I'm kinda joking with the title of my thread (no one's going to think this car is HOT), but I gotta admit I think it looks pretty damn good - for a Prius - and, in my opinion, is not at all dopey looking anymore (and looks a zillion times better than any OTHER current Toyota, although that's not saying much).

Certainly, it looks better than the Fit, and no worse than the upcoming Fiesta many of us are drooling over (indeed, I don't mind that stupid little a-pillar window nearly as much on the Prius as I do on the Fit or Fiesta).

I know there are a lot of Toyota and/or Prius haters here, so there should be some amusing flaming coming (but don't hate ME - like I'd trade my SVTF for one in a million years...)

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/detroit/2009/2010toyotaprius.html

I particularly like the profile shot here:

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/autoshows/detroit/2009/2010toyotapriusnews.html#2010toyotaprius

H.I.D.E.O.U.S.








That is still one the worst looking cars I've seen. Sorry Toyota, but it's no wonder your sales are slipping too. Lackluster cars IMO.

It still looks like a big cockroach. I'm still pretty sure Toyota makes an honest effort to keep the Prius so rediculously stupid looking. That way, there's no mistaking it's a Prius. It would seem that half the owners really only care about having a car that screams "Look how green I am!"

Maybe I'm just biased because all the Prius owners I know are douche bags.

Meh, it's OK. That has to be the ugliest steering wheel I've seen in recent history. I'm not getting this styling trend of ugly being the new attractive. More and more cars have interior and exterior design that is needlessly complicated and awkward. [dunno]

Upon further contemplation, the steering wheel reminds me of a praying mantis, or some kind of ugly bug head. The black touch pads are the eyes and the silver spokes are the "fangs" so to speak.

Looks better, but still a point A to point B appliance....just a bit more efficient.

Why would people be hating on you Shepski? You didn't make the car. Everyone has their own opinions and your is just as valid as anyones.

looks like one of those wedges you would put behind the door.

You people crack me up. I'd bet if this were posted as the 2011 Focus, some of you would be like, "Whoa, dat shiznit is HAWT!"

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0903_2010_toyota_prius_first_look/photo_05.html

Maybe looks a little better, but if I ever get a hybird, I prefer it dosen't say look at me, I'm saving the planet. And I don't know anybody with one that actually gets the mileage Toyota claims.

To each their own. I'm not a fan. The front badge and its extended hump is a little weird, like a clown nose or wart growing from the hood. The rear end is still boxy as hell, not unlike Pontiac's fugly Aztek. And it still has the overall profile of a minivan. It just looks like it's trying too hard to morph into a Civic form, judging by the wheel arches and headlights of the side proifle.

When it comes to stlyish looking hybrid sedans, Chevy and Ford seem to be getting the ball rolling a little more. Their designs are still a little bland, but at least they're steering away from the shaved brick/minivan/soccer mom imagery that Priuses are known for today. If they play their cards right, they have the potential to slowly change the whole perception of hybrids.

I may also be a little biased, but right now I think Volkswagen has their stuff together when it comes to performance/fuel economy balance. The Jetta TDI looks and performs great, and has received high marks from many reputable sources. And even more recently announced, the BlueSport roadster (http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/vortex_news/article_2562.shtml) concept. These are the types of cars that'll make hybrids/diesels more attractive to the general public (or more specifically, the American public).

And before anyone mentions the Tesla Roadster, one word: price. [:p]

Maybe looks a little better, but if I ever get a hybird, I prefer it dosen't say look at me, I'm saving the planet. And I don't know anybody with one that actually gets the mileage Toyota claims.

If I ever get a hybrid, it'll have to have a stick (in other words, I ain't ever getting a hybrid - unless I get some used MKI Insight down the line for giggles).

And yeah, hybrids are an over-hyped joke, all their drivers are douchebags, blah, blah, etc.

But the POINT is, this new Prius ain't a bad-looking car (unlike Honda's Insight MKII, which just ain't happenin', other than perhaps the front view).

Of course, the OTHER point is - as Onlyford4me already pointed out - that's only my opinion(s).

To each their own. I'm not a fan. The front badge and its extended hump is a little weird, like a clown nose or wart growing from the hood.

Agreed.

It just looks like it's trying too hard to morph into a Civic form, judging by the wheel arches and headlights of the side proifle.

I see your point. And, that being said, I think it works better than the Civic.

When it comes to stlyish looking hybrid sedans, Chevy and Ford seem to be getting the ball rolling a little more.

Well, sure - but those aren't ground-up hybrid designs (and don't approach the Prius's economy - or alleged economy...).

