Why do people hate the Prius?

"G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3" (gbodyman)
09/27/2015 at 01:10 • Filed to: None

It gets great gas mileage.

You can pick up a reliable used one for $5k

It uses the same type of technology as a LaFerrari, P1, or 918.

All the smug Prius owners are smug Volt/Leaf/Tesla owners now.

It has tons of cargo space.

It has a digital dash!

You have a cool screen that shows what the hybrid system is doing.

The electric motor gives it good off-the-line torque.

You can comfortably fit 5 people in one.

It just needs stickier tires and lowering springs to handle quite well.

The shifter comes out of the dash!

With all these reasons to actually like the Prius, why do so many people still dislike them?

DISCUSSION (61)

TheHondaBro > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:21

It’s also their cash cow.

The reason they discontinued their sports cars (eg: Celica, Supra, MR2) was due to declining sales, as well as being expensive to produce. (This was also around the time Japan was going through a financial crisis, which meant Toyota wasn’t the only one discontinuing their sports cars).

Anyway, they needed a cash cow to boost revenue for more expensive projects. The Prius is just that. Now we have the GT86, the LFA, a plethora of Lexus F cars, and two Toyota/BMW performance cars coming soon.

Thank you, Prius.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:21

I agree, as a commuter it’s pretty perfect for 95% of people.

M54B30 > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:25

It’s boring, there’s a stigma (to whoever that matters to), the interior is meh,

I liked the prius V but i would’ve needed it about 5’ longer in the trunk

PowderHound > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:26

My dads 98 civic gets better gas mileage and it's more fun to drive. Mydadcantotallybeatupyourdad.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > M54B30
09/27/2015 at 01:28

Fair enough.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > PowderHound
09/27/2015 at 01:29

My dad’s YF Sonata is torquey, reasonably quick, has a nice interior, and is red.

smobgirl > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:37

Because I rented one for an extended weekend and it was pretty much awful, in the most boring sense of the word. I’ve rented other awful cars, but I’d rather drive the Mirage (which was comically bad, but I was literally laughing about its faults) than the Prius (which just made me want to avoid driving, period).

El Rivinado > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:39

All the smug Prius owners are smug Volt/Leaf/Tesla owners now.

Clearly, you don’t live in SoCal. Believe me, I still see examples of the smug Prius owner here, and let me tell you, its no less worse. In SoCal, the Leaf is more niche, Tesla’s are relegated to expensive smug owners, and very few people drive Volts because it’s a Chevy, and Chevies are driven by red-stater redneck morons living in flyover country (Yes, the smug dismissal of American cars is still alive and well here). Trust me, around here, the stereotype is still going strong my friend.

HammerheadFistpunch > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:40

You cant comfortably fit 5 adults in one.

it doesnt have a shifter, it has a direction selector

It uses the same technology as a hybrid bus

Sure a used one is 5 k but if the abs module goes, or the winshield cracks, or the battery needs service, or...expect a grand...for the part.

I dont really hate it but i have no reason to like it

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > El Rivinado
09/27/2015 at 01:40

It may be different in SoCal, but this is how it goes in Canada.

smobgirl > smobgirl
09/27/2015 at 01:40

And speaking of comically bad, kinja is having a recommend post meltdown. I didn't intentionlly star my own rant!

MLGCarGuy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:41

Won’t deny that it’s a good car, it’s just that the interior has a bit too much plastic, and more often than not the pilots of them can’t drive.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > smobgirl
09/27/2015 at 01:41

I’ve driven a Prius. It’s a decent car. Is it fun to drive? No. But as a regular car, its pretty good.

TheHondaBro > El Rivinado
09/27/2015 at 01:42

Seattle here. Anything with an electric motor has an aura of smugness.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > HammerheadFistpunch
09/27/2015 at 01:44

I have.

That’s true.

Fair enough.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > MLGCarGuy
09/27/2015 at 01:45

I agree with the plastic fantastic interior of the newer ones, and the drivers.

El Rivinado > TheHondaBro
09/27/2015 at 01:45

Hey, while your in Seattle, mind giving us some rain clouds? In a couple of years, I swear this state's going to turn into Fury Road if we don't get some goddamn water.

smobgirl > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:48

There are plenty of regular cars that are equally as reliable, more fun to drive, and equally or more functional. The ONLY selling point is gas mileage. Unless you really just don’t care...and most people who don’t care also aren’t going to trust or research a hybrid, regardless of its track record.

