Is Prius Becoming Just Another Car? (sigh)

This is a good thing. I know it doesn't feel that way when you are an early adopter, but having the Prius be "Just Another Car" means that normal people are buying them and helping save the planet. Hybrid technology is becoming mainstream.

Take a deep breath and smile.

Tom

 

It's inevitable as hybrids become more mainstreamed and the new body styling appeals to a greater number of customers.

 

Nothing wrong with that. I'd rather not get any attention.

 

No longer just early adopters. More mainstream. A good thing.

Wanna be an early adopter again? Get a Leaf.

Yesterday, stopped at a traffic light, there were 3 of us in a row (my 2010, and 2 Gen IIs). Around here, you can't throw a rock without hitting one.

 

That's confirmation of Prius becoming mainsteam.

In fact, that's been the point all along.

It's just another so-called "boring" family mover like Camry, a profitable top-seller so common it becomes part of the roadscape.

Also, this is a nice benefit for the upcoming plug-in model. It will just be looked upon as a new high-end package option rather than an entirely new concept.
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Be careful. There are people on ths site who like to bash Prius drivers because they say we are not doing enough to help "save" the planet. They say we are part of the problem because our cars use gas and oil. I guess they won't be happy unless we are living in a cave using only bicycles for transportation.

 

That's the definition of "mainstream".

I would say this much though. Since I spent over a year researching Hybrids and Prius. As a non-Hybrid owner there is a psychology that can apply itself. That is when you research a hybrid, be it Prius, Fusion or Insight, you get a lot of information thrown at you. Hybrid operation and ownership IS a different experience than the common ICE ownership experience, there are obvious differences in technology and mechanics employed from model to model and brand to brand.

However it's a double edged sword. While the ultimate goal of Hybrids is to offer greater gas mileage and far cleaner emissions and Prius especially does that very, very well. Toyota as an automaker has been trying to mainstream (sell as many as possible) The Prius, thus it is simultaneously designed to behave as much as possible like a "regular" automobile.

So in the past year or so, as a newbie that was researching Prius and Hybrids I know that there is a "disappointing" aspect that can rear it's ugly head. That is when you read how "different" Prius and Hybrids are to drive and own, but then test drive and realize how much the "same" it actually is.

Yes Hybrids employ electric motors, batteries and other technology to reach desired and noble goals of auto operation BUT in current incarnation they do operate a majority of the time as mostly an vehicle that is still firing an engine regardless of how that engine is timed and or tied to other technologies. And I think if you are a novice, and expecting an entirely different experience, finding out that The Prius can and is actually designed to behave and offer as "standard" a driving feel as possible can actually be a little disappointing.

So Prius sometimes can become a victim of it's own design success.

I think as the world changes and evolves someday (I might not even live to see it) but someday the entire expectation of what a vehicle is, and how it should behave will change. But right now, The Prius is part mainstream Chameleon. A machine designed to be different, while simultaneously being designed to behave as much as possible like what is the accepted norm.

 

Mainstream means "do not understand or care how it works"

NO geeking out, please. Talk about cost, convenience, looks.

 

No I disagree. Somethings, lot's of things are and can be mainstream and it doesn't mean people don't care or understand how they work.

Mainstream denotes a level of popularity and useage and acceptance...and familiarity but IMO actually often has little to do with cost, convience or looks.....

 

Dictionary definition of Mainstream:

mainstream |ˈmānˌstrēm|
noun ( the mainstream)
the ideas, attitudes, or activities that are regarded as normal or conventional; the dominant trend in opinion, fashion, or the arts : companies that are bringing computers to the mainstream of American life.

 

I think those who find the Prius boring probably don't see its true value and innovation. Also, the new 1,2,3,4,5 option lists make the more technologically interesting cars the two highest priced models. Not everyone can afford them, and Toyota makes you buy them to get many options other car makers put on lower priced cars, things like better looking wheels, fog lights, etc.
Incidentally what model did he have of the Prius that prompted his lackluster response ?

 

Yeh, but you probably got that definition out of one of those Rebel, Outsider....fringe Dictionaries...

 

On Long Island, Priuses are everywhere. I see hundreds a day. When I bought my 2005, I would see one or two a week. The more Priuses out there, the fewer SUVs, and that's a very good thing.

 

I saw the same barcelona red prius as mine today, with the same color combination HOV lane sticker in the same place on the lower rear window today on I95. An exact clone of my car. I thought it was pretty cool. What is even cooler is that the more small cars are out there, the safer we all are.

As cars like the Prius become more mainstream, other cars will follow the trend. Hopefully the day of the single person driving a Hummer around town for errands getting 10 mpg is gone.

 

Huh? I guess everyone is entitled to their opinion. Frankly I don't think my 2010 is lacking in power at all. I don't have any trouble off the line or when passing when I need it due to the plentiful torque of the electrics. In fact, I get a lot of surprised reactions from my passengers when I step on it and easily beat many other (expected) sportier cars off the line. Perhaps they might beat me 0-60, but how often do I race 0-60? Never. How often do I need a little punch off the line? Frequently.

 

Wasn't that in the bible someplace? :angel:

 

Of course the Prius is just another car. I drive a truck when I need to carry a heavy load, a 4-wheel drive for off-roading and our Prius for economy. The Prius fills a unique niche that I commonly encounter, although no one car fits all of my varied transportation, hauling and recreation needs. I love our Prius and the efficiency that she provides, but I'll pick our 1964 Series IIa Land Rover for safaris in the California outback.