I may also be a little biased, but right now I think Volkswagen has their stuff together when it comes to performance/fuel economy balance. The Jetta TDI looks and performs great, and has received high marks from many reputable sources. And even more recently announced, the BlueSport roadster (http://www.vwvortex.com/artman/publish/vortex_news/article_2562.shtml) concept. These are the types of cars that'll make hybrids/diesels more attractive to the general public (or more specifically, the American public).

I agree. I'd rock that Jetta right now (or, even better, the just-announced Audi A3 TDI), or, of course, the roadster concept. DIESEL TORQUE!!!

But I'm just saying this Prius is kinda good lookin' [wave]

It kind of reminds me of the refreshing that the Honda Fit recieved if you notice the styling cues. Its a terrible looking car that does nothing but get tree huggers all excited about buying a car. I would prefer an insight one million times over because hey at least its a stick shift 2-door that actually saves gas (My sister in law has one that saves more gas than a zippo). And on top of that it kind of looks like a more modern crx (althogh not as nice as the concept) which I dont mind.

yuk, thats all there is to it.

No question about it, it's ugly...however I think it has come along ways compared to the first prius

I kinda like it.

The interior is somthing else to.

ive driven one and was disgusted with all it offered. its slow, unsafe (i was in law enforcement for two years) most firemen are scared to use the jaws of life on them due to previous incidents. volkwagen's TDI jetta was just named to be more efficient by motor trend than then prius. vw is now making a hybrid diesel. btw the tdi has about 140 hp and lots of low end torque

ive driven one and was disgusted with all it offered. its slow, unsafe (i was in law enforcement for two years) most firemen are scared to use the jaws of life on them due to previous incidents. volkwagen's TDI jetta was just named to be more efficient by motor trend than then prius. vw is now making a hybrid diesel. btw the tdi has about 140 hp and lots of low end torque

looks same as previous years, except for some updates. interesting.

looks same as previous years, except for some updates. interesting.

ive driven one and was disgusted with all it offered. its slow, unsafe (i was in law enforcement for two years) most firemen are scared to use the jaws of life on them due to previous incidents. volkwagen's TDI jetta was just named to be more efficient by motor trend than then prius. vw is now making a hybrid diesel. btw the tdi has about 140 hp and lots of low end torque

And this post has exactly WHAT to do with whether it's ugly or not?

I started this thread (just like all my other "Hot or Not?" threads) to merely discuss the car's appearance, not its merits - or lack thereof - as a vehicle.

I'm no Prius lover, I just think this new one looks good.

Then again, you guys can take this thread and run with it wherever you want...

Still looks ugly as hell. Automakers need to stop putting chrome tails on cars already.
I can't stand the taillights car companies are coming out with that aren't red.

The Prius is a JOKE.... It takes a bigger carbon footprint to make it than almost any other "economy car"

And its still ugly.

Has anyone seen the 2010 Hindsigh.....um, Insight?

It's a gagger.

http://www.edmunds.com/il/honda/insight/index.html

I agree about the steering wheel, it reminds me of this:
http://images.art.com/images/-/Edvard-Munch/The-Scream--C10005915.jpeg

Okay, I give... it's definitely an improvement over previous models. Does anyone remember the first generation Prius? Slow and fugly. On that basis it's definitely an improvement. Anyway I'm all for pushing the most out of getting the best MPG. So in the end everyone wins, and oil companies can cram it for their greed.

I agree about the steering wheel, it reminds me of this:
http://images.art.com/images/-/Edvard-Munch/The-Scream--C10005915.jpeg

That's pretty damn funny. Really.

Has anyone seen the 2010 Hindsigh.....um, Insight?

It's a gagger.

Agreed.

Although the nose looks better than that on the new Prius.

And this post has exactly WHAT to do with whether it's ugly or not?

I started this thread (just like all my other "Hot or Not?" threads) to merely discuss the car's appearance, not its merits - or lack thereof - as a vehicle.

I'm no Prius lover, I just think this new one looks good.

Then again, you guys can take this thread and run with it wherever you want...

wasn't trying to upset you, the prius just really makes me cringe. sorry if i messed up your thread

Nah, you didn't mess it up at all - and you didn't upset me. No harm done, and I didn't mean to be a dick.

Yours was just the last in a number of posts that were attacking the Prius, Prius owners, "tree huggers," and whoever or whatever else (none of which I necessarily like or defend), instead of just addressing whether this new one looks good or not - so you bore the brunt of my irritation. Sorry. [thumb]

eh, its an improvement on a shit design (hate the current one). although its the yuppie professors who drive them at my school that make me hate priuses

the head lights reminds me of the new nissan 270z

Nah, you didn't mess it up at all - and you didn't upset me. No harm done, and I didn't mean to be a dick.

