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Will our original Gen 4 Prius exterior styling be viewed as...?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Main Forum' started by Jim in NC, Apr 24, 2019.

?
  1. A Classic

    22 vote(s)
    31.4%
  2. A bizarre mistake that Toyota turned away from

    17 vote(s)
    24.3%
  3. A slightly unusual style, but not objectionable

    30 vote(s)
    42.9%
  4. A bland design now on the ash heap of auto history

    3 vote(s)
    4.3%
Multiple votes are allowed.
  1. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    No, they didn't come here, but I well remember the Gremlin and Pacer in Popular Mechanics and Popular Science, (but not the Eagle - eeeek). There was talk of bringing them here. We had the Rambler HORNET which was reasonably good looking, but didn't sell well here, I think less than 2000 - they were assembled here. I think one of the issues was that it was one of the first cars here which was AUTO only, when the market was predominantly Manual. Plus it was quite expensive - I remember a relative considered one, but the $$$ didn't make sense.
     
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  2. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I can distinctly remember looking at a parked Gremlin, thinking "that doesn't look half bad". Good visibility.
     
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  3. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    But the Pacer "fish bowl on wheels"?
     
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  4. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    Yeah, we had the AMC Hornet here around that same time.
     
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    I think it actually was the Pacer, misspoke
     
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  6. Prodigyplace

    Prodigyplace Senior Member

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    You're close enough to the water to fill it up. :D :whistle:
     
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  7. alanclarkeau

    alanclarkeau Senior Member

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    upload_2019-5-15_10-45-58.png
     
  8. artie

    artie Member

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    Three
    I like it.
     
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  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    my fiancee loved the pacer and really wanted one.
     
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  10. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    I still think the 4th generation Prius styling is the 90s barging back into the room shouting "...and another thing!" right after you thought it was finally spent and done.
     
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  11. coilcap

    coilcap New Member

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Florida, USA
    Vehicle:
    2017 Prius
    Model:
    Two Eco
    Sometimes when I see my Prius in a parking lot in the morning, I wonder if another car run into it overnight, and then I remember, no, that is just how it is supposed to look, like it has been in an accident... I don't mind driving a strange looking car, it is a statement of sorts.
     
  12. RoadNoise

    RoadNoise Active Member

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    The exterior does not bother me one iota as I always drive and can't see it (ignorance is bliss)...but I do get behind one now and again.
     
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  13. Ogo

    Ogo Prius Owner since 2008

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    I like my Prius. :)
     
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  14. BruceInOKC

    BruceInOKC Member

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    The 2016 taillights grew on me. Yes, they do resemble a lightning bolt. I'm also reminded of a shepherd's crook or neon lighting by glass tube. Unfortunately, the front end styling did not grown on me. I think it's fragmented - like a broken kaleidoscope.

    The 2019 taillights are also growing on me. The front end styling changes are subtle, but I think they're a big improvement.
     
    #34 BruceInOKC, Jun 4, 2019
    Last edited: Jun 4, 2019
  15. krmcg

    krmcg Lowered Blizzard Pearl Beauty

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    Vehicle:
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    The longer I have my car the more I appreciate its styling. Honestly a little off-putting at first, but now I see the sporty side of the picture. I have actually gotten several compliments (and from non-Prius owners). I answered "classic" in the poll and I really believe it...
     
  16. jstevens44

    jstevens44 Junior Member

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    I always loved the idea of the Prius when I saw the Gen 1 - 3, but never considered buying one because they were so ugly. When the Gen 4 came out, I immediately wanted one. I ended up getting a 17 Prius Three last year and I love it. The only thing I didn’t like was the neon look of the tail lights. Since I’ve owned it, I’ve grown to like them. I also don’t have to look at them very often as I’m the one driving it.
     
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  17. tucatz

    tucatz Active Member

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    Four Touring
    So I’ve just moved to rural Oregon. The pace of life is a bit slower here, and my 4 touring is getting great mileage. :) Everyone here is wonderful. But my car really stands out next to the parking lots full of trucks. Aside from the California plates my neighbors seem nervous at the look of the car.
     
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  18. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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    Gen 2 will always be the "Classic" look. Gen 4 has a classic look too. However, since you cannot have two "Classic" Prius models, Gen 4 will be known for "hypermiling".
     
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  19. ice9

    ice9 Active Member

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  20. yeldogt

    yeldogt Active Member

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    Five
    I was shocked at just how ugly the Gen 4 was .... I was switching the fleet over to hybrids ..so I bought them. All are black/ black 4 touring. They have been great cars .. boy are they ugly. Personally -- I think they look better in the dark colors.

    All of our Gen 3's are white fives ..... the Gen 4 is a better car. Everybody likes the Gen 3's layout -- the cabin is more open and there are few blind spots. The gen 3 also looks like a hybrid. The gen 4 .. just an ugly car. 3 has a form function look to it.

    Driving the gen 4 -- it's a car .. Toyota eliminated any hybrid interactions. Many people don't know they are in a hybrid
     
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