3 Busted Toyota Prius Myths Haters Wish Were True
Over two decades ago, the Toyota Prius solved the problem of passenger cars causing global warming. Generation after generation the Prius line evolved until its Prime trim MPGe was an amazing 113 MPGe. That's better than the all-new battery-electric Ford Mustang Mach-E just launched this week. Many Prius haters feel the need to make negative claims about the Prius in order to punish that success in a way. Here are the top three Prius myths and why these myths are long-busted.
Prius Myth One - People Must Want To Ditch These Boring Cars
Rather than want to move on from a Prius, it turns out that a new study from iSeeCars proves that the Toyota Prius is the vehicle that more people keep for over 15 years than any other. The reason the Prius is a car so many people keep so long is that it is a satisfying vehicle to own. The Prius has ridiculously low maintenance costs, has a huge cargo volume, and its energy cost per mile is lower than many battery-electric vehicles.
Prius Myth Two -It's The Slowest Car On the Road
Far from being the slowest vehicle on the road, the Prius' electric motor torque makes it satisfying to zip from a stoplight or into a city traffic merge. The Prius has about the same 0-60 MPH time as top-selling vehicles like the Subaru Crosstrek and the Chevy Colorado pickup with its up-graded diesel engine option.
Prius Myth Three - There is a "Prius Driver" Stereotype
Identifying a person by what they drive is a long and sad tradition in America. Particularly since many Prius drivers also own some very interesting vehicles. We polled Prius owners and asked them what else they owned. Included in the list are many pickup trucks (yes, even some diesel), Harley Davidson bikes, classic muscle cars, and modern sports sedans from Europe. Peg that Prius driver as "typical" if you like. However, they just might also own your favorite specialty vehicle.
Has the Prius earned its reputation, or is it being unfairly put upon? You can tell us in the comments below.
John Goreham is a long-time New England Motor Press Association member and recovering engineer. Following his engineering program, John also completed a marketing program at Northeastern University and worked with automotive component manufacturers. In addition to Torque News, John's work has appeared in print in dozens of American newspapers and he provides reviews to many vehicle shopping sites. You can follow John on Twitter, and view his credentials at Linkedin
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