Comments on Elli A.'s review of Prius
In small steps
The Prius stands out as a functional and well designed car. The talked about feature of hybrid engine, is nice, but in my opinion just one part of what this car really means.
The hybrid system has two engines and also two breaking systems. This means the gas engine can be smaller and more efficient.
The car has ample acceleration, it is par and probably better than other economy cars.
In the city the electric system shuts down the gas engine in red light stops and also "recycles" the cars energy when breaking, this is where the car really stands out in gas consumption.
The system is complex, but works flawlessly and can put some conversional cars to shame in its "Japanese perfection" and great use of space. The car is shorter than a corolla, and feels more spacious.
But this is all technical. The Prius is more.
Americans like big cars and cheap gas, that has to change (well the cheap gas is probably history). The Prius is not going to change that, but it is a small step in the right direction. It is now cool to drive a small car, which is what the Prius really is.
The Prius is also a mission statement: "I am green, cool and rich". So green is no longer for hippies living on the sidewalks of San Francisco or on a tree in Oregon. And you can also drive a small car and be proud of it without being poor. There have been hybrids before, but they did not have that impact because the lack of cool factor.
In a consumer society, this sadly may be the only way to change people's behavior. Do the right thing by consuming something cool, that everyone can see. In almost every other part of the world, people just drive smaller cars which naturally consume less gas. Regardless of the wonders of hybrid engines, big part of the Prius' efficiency is its size.
I am hoping that many people will get a Prius and get used to the fact that a small car gets you to work exactly like a big car. And that you can have a child without having a minivan.
Elli A.'s keywords: hybrid engine, prius, corolla, gas engine
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James E. says:
I own a Prius, and agree with all that you have written. Something you don't hear a lot about in this car is its safety record. My wife and I got in an accident with our Prius, and the guy hit us, almost head-on, and he was driving a big pick-up truck. I thought for sure by the sound of the impact that the car was totaled, and that it would have to be towed away for sure. When I got out and looked at the front quarter panel, I couldn't believe what I saw. Just a slight set of scratches, and the fender was bent in, which I was able to pop-out with my hands.
The Prius is equipped with front and side air bags, and the car is designed to absorb impact extremely well in an accident. The old car I replaced with my new Prius was a Volvo, and I'd say that I feel more comfortable and safe in my Prius. Something to really consider in this age of big SUVs speeding around, particularly if you have a baby seat in the back. It's a great car. Toyota said that by 2010 all their autos will have a hybrid synergy option...that's a car company that gets it.