So, I have a secret. A guilty pleasure almost. OK, I’ll just say it: I think the Prime is beautiful.

EspressoFueled · Mar 1, 2017

Much press has been written about the Prime. Too much. Oh, so many words to make me question my true feelings. Should I just keep it all bottled up inside and continue to make excuses, to hide my difference from the many? Well not today, not tomorrow and from now on marching further forward until those with pink hats inherit the earth. Starting immediately, I take a left in a world seemingly full of rights that feel wrong.

My secret is out: I think the Prime is beautiful. Maybe it’s your secret too. Maybe we’re actually the silent majority.

It’s angular, aggressive, modern. Sleek and sophisticated with unapologetic style clear to the back of its bold swooping rear glass poised as if ready to take flight.

I gather that most automotive journalists were quite put off by the 2016 Prius Liftback design with its evil clown face, unfortunate rims and how to phrase things politely about its rear…perhaps there is such a thing as too much junk in the trunk?

I get it. Reluctantly, I too am quite turned away by the design choices of the Liftback. It is the old Subaru Brat of the car world that signaled to everyone how exasperated with discomfort it was in its own skin and how desperately it just wanted to be a Toyota Tacoma.

However, I don’t feel that way at all about the Prime. I see some similarities between the Liftback, of course they share the Prius surname, but where the Liftback seems schizophrenic in design, the Prime comes across as purposeful, refined even. Multiple angles form the hood creating a complex horizontal plane that stretches the visual to appear more like a traditional front engine sports car while seamlessly cutting a short line from the headlights to the windshield. Those low tight projector beam headlights angle down and in to create a strong, planted stance. The rear LED brake lights create a stylish wave that always gets me to do a double take of wonder with how they managed to curve the glass to match so elegantly. Carbon fiber you say? Because, well, of course it is.

Maybe horse power and not miles per gallon will always be the criteria by which the cult of “cool,” is judged. If so, I no longer aspire to be one of the cool kids. It’s time to let my geek flag fly.

Hopefully apropos to quote that most infamous of Apple ads, “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently…”

priuscatprimeguy · Mar 1, 2017

well put @EspressoFueled

Lee Jay · Mar 1, 2017

One recent auto writer agreed. One said it looks like the dog's dinner.

I say, who cares? Or maybe, why do you care?

ETC(SS) · Mar 1, 2017

They're not bad if you're sitting on the inside......

bwilson4web · Mar 1, 2017

It is the first Prius that strangers have walked up and volunteered it looks good.

Bob Wilson

tf4624 · Mar 2, 2017

EspressoFueled said: ↑

Much press has been written about the Prime. Too much. Oh, so many words to make me question my true feelings. Should I just keep it all bottled up inside and continue to make excuses, to hide my difference from the many? Well not today, not tomorrow and from now on marching further forward until those with pink hats inherit the earth. Starting immediately, I take a left in a world seemingly full of rights that feel wrong.

My secret is out: I think the Prime is beautiful. Maybe it’s your secret too. Maybe we’re actually the silent majority.

It’s angular, aggressive, modern. Sleek and sophisticated with unapologetic style clear to the back of its bold swooping rear glass poised as if ready to take flight.

I gather that most automotive journalists were quite put off by the 2016 Prius Liftback design with its evil clown face, unfortunate rims and how to phrase things politely about its rear…perhaps there is such a thing as too much junk in the trunk?

I get it. Reluctantly, I too am quite turned away by the design choices of the Liftback. It is the old Subaru Brat of the car world that signaled to everyone how exasperated with discomfort it was in its own skin and how desperately it just wanted to be a Toyota Tacoma.

However, I don’t feel that way at all about the Prime. I see some similarities between the Liftback, of course they share the Prius surname, but where the Liftback seems schizophrenic in design, the Prime comes across as purposeful, refined even. Multiple angles form the hood creating a complex horizontal plane that stretches the visual to appear more like a traditional front engine sports car while seamlessly cutting a short line from the headlights to the windshield. Those low tight projector beam headlights angle down and in to create a strong, planted stance. The rear LED brake lights create a stylish wave that always gets me to do a double take of wonder with how they managed to curve the glass to match so elegantly. Carbon fiber you say? Because, well, of course it is.

Maybe horse power and not miles per gallon will always be the criteria by which the cult of “cool,” is judged. If so, I no longer aspire to be one of the cool kids. It’s time to let my geek flag fly.

Hopefully apropos to quote that most infamous of Apple ads, “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently…”
Click to expand...

I love the advanced. My only issue with the new Prius is lack of cargo space like the old ones. Storage where the tire would be. I have my tools and jacks for automotive work there

David Beale · Mar 2, 2017

You have no taste!

Just kidding. I think it looks fine, and anyway, if someone is so insecure that a car that -might- be considered "strange looking" would upset them, they need professional help! Oh, and ditto for the G4. I think it looks just fine too.

huskers · Mar 2, 2017

my name is Husker and I am an "the Prime is beautiful" supporter.

