Body style sucks

Don't care for it. At least that's been my initial impression (maybe it'll change with time). Looks like the back end has been raised? Kind of reminds me of the old Dodge Neon, which was a cheap subcompact.

The 'giant' Toyota logo on the front is overbearing and looks silly. Hey Toyota! EVERYONE already knows the Prius is a Toyota product!!

What happened to the proposed next gen picture that was going around? (below) Seems like it had a sleeker look. Or maybe my eyes are just playing tricks on me.

Where did you see it in person, I assume at a car show?

O well, that pic was the only one I had ever seen of a potential design. I also remember hearing that it would look more like a sedan..

I like my 2008, but beauty is in the...

Likewise I liked the way it looked in person, but wasn't sure before that. Part of the reason I like it is that all of the changes improve the aerodynamics. If Toyota made cosmetic changes that hurt performance, that would be bad, but this is not the case.

I felt the same way about the Gen II Prius. I thought it was ugly before I got to know it, but then it grew on me. Now I think it is cute and sexy. I think the same thing will happen with the Gen III.

Tom

One of the key decisions I'm certain in Toyota's mind was that current G2 owners expressed the strong opinion NOT to change the styling. I agree. Going the traditional sedan route would have been a horrendous mistake.

There is no other vehicle as capable and useful and so fuel efficient. I love the new sleekness even from the pics.

The top Toyota brass used the term "iconic" when referring to the looks of the Gen II Prius. There is no question that the overall look and feel was deliberately retained.

Tom

I second that comment. No more functionally flexible car available, at least not one that gets great mileage I wonder what the Cd would be if they went put out a wagon version. For those that need a larger cargo area, a 7% MPG loss (back to the Gen 2 MPG) might be quite acceptable.

Absolutely. Let the naysayers and their ignorant running dogs carp and criticize. Remember how the original VW was laughed at by Detroit and others. But it too was a unique shape which became an American icon, known as "the love bug", albeit in a different era. Sold in the millions too, with the help of the famous DDB ads. Now, other than the redesigned "beetle" which retains the old contours, the only way you can tell a VW is to check the badge logo,

The body styling is different, yes, but it is a subtle difference in person.
However, it is a very important difference, in terms of co efficiency and drag.
Every change was implemented to decrease drag or to improve comfort.
The roofline was moved back a little to improve rear seat headroom.

I think that, also, the new profile will be more appealing to those drivers that were a little hesitant to drive something quite as recognizable as the Iconic Prius.

Hi All,

The drive train efficiency improvements, and the body style are the two things I like most about the 2010 Prius. The interior I am getting close to the HATE phase on, however.

Interesting that all 4 images show the Toyota emblem "bump" which is what I don't like about the 2010. I bought the Prius for it's superior function so looks weren't a key purchase decision. One of the things that appealed to me is the car is tall, providing a more vertical seating position that is more comfortable to me. Looking from the front of my 2008 the flatter hood design than the 2010 helps the car to look wider. The more that "bump" is emphasized the narrower the car looks. The bump has a tendency to make the front view appear squeezed. It may help aerodynamics in which case all is forgiven. But if Toyota wants to broaden the visual appeal of the car in my opinion I think this was a poor decision.

I do like the way the fender/headlight area comes together and the rest of the car looks fine to me.

Other factors will keep me from upgrading. I'll wait for the plug-in version, hope they move the spedo back in front of the driver, and get rid of the silly gear shift lever.

These same adverse reactions happen everytime a brand new Supersport motorcycle is announced every 2 years (i.e. Suzuki GSXR1000)

'I hate the exhaust system'
'rear end looks too small'
etc...

Then folks go out and buy them in huge numbers.

The important thing is the 3rd Gen Prius has got your's and many's attention.

And huge numbers will go out and buy one. :cheer2:
Um, as the economy rebounds, hehe

For the 08 Prius, I was initially a little turned off by somewhat shy headroom in back seats, but accepted shorter folks will be fine in back.

With 2010 increased rear headroom, another example of improvement in this model.

Why? Is it because of the center console?

I've driven a 2009 Matrix over 100 miles at a time, which has a Large center console. It never bothered me at all, and my legs are really long (35in inseam!) The console gave me a nice place to rest my knee.

I know that when I take the Matrix seat in full up position (~ like Gen2 Prius) and lower it all the way down, everything comes together, forward view, thighs supported, legroom increases.

I have never found the Prius to be attractive. It just *is* what it is, and I'm at an age where I'm OK with that. That said... the new style is a small step in a more attractive direction. I still don't find the car to be a "looker" but I think the 2010 is fractionally more attractive than the "iconic."