If I bother to respond or read a post, I try to give every OP the benefit of the doubt as to sincerity of their opinions be them positive or negative. Whether their reported experience is positive or negative. However, Prius Chat, or any automotive forum a little horse sense needs to be applied. I'm HIGHLY suspicious of anyone who claims to have owned a 2007 Prius inwhich they drove for 90,000 miles and yet they just last year, Dec 31'st 2012 ( last day of 2012 ) decided to create an account to make 1 single post complaining about the shortfalls of the 2012 Prius? There ARE significant differences between a 2007 Prius and a 2012, but not the type that I think would make someone familiar with both suddenly consider Prius "not a total car". If that is how you feel? Or Felt? Why did you ever own and keep a 2007 for 90,000 miles of driving? The 2012, has a stronger engine, and numerous documented improvements. It doesn't make sense to me that someone would keep a 2007 for 90,000 miles, but then express that level of dissatisfaction or "surprise" about the operation of a 2012 Prius. It also is about "tone" and selected language and paying some respect to knowing what environment you are posting in. I wouldn't fault anyone for any personal perceived shortcomings of Prius. But I would fault a poster for making 1 single post, in Prius Chat, disparagingly calling Prius NOT a total car and then disappearing and not defending or further explaining their opinions. I myself over the years have created posts critical of specific aspects of Prius and Toyota. If I do so, I try to make sure I'm being very specific in my criticism (not using general terms only to inflame) and I always stick around to A: Find out if anyone can change my mind, and/or B: Defend my opinion to those that are communicating rationally. Was the OP a troll? Who cares? If they don't come back to defend their opinion or illuminate their ideas? Then I'm not going to give them the benefit of any definition.
But a Jetta or Fusion don't compete with the Prius...but I do agree with your assessment that it is essentially a good commuter car. And while the Prius does not compete with a Jetta or Fusion, I do miss the very comfortable long-road cruiser of a Malibu I once had. By comparison, the Prius is a tin can lol. But I'm an MPG phene so very happy.
Nobody in their right mind could make a case that any Prius is a fine touring car. You would come much closer to that in a Camry Hybrid. Even Honda doesn't claim the Accord a 'touring car' until it's equipped with a V-6.
but, I love my fine touring car. Economy, realiability, versatility, economical, and very dependable. It stands on strong legs and does not fall down. DBCassidy
Based on this post, on the plus side: 1. The Prius can go 70 mph up long hills using its small gas engine, aided by the battery when it has charge. 2. It gets 38-40 MPG at 75 MPH. 3. It has a smooth and quiet cabin even at highway speeds. 4. The seats are supportive for all day driving.