Yours was just the last in a number of posts that were attacking the Prius, Prius owners, "tree huggers," and whoever or whatever else (none of which I necessarily like or defend), instead of just addressing whether this new one looks good or not - so you bore the brunt of my irritation. Sorry. [thumb]

ok, i say NOT.

You people crack me up. I'd bet if this were posted as the 2011 Focus, some of you would be like, "Whoa, dat shiznit is HAWT!"


This is very true. Look at all the people who lovingly embraced the less than appealing 08 focus.

the head lights reminds me of the new nissan 270z

Indeed. Someone has spies in the other's styling dept...

dare i say it.....it looks almost the same

i hate hybrids....why not get a diesel v-dub if you want good gas milage and a good quality and looking car

like the new Jetta TDI... 236 foot pounds of torque and like 45 mpg. but you could probably get better

not much of a prius fan... looks a bit better than previous models... But still.. Ewww...

You wanna know what's EWWW? Having to park next to a Prius every day! My carport space is right next to one, ACK!

It's amusing to me that there is so much Prius-hating around here. It should be obvious to everyone that the car is designed to be gasoline efficient....everything else comes second. It's silly to complain about style when function is the purpose of the thing.

And to complain about the speed of a hybrid....stupid. It has so much else to offer in terms of efficiency, that speed should be in last place, in any consideration of it.

I sense a case of envy here.....my Focus is lucky to get 28MPG. My brother-in-law's Prius gets 50MPG, driving in the same conditions as my comparatively gas-hog Focus.

It's amusing to me that there is so much Prius-hating around here. It should be obvious to everyone that the car is designed to be gasoline efficient....everything else comes second. It's silly to complain about style when function is the purpose of the thing.

And to complain about the speed of a hybrid....stupid. It has so much else to offer in terms of efficiency, that speed should be in last place, in any consideration of it.

I sense a case of envy here.....my Focus is lucky to get 28MPG. My brother-in-law's Prius gets 50MPG, driving in the same conditions as my comparatively gas-hog Focus.

Well the point is hybrids don't have to look ugly. There are many wonderful gas-efficient cars out there that don't look like a bug-eyed wedge of melted cheese. And why do they have to look so good, you ask? If we ever want to convince the masses that hybrids are beyond just a novelty toy, the design has to appeal to the general population. Right now I don't think it does... and it's not helping us defeat oil companies or convince auto manufacturers to take these alternatives seriously.

I sense a case of envy here.....my Focus is lucky to get 28MPG. My brother-in-law's Prius gets 50MPG, driving in the same conditions as my comparatively gas-hog Focus.

Not everyone is obsessed with mpg. I have an SVTF, I never bought it thinking I was going to get great gas mileage, nor do I really care. It gets mileage that's hardly better than my GTO, but that doesn't mean I envy Prius drivers.

You wanna know what's EWWW? Having to park next to a Prius every day! My carport space is right next to one, ACK!

See, I'd LOVE that because the Prius is pretty narrow and there'd be more room to open my doors and less chance that the Prius owner would ding me...

The carport spaces here were built in 1965. There's six feet of space between spots. You could park two 1978 Continental Mark IV's side by side and the doors wouldn't even hit if opened at the same time.

I like the side profile,(you can see a relation to the redesigned Corollas) but I'm not understanding why Toyota wants to move the Prius into the mid-size category. [dunno]

Well the point is hybrids don't have to look ugly. There are many wonderful gas-efficient cars out there that don't look like a bug-eyed wedge of melted cheese. And why do they have to look so good, you ask? If we ever want to convince the masses that hybrids are beyond just a novelty toy, the design has to appeal to the general population. Right now I don't think it does... and it's not helping us defeat oil companies or convince auto manufacturers to take these alternatives seriously.


Actually the point is that this new one ISN'T ugly. All of you who are saying it's ugly or that it "looks the same" need to wipe the crust from its old ugliness out of your eyes and see how Toyota has subtly massaged the 2010 into a good looking vehicle.

Meanwhile, think back to how many people hated the MKI Focus hatch and called it ugly (I remember plenty), yet many others loved it and either way it sold like hotcakes all over the world - so I'm not really feeling your argument about the design needing to be changed to appeal to the general population. If you saw how many damn Prii were driving around here in Northern Virginia (a quite conservative state, BTW), you'd conclude that it's already appealing to PLENTY of people. Furthermore, I see a TON of them with military people in 'em (army/marine/air force stickers, Pentagon parking permits, camouflage and flight suit-wearing drivers, etc.) - so there go your "tree hugger, pompous yuppie eco-weenie owner" arguments. (THOSE people are now lining up to buy the Dumb - ahem, "Smart" - Car...)

