Did you buy your Gen III for Styling?

It is a reference to the Lone Ranger and his Indian sidekick Tonto - a long running radio and then TV show from the 40's? and 50's. Tonto always called the Lone Ranger "Kemosabe" (Kee-mo-sah-bee).

It's an old joke:

The Lone Ranger and Tonto find themselves surrounded by hostile Indians.

Lone Ranger: "We may be in trouble Tonto."

Tonto: "What mean 'We', Kemosabe?"

 

As much as I like the GenIII model V styling ... I bought it as much for the technology:

40+ mpg average gas milage without hypermiling
Lowest coefficient of drag of any production car
Technically elegant, light-weight, robust updated Power Split Device
Beltless ICE (electric AC, water pump, power steering)
Better performance and handling than the GenII
LED headlamps
Dynamic Radar Cruise Control ATP
Quite roomy inside front and rear
Backup camera

 

I was initially attracted to the Prius because of its unique styling. But it was actually the Gen II rather than the Gen III. When I saw the Gen III for the first time I honestly didn't like the styling any more or any less. In fact, I like the Gen III's interior styling less because it looks more mainstream/pedestrian to me. For a time we owned both a Gen II and a Gen III and I never thought one was more attractive than the other when parked side-by-side.

P.S. For comparison, I've always loved the styling of the 350Z.

 

I couldn't have cared less about the styling. I simply wanted the most fuel efficient car I could reasonably afford and that is/was the Prius.

 

Heck...I wish it were a wheel! Instead of that half-baked, pint-sized, dented torridal thingy...

Gotta admit... ergonomics and Q/A issues notwithstanding (at least for the G3).... is is the iconic gas sipper!!

 

I didn't buy mine "for styling" however I do really like the styling of the Gen III, and would not have bought a Gen II based on the softer styling.

The Gen III's sharper creases and more interesting (imo) shapes inside and out are much more appealing to me then the earlier cars.

Still, the styling was way down on the list of things that drew us to a new Prius.