Montgomery · Mar 2, 2017

EspressoFueled said: ↑

Much press has been written about the Prime. Too much. Oh, so many words to make me question my true feelings. Should I just keep it all bottled up inside and continue to make excuses, to hide my difference from the many? Well not today, not tomorrow and from now on marching further forward until those with pink hats inherit the earth. Starting immediately, I take a left in a world seemingly full of rights that feel wrong.

My secret is out: I think the Prime is beautiful. Maybe it’s your secret too. Maybe we’re actually the silent majority.

It’s angular, aggressive, modern. Sleek and sophisticated with unapologetic style clear to the back of its bold swooping rear glass poised as if ready to take flight.

I gather that most automotive journalists were quite put off by the 2016 Prius Liftback design with its evil clown face, unfortunate rims and how to phrase things politely about its rear…perhaps there is such a thing as too much junk in the trunk?

I get it. Reluctantly, I too am quite turned away by the design choices of the Liftback. It is the old Subaru Brat of the car world that signaled to everyone how exasperated with discomfort it was in its own skin and how desperately it just wanted to be a Toyota Tacoma.

However, I don’t feel that way at all about the Prime. I see some similarities between the Liftback, of course they share the Prius surname, but where the Liftback seems schizophrenic in design, the Prime comes across as purposeful, refined even. Multiple angles form the hood creating a complex horizontal plane that stretches the visual to appear more like a traditional front engine sports car while seamlessly cutting a short line from the headlights to the windshield. Those low tight projector beam headlights angle down and in to create a strong, planted stance. The rear LED brake lights create a stylish wave that always gets me to do a double take of wonder with how they managed to curve the glass to match so elegantly. Carbon fiber you say? Because, well, of course it is.

Maybe horse power and not miles per gallon will always be the criteria by which the cult of “cool,” is judged. If so, I no longer aspire to be one of the cool kids. It’s time to let my geek flag fly.

Hopefully apropos to quote that most infamous of Apple ads, “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently…”
Click to expand...

You are a true journalistic writer. I would read a review done by you even if I disagreed because you make sense and are honest. Preach on brother, Preach on!!

bisco · Mar 2, 2017

must be the espresso talking.

I'mJp · Mar 2, 2017

If it wasn't the label on the back of the car, nobody would know that it's a Prius.

jerrymildred · Mar 2, 2017

I do think it's the best looking Prius yet. And I love that it's still not turned into one of the cookie cutter cars that all look alike. Sometimes I feel like there are only about three body styles anymore and all the new cars are variations of them except for a few like the new 'Vette.

Felt · Mar 2, 2017

David Beale said: ↑

'if someone is so insecure that a car that -might- be considered "strange looking" would upset them, they need professional help!"
Click to expand...

I have thought a lot about the above quote, and i'm making an effort to be charitable.

First, I am sincerely happy that you like the 4th generation Prius and Prime design. Many have expressed positive thoughts.
I would point out that Aesthetics is a very personal matter. Would it not be a boring world if we all liked the same color, music, books, house, car, clothes and etc.

But I take issue with your assertion that "someone" that does not agree with YOUR (apparently astute, unquestionably qualifications and) opinion .... is "insecure" (really?); and "needs professional help." Is your expertise in the medical field?

I find it interesting that you conceded that some find the design "strange looking." I have discussed elsewhere that there is a world of difference between being "stand-outish" and "outstanding."

jerrymildred · Mar 2, 2017

Felt said: ↑

But I take issue with your assertion that "someone" that does not agree with YOUR (apparently astute, unquestionably qualifications and) opinion .... is "insecure" (really?); and "needs professional help." Is your expertise in the medical field?
Click to expand...

I think you missed his meaning. The concern, if I'm reading correctly, is that the strange looks upset them, not simply that they think it looks strange. I have to agree. If something that trivial upsets someone, they need to move in with a farm worker in a developing country or something like that for a perspective check.

MNdriver · Mar 2, 2017

I have yet to spot a Prime in the wild.

However, this week a new 2017 shiny red Prius started parking in my condo garage. I ogle it every time I walk by. (The owners apparently didn't splurge, though, to cover up the weird white console.) It is apple red - makes me kind of wish I had ordered red instead of boring titanium.

thatoneraccoon · Mar 2, 2017

I haven't understood the hate the journalist have on gen 4 or the prime. I really like how they both look, a lot. however, I like the front on the prime more than gen 4, but I like the hatch and tail lights better on the gen 4 than the prime

Tideland Prius · Mar 2, 2017

I'm not particularly happy that the Prime is longer than the Gen 4 because I like the ability to squeeze into small parking spaces rather than passing it up and finding another (I'm talking about street parking, of which there is abundance here and not all are metered parking so the spaces aren't always equal as you might expect given the range of parking abilities).

However, the extended length did give the designer the ability to stretch out the "triangular monoform" design, resulting in a sleeker car (the peak in the roof is visually lowered due to the longer length).

I do like the front end design. It's aggressive without being over the top (see Lexus spindle grille or the 2018 Camry). It's modern and functional (it allows for a smaller air dam and grille opening).

