the back of the car looks like a hatchback, except with a little extra 4-inch "shelf." I saw one the other day, and my jaw dropped at how ugly it is.

 

Most of the ladies have found the Prius to be "cute" so far in my experience. Guys haven't really commented much on the looks, just that it's a sweet car.

Of course a black prius is 100% sexier looking than the other colors.

 

I know some of the boys on my son's baseball team must have seen my car before, but last evening, due to work, I was running late. So, I pulled up behind the backstop and all heads turned as I silently creeped into their view. I could hear all the exclamations "Sweet", "Check it out", "Cool car", "Wow, is that your car?" etc.


I realized at that moment that these 11 and 12 year old kids are "In the know" as far as styling goes. Up until this point I kinda thought the "Dorky" look was something I just had to live with. But now I know what today's culture likes and I'm no longer the nerdy dad with the cruise control set at 35, I'm the cool dad with the black stealthmobile.

 

I went to the local Autozone and chuckled as I saw everyone who pulled up in the parking lot staring at my car as they walked into the store. There were a few other tricked out cars in the lot, but the Prius seemed to confuse everyone. I loved the body design the first time I saw it and now I like it even more.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(floydenheimer @ Apr 21 2006, 12:36 PM) [snapback]243293[/snapback]</div>

Yes, it is! :wub:

 

For me, the Prius definitely had an acquired appeal. When I first bought it, I thought it was actually quite hideous *gasp*, if I'm being honest. But over the past week or so, it has grown on me quite a lot. To the point where I don't even pull the Benz out of the garage on Sunday cruises anymore.

I have gotten a lot of compliments from people as well but never really specifically on the exterior. Usually just after showing them all the neat gadgets on the inside. I have gotten a few negative remarks specifically on the exterior, however.

I guess it's just a little ahead of its time.

 

I used to own a Nissan 200SX hatchback in the 80s. The shape isn't that dissimilar to the Prius. The nose of the Prius slants down much more and the back is higher and has a spoiler. But it isn't that far off. I loved my Nissan hatchback, except for the fact that the the hatch was too high so I had to lift things up and over the tail. I *love* the design of the Prius hatch having the floor of the cargo area flush with the bumper. I hope they never change that. If they do...I'm keeping my car forever.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Apr 18 2006, 08:24 PM) [snapback]241869[/snapback]</div>

I picked up a friend with a young teenage daughter just after I bought my car in March of '04. When the teenager came around the corner she quite spontaneously exclaimed, "COOL car". Made my day.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Apr 23 2006, 09:19 PM) [snapback]244096[/snapback]</div>

I was not a fan of the Prius (HSD) when it forst came out but it grew on me to the point that I realy like the way it looks now. On an interior styling note: My parents were driving with me today they took the back seat and started to comment on how much room it had. This may not be odd other than the fact they have owned a prius longer than me. Funny that they had never noticed some of the features in the back until they were in someone elses.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(jeromep @ Apr 21 2006, 11:28 AM) [snapback]243246[/snapback]</div>

Now you can't. Your car is ugly.

But then so is mine. Yeah, it is growing on me... slowly. It still wouldn't ever be my first choice in styles! And this from a guy who actually grew to like the EV1 (world's most aerodynamic production vehicle).

Interesting to read about all these people who are so surprised and wide-eyed to see a Prius in their midst. Around here, everybody sees hundreds every day. It is a surprise when you see somebody driving by in a regular ICE.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(qbee42 @ Apr 18 2006, 07:24 PM) [snapback]241869[/snapback]</div>

Oh good, its not just me.

I had the same impression when decided to buy a Prius. Cool car, but dorky looking [I believe the word I actually used was dumpy].
Have to say that the aesthetics are growing on me. Moreso since taking delivery last Sunday (04-23-2006) As you say; it has
been an aquired taste.

 

:blink: How can anyone call it dorky looking?! It's so sleek and sexy! the bump on the front! and the reflective black stripe in the back. The shape of the tail lights and head lights.... compact aerodynamic shape?? Most beautiful car ever. Always catches my eye.

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(beeri @ Apr 25 2006, 10:10 PM) [snapback]245330[/snapback]</div>

I prefer "funky" to "dorky". Uh oh, am I telling my age? Love my Pruis!

 

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GoldenGirl @ Apr 25 2006, 09:55 PM) [snapback]245348[/snapback]</div>

Mine is just downright "forky."

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(TonyPSchaefer @ Apr 24 2006, 06:11 AM) [snapback]244207[/snapback]</div>

I'm afraid that we've filled our Prius quota already. Still room for some EVs though.

Seriously, I know it sounds like I'm making this up, but around here, and in the SF Bay Area, the Prius is EVERYWHERE. And probably 75% of them are silver like mine. If I didn't keep mine shiny and waxed all the time, I'd be pulling on the door handle of a different car every time I return to it in the parking lot. They are everywhere here, and most folks are just indifferent to them. It is sort of the "default" sedan around these parts. Gotta drive an EV to stand out in these parts!

 

I have a friend who says my Prius is ugly. I told him it gets more beautiful everytime I pass a gas station. His Audi A4, (which looks like a dirty white tennis shoe) gets about 18 mpg of premium. Now that's UGLY!