Is Prius an Econobox?

Take away the gadgets and the cars are a similar level of construction and suspension. They even have the same basic engine. Twist beam rear suspension screams econobox. You don't normally find that on cars except for low end econoboxes because it's a cheap compromise.

 

I think the crux of this conversation is that the Prius attracts more than one type of buyer.

Whereas a Corolla will probably attract many people who like the economics of it, it won't attract many people who are looking to buy a vehicle for the image and perception of it, unless you buy the S trim.

The Prius will attract people who like the economics of it. After all, it puts the savings into the back end of the equation, though not as much in the front end.

Secondly, the Prius has and will continue to attract people who are attracted to its image. The image is green, eco-friendly. This is why it has attracted drivers such as Leonardo DiCaprio, Cameron Diaz, Ashton Kutcher, etc. who are not hurting for money.

Third, the Prius has attracted people who wanted the HOV stickers. You know those bastards (i kid) who drive in the carpool lane alone, mocking me and tailgating me and my passenger. This is going away, but will come back with the PHV.

Fourth, some will say the Prius has these techno-gadgets. Some people may have said, hell ya I need a car that can park itself. If you absolutely can not survive without LKA or DRCC, I suggest you retake the driver's test. Well, whatever. I mock in jest. Just my opinion. I don't need those options.

And many more reasons, not just the econobox argument. We see now that the Prius is attracting tuners and modders. You may like the car for all of the above.

So I think what we want to say is which group or fringe group we belong to as it pertains to the reason for Prius ownership.

 

Seems like this thread is a bit of a fight between the II's and the V's ...

I've usually seen the Prius listed as a 'family car'. Journalists lists cars by compact, midsize, hatch, wagon, etc ...

I've driven Prius II and V ... there's a good bit of difference there

Leather seating/wheel, quite a bit nicer audio built in, nav, 3 door Smart, fancy rearview mirror, more responsive steering, tauter road feel with different wheels, LED headlamps, fogs, heated seats, etc...

$7.5k difference but the experience is quite nicer.

Just work on the little things like bring up and pad that door armrest, 'nuff said about steering wheel, but there's an airbag in there!

 

What is this take away the gadgets crap?

Take away cruise control, auto power windows, auto climate control, sat/nav, bluetooth on ANY car and its an econobox....GEEZ

 

II vs V, I've never thought about it that way.

BTW it's an extra $11k+ for a base II to a base V with ATP.

 

The thread has long deviated from the OPs simple question. Is the Prius an Econobox? My gut, and the internet, tells me the answer is no. After all, wikipedia says;

But here's my stance on the other irrelevant points that have been addressed;
- The term econobox is loosely defined. Not all economy cars are econoboxes, but all ecoboxes are economy cars.
- The Prius is an economy car, from trim levels through II-V.
- Most people can't notice the difference between trims. We may. But we're on PriusChat so we know this car inside and out.

 

Yeah but you continue to believe that people are jealous of your V, soooooo......

 

WADR, if you would, put in suggestions for improvements for the next generation Prius' also while discussing technicalities.

There will be an all-new regular Prius in 4 years ya know. It will outclass the current one.

Accord and Camry each sold 30k units in April, Prius sold 12k. What will be done to improve that?

 

That definition makes me think of the Suzuki Swift, Geo Metro & Chevy Metro cars of yesteryear. Econoboxes for sure, but good cars they were

Mike

 

Just so you know Thai, at least my Accord is not all that noisy inside. On rough highway, it doesn't have the ability to squelch the tire noise, but on smooth roadway, it is certainly decent. They do put a little something in the exhaust note that chimes in as well. IIRC, Prius is a little quieter overall, but it's been a while.

 

Maybe some people think that a Prius is an econo-car based upon how little it costs to drive it not taking into account the cash laid down at sale time or the payments of a financed car

Bottom line, we are all here because we have some passion for the car. Who cares if some refer to their car as a econo-car, shitbox, luxury-mobile, whatever. It's a Prius that comes in various trim levels that each owner has chosen for whatever reason's.

Mike

 

off topic, but

Spend some time looking at the change happening in CAFE standards. From large car buyers perspective, there will be MANY more 'econoboxes' showing up for sale.

CAFE standards have been 27.5 MPG since 1990 until 2009. They are heading up to about 39 MPG in 2020. Actually, Bush signed new standards in 2007.