I like the Z taillight on the regular Prius because it gives a very unique lighting signature at night. It's cool and there's no mistaking it. The Prime is a bit more conservative and I think the design during the day looks more impressive. (It's also the first Prius since the Gen 1 to have red taillights covers rather than clear... yes the Gen 3.5 had partially red lens). I find the Prime's auxiliary light a bit small. The brake lights are just 2 bulbs on each side and are embedded within the taillight. The LED indicators front and rear look to be too small IMO. The rear is mounted a bit low. But I do like the centre brake light at night, where the red light fades to each side (every reviewer has said full-width illumination like Dodge cars. That is false. The horizontal part on the rear spoiler is not fully illuminated. It's part of the "winged" brake light design)

Prius Maximus · Mar 2, 2017

I've gotten used to the front and think it's fine. The back end however, Yuck. I dislike the tail lights and will never get used to them. Fortunately, I don't have to look at it. I wanted the blue as I've had too many red or black vehicles, dislike the 50 shades of white/gray and there are no other options. but that tailight is hidden better by the Hypersonic red, so I may go with that color. But then again, I might hold out for the heat reflecting green since it's financially irresponsible to trade in a 2 year old car.....

I'mJp · Mar 2, 2017

Prius Maximus said: ↑

I've gotten used to the front and think it's fine. The back end however, Yuck. I dislike the tail lights and will never get used to them. Fortunately, I don't have to look at it. I wanted the blue as I've had too many red or black vehicles, dislike the 50 shades of white/gray and there are no other options. but that tailight is hidden better by the Hypersonic red, so I may go with that color. But then again, I might hold out for the heat reflecting green since it's financially irresponsible to trade in a 2 year old car.....
Click to expand...

The only thing I dislike about the back is that is an absolute dirt magnet.

ajpn · Mar 3, 2017

EspressoFueled said: ↑

Much press has been written about the Prime. Too much. Oh, so many words to make me question my true feelings. Should I just keep it all bottled up inside and continue to make excuses, to hide my difference from the many? Well not today, not tomorrow and from now on marching further forward until those with pink hats inherit the earth. Starting immediately, I take a left in a world seemingly full of rights that feel wrong.

My secret is out: I think the Prime is beautiful. Maybe it’s your secret too. Maybe we’re actually the silent majority.

It’s angular, aggressive, modern. Sleek and sophisticated with unapologetic style clear to the back of its bold swooping rear glass poised as if ready to take flight.

I gather that most automotive journalists were quite put off by the 2016 Prius Liftback design with its evil clown face, unfortunate rims and how to phrase things politely about its rear…perhaps there is such a thing as too much junk in the trunk?

I get it. Reluctantly, I too am quite turned away by the design choices of the Liftback. It is the old Subaru Brat of the car world that signaled to everyone how exasperated with discomfort it was in its own skin and how desperately it just wanted to be a Toyota Tacoma.

However, I don’t feel that way at all about the Prime. I see some similarities between the Liftback, of course they share the Prius surname, but where the Liftback seems schizophrenic in design, the Prime comes across as purposeful, refined even. Multiple angles form the hood creating a complex horizontal plane that stretches the visual to appear more like a traditional front engine sports car while seamlessly cutting a short line from the headlights to the windshield. Those low tight projector beam headlights angle down and in to create a strong, planted stance. The rear LED brake lights create a stylish wave that always gets me to do a double take of wonder with how they managed to curve the glass to match so elegantly. Carbon fiber you say? Because, well, of course it is.

Maybe horse power and not miles per gallon will always be the criteria by which the cult of “cool,” is judged. If so, I no longer aspire to be one of the cool kids. It’s time to let my geek flag fly.

Hopefully apropos to quote that most infamous of Apple ads, “Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently…”
Click to expand...

I like it, too. I don't get all the haters. I've gotten many compliments on mine out in the real world. One person who admitted he didn't like it. But I think that was mostly the color... the blue wasn't so magnetic to him. =p

Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.

So, I have a secret. A guilty pleasure almost. OK, I’ll just say it: I think the Prime is beautiful.

EspressoFueled Junior Member

priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

Lee Jay Senior Member

ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

tf4624 Active Member

David Beale Senior Member

huskers Senior Member

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bisco cookie crumbler

I'mJp Senior Member

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Felt Senior Member

jerrymildred Senior Member

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So, I have a secret. A guilty pleasure almost. OK, I’ll just say it: I think the Prime is beautiful.

EspressoFueled Junior Member

priuscatprimeguy Senior Member

Lee Jay Senior Member

ETC(SS) The OTHER One Percenter.....

bwilson4web BMW i3 and Model 3

tf4624 Active Member

David Beale Senior Member

huskers Senior Member

Montgomery Senior Member

bisco cookie crumbler

I'mJp Senior Member

jerrymildred Senior Member

Felt Senior Member

jerrymildred Senior Member

MNdriver Senior Member

thatoneraccoon Active Member

Tideland Prius Moderator of the North Staff Member

Prius Maximus Senior Member

I'mJp Senior Member

ajpn Junior Member

Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
Staff Member