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I think Prius just became the representative icon for all hybrids. They out-mpg everything else while being the cheapest and hold the most volume.
The problem is their fans keep giving them a pass for that terrible gauge layout. All gauges need to be in front of the driver. There is no excuse for sticking them anywhere else. Just stop it Toyota, just stop!
Ford and Honda both make excellent hybrids and they are much better looking. You do not really notice them though, because they look the same as the ICE models. Thus you are not aware how many are out there and you do noth think Hybrid, when you see one.
Also Toyota made the first Hybrid, long before anyone else so they are associated with the concept.
Hopefully the Prius has improved. I really wanted one when they first came out because I thought they were cool. I had a couple of multi-week business trips, so I rented one. I no longer wanted one after a few weeks of renting. They were(are?) sleds. Handling was atrocious. they had a middle speed range with almost no acceleration (somewhere around 50 - 70 or 30 - 60 I cannot remember it was a while ago). The interior control set up was very alien, everything was in the wrong (non traditional) location. For me, the MPG was no where near the touted levels. On one trip I averaged 35 MPG, on the other something like 42. Good but not spectacular. I have not driven once since, so I do not know if/how they have improved.
I did drive a volt for a while. It was much better than the Prius. Almost fun.
I drove a Tesla S around the block (4 miles) once - those are absolutely amazing to drive. I loved everything about that car except the $100,000 price tag.
Ford and Honda both make excellent hybrids and they are much better looking. You do not really notice them though, because they look the same as the ICE models. Thus you are not aware how many are out there and you do noth think Hybrid, when you see one.
Also Toyota made the first Hybrid, long before anyone else so they are associated with the concept.
Hopefully the Prius has improved. I really wanted one when they first came out because I thought they were cool. I had a couple of multi-week business trips, so I rented one. I no longer wanted one after a few weeks of renting. They were(are?) sleds. Handling was atrocious. they had a middle speed range with almost no acceleration (somewhere around 50 - 70 or 30 - 60 I cannot remember it was a while ago). The interior control set up was very alien, everything was in the wrong (non traditional) location. For me, the MPG was no where near the touted levels. On one trip I averaged 35 MPG, on the other something like 42. Good but not spectacular. I have not driven once since, so I do not know if/how they have improved.
I did drive a volt for a while. It was much better than the Prius. Almost fun.
I drove a Tesla S around the block (4 miles) once - those are absolutely amazing to drive. I loved everything about that car except the $100,000 price tag.
I rented a Prius a couple years ago, when in Seattle. Put about 1000 miles on it, both in the city and through the countryside. It was a fantastic drive!
The Prius is the most conspicuous hybrid, in that it's not a model offered with a conventional ICE drive-train like most other hybrids, and the best selling so far. People interested in hybrids are probably aware of all the other hybrid models out there, but I'm sure the OP is right in saying the Prius is the most commonly recognized hybrid by the general public in the USA at least.
The eco-chic nature of the Prius is unfortunate, I know owners like that - some have lots of 'cause' bumper stickers. However, not all owners are self-righteous about their Prius.
The Prius is affordable, reliable transportation that offers outstanding mpg and lower emissions - a legit choice that appeals to millions of buyers. Otherwise it's one of the most boring cars you can own, more like a transportation appliance than a car. I've owned almost 20 different cars including a 2012 Prius currently, and a Camry Hybrid.
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