Is Prius an Econobox?

The classification is so 'persistent' as you so accurately note, because it is shared by most owners who look at the Prius realistically.

Spending $35K on a Prius does not make it a $35K car.

Thai, you've been arguing this point ever since I've belonged here, and you still haven't convinced anybody .... enjoy your $35k Prius and think of it as a Rolls Royce if you wish. Enjoy your Mark Levinson stereo or JBL or whatever it is, and pretend it's the Boston Philharmonic if you wish. I really don't care one way or the other.

The facts are that spending tons more on a car whose base price is $24K CAN NOT MAKE IT A $35K car (nor could it ever compete with other cars in that price range, which is the real proof), no matter the arguments.

There is not another person on this board who argues so vehemently and incessantly that the Prius and it's components are so much more than they are. That can only be because you are so desperately trying to justify their costs to yourself.

Myself ?? I'm at peace with my decision to buy a Prius.

I really wish you could get there too !

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Toyota has three marques, Scion, Toyota and Lexus. Scion & Toyota is more mainstream, Lexus is luxury. Scion is geared to younger drivers, since the stereotype is older folks like Toyotas. Still a Lexus IS250 is somtimes considered only "near-luxury". Sometimes a Mercedes C-Class is only considered "near-luxury". By that logic, if those vehicles are only "near-luxury", then a Prius is definitely not luxury. If it is not luxury, it is mainstream and/or economy.

VW/Audi
Honda/Acura
Nissan/Infiniti

Ford/Mercury/Lincoln
GMC/Chevrolet/Buick/Cadillac

Hyundai has two marques, Kia and Hyundai, but not one we consider "luxury", thus they carry "luxury" vehicles in their Hyundai lineup along with their economy cars like the Accent and Elantra.

If we want to talk about ultra-luxury, perhaps Rolls-Royce, Bentleys, Jaguar etc.

If you are going to spend >30,000 for a Camry, why not just by a Lexus ES 350?

The Prius is grouped with the Yaris, Corolla, Matrix, Camry, Avalon, Sienna

If you want to talk about the whole lineup it includes Venza, RAV4, Highlander, 4Runner, Sequoia, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra

 

Of course it isn't 'luxury' .... it's a slightly upscale econobox .... a GREAT upscale econobox .... but an econobox nevertheless. Imagine the results if the Prius was put in a test group of REAL $35K cars .... it would win in exactly ONE category ... fuel economy .... and it would lose badly in every other category that could be tested. This doesn't make it a bad car ... it's a GREAT car, it would simply have been involved in a test way above it's ability and class.

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A Prius is very good for what it is, even world class in it's class, but it isn't what it isn't.

The Prius is built to a price point and it includes some expensive Hybrid components. It's a relatively roomy economy car with techie gadgets added. Even if you add the extra gadgets that are in a V, it's still an economy car with gadgets and bling added to it.

The car itself is not even in the same class as Camry or Avalon. They both feel much less like an econo car when you drive them. As a car, a Prius is someplace between a Corolla and A Camry. Dressing a V year old girl up in her mothers clothes does not make her a mature woman.

 

I have ZERO jealousy for III's, IV's, or V's whatsoever ... they're all very nice cars ... as I said, I am totally at peace with my II decision, your buyers remorse must be very painful to cause you to react so defensively about a material posession. Who cares what someone else thinks of one of your possessions, as long as you're at peace with your decision ? Confident people don't need to make desperate arguments to justify anything to anybody.

Continually reverting to saying that anyone without the same level car as yours is either financially unable to have it, or jealous of it, just proves that you have a deep-seated remorse that must be continually justified to others.

Sorry about that ....

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Well .... there ya go !!! Seven FACTS ... well .... maybe not 7 (above) that prove the Prius is an econobox !!

Good list XS ! Case closed. Next thread please ....

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Thai, the Prius is an economy car. Deal with it. Stop trying to make yourself feel better, it looks pathetic. Econobox? Semantics.

Stupid discussion man...lol. NEXT.

 

I couldn't care less about what other people call my V with ATP.

 

I guess it depends on your idea of econobox. My idea is a 1993 Mazda Protege...manual windows, tiny little vents, crap radio, crap seats etc.

My 16k Ford Fiesta has a really nice interior, is quieter than my Prius, has a pretty decent radio and is pretty well appointed...I mean bluetooth, USB audio etc for 16k.

I think econobox is a myth now.

 

Where are your facts? My commentary owns your attempt at a legit discussion.

 

Yes, all car are built to a price point. The Prius' price point is such that it has a lot of Corolla level ingredients. It had to use them to be able to include the expensive hybrid systems and still meet the price point. It also helps that they are relatively light and help keep the car's weight down.

You are confusing bling and widgets with level of car construction. If that makes you happy, .

 

And BTW, Joe Blow and even 98% of Prius owners (i.e., non-PriusChatters) can't tell you have a V. They don't know sh** about fog lamps! They don't notice your 17" rims! Ok fine, they can see your nav system...IF THEY RIDE IN YOUR CAR.

To 99.9% of the world, you own an economy car.