1. Attachments are working again! Check out this thread for more details and to report any other bugs.

how sad for us

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by seasidetraveler, Apr 26, 2005.

  1. seasidetraveler

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2005
    662
    14
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    So I just read that "Autoweek" article about the test run on the Prius. I am in love with my Prius, ( have about 6,200 miles so far) and being that I have owned about 15 cars/trucks in my short time driving, I thought I was a pretty good judge of vehicles. Now reading this article, makes me feel like I bought a Hyundai 15 years ago or something- like I bought a cheap POS car.
    Toyota in general isn't known for "driving excitement", but rather great reliability. So they test the Prius, and basically say that is almost a chore to drive? I live in the mtns, and think it handles pretty darn well, and also zooms around pretty well. If I wanted a GT Mustang, I would have bought one! As far as the Honda Accord Hybrid- how dare they! I am not a big Honda fan, and the Accord doesn't get 40+ mpg!!!! I bought the Prius so that I wouldn't be spending $500/month on gas anymore, and I would be pretty dissapointed if I paid $33,000 for a Honda Accord that gets 30mpg!!!!

    I went from realizing that I have a car that is so wanted- to reading that it's a boring, crappy car!!! Anyone else angered by this article??? There may have been a post about this already, but I am new hear, and haven't had time to read through them all yet....

    :|
     
  2. jeromep

    jeromep Member

    Joined:
    Dec 8, 2004
    827
    2
    0
    Location:
    Eastern Washington State
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    Model:
    N/A
    Yes, I am familiar with the thread, and I did read the article. AutoWeek is a shill for the major auto manufacturers. I wouldn't trust their writing very far. Automobile magazine is much more in balance. They like their fast cars, but on the whole they seem to have written mostly positive experiences with the Prius on the few ocassions they have tested them.
    I don't believe that Automobile has a long term test Prius from Toyota, but they should. If there was an auto mag that I would trust to write well about a long term test vehicle it would be Automobile.

    You should also remember that the Prius was the 2004 Motor Trend car of the year. That is an award that isn't handed out without a lot of contemplation by their staff.
     
  3. seasidetraveler

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2005
    662
    14
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Ok, well, I am glad I am not the only one who loves my Prius- and hope to hear more positive reports on it. Thanks for the input.
     
  4. popsrcr

    popsrcr New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2004
    232
    0
    0
    Location:
    Richmond, VA
    A shill for the major manufacturers? Huh? If you mean Ferrari, sure. Toyota isn't major? They're review lean to performance cars, that is for sure. But, who but a car nut that wants that info would pay for a weekly car mag???

    I think you guys are reading too much into this review. They're just bored. That's it.

    As for the original poster, you made you're decision, you're happy, don't let autoweek ruin it for you. Its just their opinion and experience.
     
  5. Che

    Che New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2004
    44
    0
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, NC
    This month's Road & Track has an update on their long term Prius. It is basically the same account as their initial test:
    -Fuel economy not what they expected from EPA, albeit they admitted they drove it in a less than economical manner
    -unappealing styling
    -numb suspension and steering

    I have to agree with the previous poster on the fact that the people writing these articles are automotive enthusiasts of the sports and touring car variety. The values they deem most important in a car are not the design attributes Toyota used to manufacture the car.
    That does not make these people idiots or bad writers, they just have a different perspective.
    If you don't like citrus fruit, don't eat oranges.
     
  6. popsrcr

    popsrcr New Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2004
    232
    0
    0
    Location:
    Richmond, VA
    I use to live in Charleston, I miss it. Cheers!
     
  7. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,944
    16,161
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Funny, they don't complain about the Buick LeSabre's handling characteristics. :roll:

    The Accord Hybrid I tested on Sunday showed 17.5mpg on the readout. It was sunny and 68°F. Auto Journalists who tested it in the winter also got that mileage.
     