And, yes, I think the 2009 and earlier Prii are borderline ugly, and without question 100% dopey looking.

The carport spaces here were built in 1965. There's six feet of space between spots. You could park two 1978 Continental Mark IV's side by side and the doors wouldn't even hit if opened at the same time.

Lucky you. Our garage was built in the 50's, but they've obviously since tightened up the spaces in order to add more cars - I fear for my car's flanks daily...

You should rent out the space between to someone with a motorcycle or Dumb Car.

The carport spaces here were built in 1965. There's six feet of space between spots. You could park two 1978 Continental Mark IV's side by side and the doors wouldn't even hit if opened at the same time.

or a dozen smart cars.lol

i heard on NPR 1/13 that Ford's future lineup of hybrids should change the masses view of hybrids. i.e. not "ugly" like the prius yada yada.
but make it more appealling OR an easier transition to hybrid tech.

to the op... you ask people if the car is hot or not and when they say its not you tell them it is???????? slightly confusing...

i think the new prius gets a special place in my heart because toyota has put function over beauty here and as a car enthusiast i appreciate their approach. toyota admittingly "pushes the envelope" for the prius design and before the 2010 pruis was shown, they promised that it would do just that with the 2010 model. i dont think its hot, but i do think it is efficient and puts its aerodynamics to good use. it is, on the other hand, too expensive and not good looking enough to sell me on it. the price tag will once again swell and for its estimated $23k-$24k starting price id rather have a tdi jetta sportwagen which has more utility, and looks like a normal car.

never seen a car that gets better city mpg than it does highway.
48 city
45 hwy

It's amusing to me that there is so much Prius-hating around here. It should be obvious to everyone that the car is designed to be gasoline efficient....everything else comes second. It's silly to complain about style when function is the purpose of the thing.

And to complain about the speed of a hybrid....stupid. It has so much else to offer in terms of efficiency, that speed should be in last place, in any consideration of it.

I sense a case of envy here.....my Focus is lucky to get 28MPG. My brother-in-law's Prius gets 50MPG, driving in the same conditions as my comparatively gas-hog Focus.

I don't hate the car, I just think it's gross looking. And the amount of money you would pay for that thing you would never make up in gas savings if you had bought say, a used Focus instead.
Plus the fact that the Prius is in effect totaled @ 100k miles when the $7k-$10k battery has to be replaced.

*edit*
It is better looking than the '09, but I still think it's fugly

The prius is the token ugly chick of toyotas.

in the city the engine shuts off and uses electric propulsion for periods of time consuming less fuel.

I imagine most of the people here have never driven a Prius....I have. It's unlike anything you can imagine. If you drive slow, and don't put your foot in it (like in heavy traffic, a parking lot, etc) the engine stays off, and you run off the battery. When you stop the engine turns off....like at a stop signal. That's why you get better mpg off the highway.......like 52MPG, vs 48MPG on the highway.

Imagine a time when gasoline was unavailable at any price.....it has happened and may again. The Prius is capable of being driven off battery power alone. This is just one of many advantages to the thing.

Yeah it's an expensive car due to the technology and the cost of the battery pack, but that may well change with time, and higher volume of sales.

Prius designed with aerodynamics in mind first = good

All the drivers are not "dicks" that is just what you saw on tv, so you feel clever saying it. Even if you met 50 prius owners who where dicks, it's still not true.

People are not getting the advertised mileage because they drive like morons, many people are getting much better numbers. The internet and tv are a buzz with reports of people who got bad mileage because it makes a good story and sells more hummer advertisements.

Toyota is hurting because gas went back down and the insightfull american public went back to SUVs, oh yeah and every company is hurting right now. I doubt they are hurting because YOU don't like their car...

You people crack me up. I'd bet if this were posted as the 2011 Focus, some of you would be like, "Whoa, dat shiznit is HAWT!"

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/alternative/112_0903_2010_toyota_prius_first_look/photo_05.html


Even though I won't have the money for a new Prius, I would still like to have one. I would rather have a Toyota than a Ford but most people have gone out and bought the good ones (Toyota models) that haven't been wrecked or nothing, AND then they go and wreck them. That's why I got a Focus. Someone actually cared for it...[hihi]

the prius is quite a different expirience to drive and anyone who hasnt i say put away a saturday and stumble into a toyota dealer and take one out... its like a video game or something. unreal. and the gas engine is still needed to recharge the batteries when they drain even though the engine isnt directly driving the wheels (regen braking dosent capture enough energy sometimes) so if we were to run out of gas completely, the prius would still not work... a plug in version of the prius would still work tho.