El Rivinado > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:49

I guess so, must be nice to live in an area where you buy a car to buy a car instead of make a statement or follow a trend. I’m guessing that’s just me talking, I’m more a small town/lower standard of living guy myself.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > smobgirl
09/27/2015 at 01:49

Not as a combination. With any other regular car, you pick two.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > El Rivinado
09/27/2015 at 01:50

A-frickin-men.

RallyWrench > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:51

Mostly the smugs that drive them. The seats are awful, and they’re slow, and the brakes feel weird due to regen, but they’re hard to fault as a commuter.

HammerheadFistpunch > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:52

My dad owen a 2nd gen for 100k miles and it was a reliable commuter and kinda fun to drive at first for the novelty, but i didnt like driving it after that wore off, as for the term “comfortably”, when you get 5 adults in one for 4 hour trips...no, not comfortable. To be honest the biggest complaint i had about it was the intrusive non defetable traction control; it was actually dangerous in the snow, it wouldnt try it would just...give up, usually with your nose in traffic while you jam furiously at the direction selector. I think thats the main reason i dont like it: no control...its all just external input to a computer tied to a car...like remote control from the drivers seat

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > RallyWrench
09/27/2015 at 01:53

Yeah, the smugs suck. It’s like Mark IV VWs. Good cars, but the owners...

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:53

Because I have a motorcycle that does more mileage than a typical Prius... And I’m not even kind on the throttle!

It’s a 4-cylinder that’s made to be revved, btw.

Shark-Attack > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:55

Priuses are supposed to be environmentally friendly, yet the production of the batteries (which have to be replaced every now and then) puts off more pollution than average running emissions of just about any car for 10 years.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > HammerheadFistpunch
09/27/2015 at 01:55

There’s a way to defeat it, but its like entering a cheat code.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
09/27/2015 at 01:56

But your motorcycle pollutes more than a Prius.

Shark-Attack > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 01:56

That’s what people tell themselves to soothe buyers remorse. Total bs.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Shark-Attack
09/27/2015 at 01:59

Is there another car that is more fun to drive, more functional, more reliable, and gets as good or better gas mileage?

Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 02:01

But your hybrid pollutes more from the charge energy being created.

sebdel > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 02:04

I hate it because it doesn’t look god but sells well with the whole Echo-friendly argument. No other reason really.
I hate it because If the pontiac aztek was launched as a hybrid back in the day it would’ve been a huge success.

G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3 > Satoshi "Zipang" Katsura
09/27/2015 at 02:19

That article only outlines BEVs and PHEVs, not hybrids.

Axial > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 03:13

Modern digital dashes have zero charm.

Also, it’s ugly!

Aero > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 03:17

I’ve owned two and really disliked the damn things. Yeah, they got 44mpg average, but that was the only redeeming quality. The steering feels like you’re using a game controller as there is no feedback and way too much assist. The brakes are weird, which is obviously from the regen, but my Insight had a much better feeling system. Plus they were terribly expensive to repair when components failed. One of them developed a power leak inside the transmission which caused the hybrid system to freak out and kill the hybrid battery. The other one had an ABS module fault which would have cost $1200 had I not got lucky and found a used replacement locally. Overall, not an appliance that I could live with.

Shark-Attack > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 03:33

In the original comment he acknowledged the gas mileage, you said specifically (“choose two”) that you couldn’t have a car that’s equally or more reliable, fun (subjective), and functional. For starters, w123 n/a diesel wagon. Super reliable, loads more fun (subjective, and rwd), and 7 seat station wagon vs compact 4 door hatchback.

wiffleballtony > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 04:33

I hate it because of its drivers driving slow than the machine itself.

pip bip - choose Corrour > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 04:54

dull as dogshit handling.

Sam > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 05:35

We have a first gen. Is good. I’ve told my parents I won’t drive it until they take off the “Eat my volts” sticker that was on it when we bought it.

deekster_caddy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 07:25

I drove one for a week and decided it was the most boring driving week I ever had. It does everything it is supposed to do, but once you get tired of the scrolling bar graph, it is flat out BORING with all caps. It helped me lock in my decision about buying the Volt, and I couldn’t be happier. With all the jillions of rebates out there you can get a Volt for very close to what you pay for a Prius with massively better milage and a much more enjoyable driving experience.

deekster_caddy > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 07:27

Yes, it’s a decent car. It’s good on gas and does everything it’s supposed to do... But it ends there.

Rainbow > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 08:17

If you own it for yourself, that’s fine. If you own it for the environment, get a diesel next time and do your damned research.

Oh, and don’t get a VW.

TractorPillow > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 08:24

I think most because I just don’t like them. I could give you reasons, but the truth is the same as for many cars. I just don’t really like them.