  8. Che

    Che New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 21, 2004
    44
    0
    0
    Location:
    Raleigh, NC
    Weird also how there is no BuickLeSabrechat.com or ChryslerSebringchat.net
     
  9. hdrygas

    hdrygas New Member

    Joined:
    May 22, 2004
    3,650
    6
    0
    Location:
    Olympia Wa
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    Having read Road and Track for many years I would say that numb suspension and steering is high praise!! The fact they don't get EPA is no surprise either they drive hard, brake hard. They defiantly have their bias but I don't think they hide it much. It is Road and Track. Reading between the lines they like the car they just want a few minor adjustment.
    Wonder if Toyota could cut a deal with Shelby? R&T would love that car.
     
  10. seasidetraveler

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2005
    662
    14
    0
    Location:
    CA
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    That would be WILD! I thought about having a cool modified Prius- the the sole purpose is to be an economical transport- LOL Just have to be satisfied with great mileage!
     
  11. Blue-Adept

    Blue-Adept Active Member

    Joined:
    Mar 14, 2005
    293
    179
    0
    Location:
    Grand Rapids, Michigan
    Vehicle:
    2018 Prius Prime
    Model:
    Plug-in Advanced
    Well when the car rags tested the Toyota Sienna they said it was the lexus of minivans. They loved it. Then they rated the Honda van higher because it was more FUN to drive. THe Toyota got more points and lost.

    They even said that the honda had a choppy ride.

    I do not put much wieght behind autoweek reviews anymore ither. I let my subscription lapse because all they focus on is $200K cars.

    Blue
     
  12. gschoen

    gschoen Member

    Joined:
    May 9, 2004
    343
    3
    0
    Location:
    Chicago/Wrigleyville
    Vehicle:
    2014 Prius Plug-in
    Model:
    Plug-in Base
    I don't know why they'd even bother reviewing the car, unless to bash it. If you're a performance only magazine (going by what's said here, I've never heard of it) would you review an Echo? (Okay, Prius isn't an Echo, but what performance hog is going to want a Prius??)
     
  13. IsrAmeriPrius

    IsrAmeriPrius Progressive Member

    Joined:
    May 27, 2004
    4,333
    7
    0
    Location:
    Southern California
    Vehicle:
    2005 Prius
    For crying out loud, it is a car not a deity.

    As much as I like my Prius, the reviewers made a lot of valid points and admitted their jaundiced perspective.

    :roll:
     
  14. tag

    tag Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    2,526
    19
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Che\";p=\"84629)</div>
    Oh but there is:
    http://www.buickforum.com/
    Our users have posted 217 Posts....We have 97 Forum Members

    I guess, give them a chance, though........site's only been up for, like, a year. :lol:
     
  15. Frank Hudon

    Frank Hudon Senior Member

    Joined:
    Jan 11, 2004
    4,147
    18
    0
    Tag Tag Tag give grandpa a break, he's still trying to learn the computer to get online.
     
  16. tag

    tag Senior Member

    Joined:
    Nov 26, 2003
    2,526
    19
    0
    Location:
    Chicago
  17. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
    Staff Member

    Joined:
    Oct 2, 2004
    44,944
    16,161
    41
    Location:
    Canada
    Vehicle:
    Other Non-Hybrid
    Model:
    N/A
    Funny, every mag is a "performance" or "enthusiast" magazine eh? C/D, MT, R&T, Autoweek, Motorweek, Top Gear.
     
  18. bookrats

    bookrats New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 12, 2004
    2,843
    2
    0
    Location:
    Seattle, WA
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Frank Hudon\";p=\"84894)</div>
    "Oh boy! This e-mail says I've inherited a million dollars! The internet is great.

    And hey! Free viagra!"
     
  19. jayman

    jayman Senior Member

    Joined:
    Oct 21, 2004
    13,439
    641
    0
    Location:
    Winnipeg Manitoba
    Vehicle:
    2004 Prius
    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(bookrats\";p=\"85007)</div>
    Jeff:

    Two please!

    Jay