I REALLY like the prius but I really don't like hatchbacks. Do you know if there is any model or year that isn't a hatchback? Thanks!
Can I ask what it is you don't like about hatchbacks? Not to dis your opinion, but I find it one of the Prius's most useful features.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(hyo silver @ Mar 27 2007, 12:21 AM) [snapback]412736[/snapback]</div> Living in Los Angeles, I feel more comfortable (safe) having a trunk where I can hide my valuables.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not yet a hybrid owner @ Mar 26 2007, 10:51 PM) [snapback]412743[/snapback]</div> There is a tonneau cover that comes standard. There's also an underfloor storage bin. Just tuck the strap under the cargo mat and no one will know it's there.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not yet a hybrid owner @ Mar 27 2007, 01:51 AM) [snapback]412743[/snapback]</div> In that case, you might want to take a closer look before you reject the design. There is an area under the floor to store things out of sight, and a retractable cover that hides things in the hatch from view.
Hatchbacks kick serious butt. I never understood Americans' fascination with sedans ... they are very limiting in cargo capacity. The majority of vehicles sold in Europe are with a hatch (and a diesel engine, but that is another story). You won't have any problems stashing your goods in the Prius for the reasons mentioned above by others ... trust us ...
For the record, none of us hide any valuables in our Prii, although usually my german shepherd hides out under the seats, in the trunk compartment, or under the front cupholders.
The Prius also comes standard with a sign you can put in the window that says "If I had valuables, would I be driving a Prius?" That reminds anyone who might break into your car that it's not exactly a high end car and likely won't have high end valuables to rip off.
That reminds me of a story someone told me... in NYC they saw a car parked with a handwritten sign in the window that said "NO RADIO." Some wiseacre found a busted old car radio and put it on the street near that car with a sign that said "NO CAR."
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Stev0 @ Mar 27 2007, 01:24 AM) [snapback]412760[/snapback]</div> It's true. I hid some valuables in the car once. I hid them so well I can't find them anymore.
My last car had a hatchback and the fact that the Prius had one was a point in its favor. Like IAO suggested, maybe you should get the Camry hybrid instead.
Personally, I like the hatchback- it's one of the car's best features. The other car I considered as an alternative was the Honda Civic Hybrid- a really nice car, but I'm constantly carrying either boat stuff or guitars and the trunk in the Civic was too small (it's smaller in the hybrid because of the battery, and the rear seat doesn't fold down- poor design feature). I used to drive a small SUV (Honda Element) and with the Prius I don't miss having the cargo space. But if you're dead set against hatchbacks, check out the Civic Hybrid.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(not yet a hybrid owner @ Mar 27 2007, 01:06 AM) [snapback]412729[/snapback]</div> The Honda Civic Hybrid (HCH) is also a small, non-hatchback sedan that is a perfectly acceptable alternative to the Prius if the hatchback is a deal-breaker.
Shhhhh, don't tell any non Prius people about this: The Prius also has a drawer in the front of the front seat console that is a good place to hide valuables. It's not in sight and I wouldn't think that the average thief would know about it or ever see it. Good place to put a camera or such when not in use. ~buttster
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(daronspicher @ Mar 27 2007, 08:32 AM) [snapback]412844[/snapback]</div> It's in no way a value car either. $25,000 (after tax) for a base model is not cheap, and I've never met a 'lower class' person drive a Prius. I live in a two story house in the suburbs, and everyone thought I was crazy for spending so much on a car (and I only played $17,500).
I live in LA, and one of the main reasons for buying the Prius is that it IS a hatchback. My other car isn't, and the hatchback is 10X more useful. If you're that paranoid of hatchbacks, go for the Civic, or Camry, but you will pay around a 10 mpg penalty, at least from gas station conversations I've had with their owners. I do like the Civic's interior though, better, more supportive seats, but 38 mpg, and no hatch...no thanks!
I never liked how hatchbacks looked, but after two months of driving one I will never go back to a regular trunk! As for the Prius being a value car or not; I will just say that I think it is a bargain nowadays!