I think minivans are super practical and logical but I just don’t like them.

The c7 is a great car but I just don’t like it.

I could go on, but its really just a car that is easy to dislike for any reason you want.

whoarder is tellurium > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 08:29

I hate the Prius because its production process nullifies the continuous claims by Toyota and Prius owners that it’s supposed to be a “green” vehicle and omg omg use like “no fuel”.

Compared to a conventional vehicle, producing the battery and hybrid system for the Prius creates even more pollutants and consumes additional fuels to transport/mine materials around the world.

This adds up when you build them on a mass production scale. Sure, it gets better fuel economy for the owner... but look at what it took to build the thing.

Nibby > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 08:47

Have you driven one? Terrible drive.

Noisy, loud CVT and tons of road noise.

Cheap interior that feels like it was made of Fisher Price parts.

touring the brook - now with ZHP! > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 08:59

I would have to agree with you, here in Birmingham (AL) there are NO Volts, the former smug Prius driver is now in a Nissan Leaf, and that leaves the Prius to be driven by college professors.

Jordan and the Slowrunner, Boomer Intensifies > El Rivinado
09/27/2015 at 09:13

I mean, living in the Southeast I can say that that general picture of Chevy owners is pretty spot on...

Berang > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 09:43

People hate the Prius because they’ve seen other people hate it. Case closed.

ly2v8-Brian > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 09:44

1. Ugly

2. Shitty

3. Toyota car

Funktheduck > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 09:48

My 3 gets close. I've gotten over 50 mpg average on my commute.

Funktheduck > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 09:57

I don’t mind the car. They’re more boring than my Corolla was to drive. I think they’re sort of ugly. They’re a decent car for a lot of people.

My only problem is the drivers who think the left lane belongs to them and they have a phobia of the speed limit.

TheHondaBro > El Rivinado
09/27/2015 at 10:47

Sorry. El Nino is giving us a dry spell.

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 11:03

Because people spend too much time on FP

gogmorgo - rowing gears in a Grand Cherokee > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 11:05

We have one at work. It’s just... weird somehow. It’s not super slow, it’s not bad at being a car, and I would say it was acceptable for someone else to own one. I might even go so far as to say all the aero stuff is kinda cool. But I wouldn’t buy one.

The fancy digital dash is in the wrong place, too far away. That stupid shifter in the dash is unnecessary. It’s obviously just some buttons with no mechanical connections, so why can’t it just be buttons? And unless I’ve been deliberately hypermiling, I’ve never managed to do much better than 30-35mpg, which in my mind defeats the purpose of the car.

But really, I can’t find any major issue with the car. I won’t disrespect anyone for buying one, but I might give them the same questioning look as if they just bought a ’90’s Taurus base model.

Urambo Tauro > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 11:25

I don’t like the color.

gmctavish needs more space > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 12:48

I think I hate them because every taxi in Vancouver is a Prius, so I associate them either with the old smug owners that seem to thankfully be a dying breed, or getting home when I’m too drunk to fathom transit

EL_ULY > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 13:12

Prius haters range from car enthusiasts to bro-truck owners.

I say, Drive free or Die

I like all cars and the Prius is high tech car that a lot of people like. Some of those people might be a members of you family or a friend. Would the haters say those awful things to their face?

Bullying is wrong even in the car world. Automotive stereotyping about the drivers of certain cars is straight up hateful, childish, and most of the time completely false.

I once thought Jalopnik and OPPO were places that were free from this. I was wrong.

EL_ULY > El Rivinado
09/27/2015 at 13:13

I find car enthusiasts to be the smugest drivers of them all

TDogg > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 14:13

I have a 2007 Prius and it gets the job done. I drive the shit out of it so it’s at least a little fun to push around. I gets a minimum of 40 mpg, it never breaks, and I can get from Florida to Indiana and back on about $120.

I wish it had 20-50 more HP and the driver’s seat went back further. I’d never sell it lmao.

Frenchlicker > G_Body_Man: Sponsored by the number 3
09/27/2015 at 17:11

I’ve been contemplating getting one myself. For the first time I stepped in one and had that holy shit moment. Everybody around these parts has always said it was terrible and it really isn’t. If they believe that is terrible than they have not experienced properly bad cars. Also, people seem to forget that gas milage matters but for those of us with a commute, even small ones, it matters. Oh, and this car was seven years old and had a screen in the dash, there are still some modern cars(looking at you other Toyotas) that don’t have that.

Frenchlicker > HammerheadFistpunch
09/27/2015 at 17:13

And you just knocked it out of the running for me, damn.