Prius plant in USA!!

As I understand it, the third gen was already tuned for American trips with the 1.8L.
Though Honda is replacing the hybrid CR-Z with an ICE model in the US. But I think it was just flat out cancelled in Europe.

I won't consider another Prius until Toyota builds at least one of the models in North America. The c in Mexico would do. NA is the largest Prius market outside of Japan. If they can make the c(Yaris hybrid) in Europe to avoid taxes, they can make one Prius model here as a little something in appreciation for us helping make the original one a success. With currency exchanges, they might even come out ahead, too.

 

The CR-Z has to be the cutest, and the most inept "hybrid" there is. I don't get how a tiny, two-seater hybrid can have poorer fuel economy than the bulkier 5-seat Fit (going with the figures from the HOnda page)

 

Because it was also trying to be a sporty car with more power output and gearing to match. The CVT even had psuedo speeds. So it ended up not being real good either.

It probably should have been an entry level ICE sport car from the beginning for outside Japan; they are still getting a hybrid one. There was a CRX Si back in the day, and it is probably the only market segment that a two seater has a chance at. If the chassis is light enough, I'd like to see Honda take another try on the original Insight hybrid with it. Their new hybrid system with Li-ion batteries might get close to that Insight's MPG figures without a full aluminum body or potential battery problems.

 

i won't buy a car made in mexico. been there, done that.