Smug Prius Drivers?

Reliability is up there for me as well because of how good Toyota is! I love the technology. And I am focused on saving the planet, so I guess we all have different but similar priorities.

 

I think it is because Europe has more efficient diesels than we do here, so they see a Prius as not that amazing, while Prius is the most efficient fuel line in North America.

 

I like your perception!

 

Our economy as we know it would shudder worse than ever, fall, and the US would collapse? And with no manufacturing or major industry have no true way to pull itself out? haha

 

True that! You have a great view. And I think that over time "gadgets" and other techy things become more acceptable, I sure as hell hope the Prius does too! Maybe they will learn about their Hybrid myths. Just 70 years ago it was ok to segregate blacks and women out of ignorance. Ignorance makes people say and do dumb things, and then they realise they made an a** of themselves!

 

Pretty sad that a distasteful (IMHO) cartoon can then cause people to hop on an ignorant bandwagon!

 

Wow a logical, rational, and realistic view of oil! I'm impressed. As a realistic environmentalist I see these issues but similar to you- through reality. Not philosophy or hope that people will all suddenly just love earth and "see the light." Haha. Thank you for this comment.

 

Yeah I got a lot of mixed opinions on my car. Then all the people who hated my car and believed it to be worse than a Hummer (myth has been proven FALSE by scientists at Pacific Institute and other universities, and of course Toyota), they got in my car, saw it is up to par if not more advanced than theirs, were impressed, and recanted the hatred of my vehicle type. I was like, wow. See, just ignorance.

 

It's really great to hear a European view on the matter though! I'm sick of seeing my ("fellow") gas-guzzling Americans get all upset when petrol tops $4/gallon sometimes, but then still remain driving inefficient pieces of crap on the roads. It's like, don't cry when you know your investment is not going to return on you at 25-30mpg at $3.70-4/gallon. (US GAL= 3 litres).

 

2 things I would like to address in the United States that we have a problem with is 1. Misconceptions 2. Perpetuating ignorance and stupidity. In America it is "cool" to be an idiot and it is "cool" to be stupid. So people that don't drive efficient cars and do dumb things usually laugh it off, then cry later when they are broke and cannot afford things like petrol. They mock Hybrids and Electrics because the Horsepower isn't that off a Ferrari, but then cry that their pieces of crap get bad fuel economy? Then there are misconceptions about BATTERIES. Every person I meet says "oh but hybrids and electrics use so much carbon to be made." Well first off, no. Secondly, no. There is so LITTLE nickel in the batteries of the Hybrids and Electrics it's laughable, and then they claim that diesel "trucks" that get 10-15 mpg are "better" for the environment, when in reality, the engine bay alone contains more nickel than our batteries! Makes me LAUGH. Especially when they go on about how the batteries are so bad. Every cellphone in the world has a battery and there are over 4 BILLION in use. Most of those batteries won't be recycled. Over 90% of Toyota batteries are properly recycled. Who is the hypocrite now? I just laugh at the ignorance people perpetuate here in America.

 

Yeah I really think it is so stupid that people would criticise and attack someone else for what? Do they think Prius drivers are really arrogant? Why would I spend thousands for a car to barely break even in fuel savings so I can just be smug? There is much more to it, and for me it is about environmental consciousness and awareness, as it is for many Prius drivers.

 

Wow. I almost wish in a way it was like that here, for the simple fact people would be even more willing to adopt more fuel efficient cars like you have in Europe. I mean, I'm not glad that you are paying so much at the pump, but I feel like the pressure could force people into learning to be more fuel efficient. I hope that doesn't sound stupid of me to say.

 

Even I find it amusing! Consumers here don't make demands like Europeans do! When Europeans want change they take to the streets or protest. When America wants change, it takes forever and a day because everyone is too lazy! LOL

 

I find it very interesting that you mention this because I have always been yelling at the top of my lungs that we need to adopt foreign cars once and for all. For example, the Honda Fit (aka Honda Jazz) Hybrid from Japan and Europe gives AMAZING mileage. Like the Honda Fit hybrid that is unavailable here or the countless petrol or diesel cars that return 40-50mpg in Europe, just not available here! It is so sad.