Rode in a Prius the other day
#11
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Originally Posted by petraman
Heh, you rode in it? Do yourself a favor and drive one. It'* like an appliance. It doesn't have any feel to it what-so-ever.
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Originally Posted by bonnie94ssei
Hmmm, I haven't been in one or seen the interior of one. I'd be surprised if a modern Toyota had a nice interior. ![Laughing](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
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I disagree a lot. I love my Impala'* feel. It'* a lot more comfortable than anything Japanese I've ever driven. I'll admit, it'* not a good handler, but do you think I take it through the slalom all day? ![Laughing](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)
And the SSEi? Best suspension of it'* time
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And the SSEi? Best suspension of it'* time
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Those batteries don't last forever!
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Also, let'* do a bit of a comparo...
Chevorlet Cobalt Interior (Actually, a Pontiac Pursuit)
![](https://img123.imageshack.us/img123/573/cobalt20077td.jpg)
Toyota Corolla Interior:
![](https://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/ag/toyota_corolla_ce_2007_interior_19_346x270.jpg)
I find the Cobalt a lot more appealing...
Chevorlet Cobalt Interior (Actually, a Pontiac Pursuit)
![](https://img123.imageshack.us/img123/573/cobalt20077td.jpg)
Toyota Corolla Interior:
![](https://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos.yahoo.com/ag/toyota_corolla_ce_2007_interior_19_346x270.jpg)
I find the Cobalt a lot more appealing...
#15
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Originally Posted by petraman
And the SSEi? Best suspension of it'* time
Originally Posted by petraman
Also, let'* do a bit of a comparo...
Chevorlet Cobalt Interior (Actually, a Pontiac Pursuit)
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5...alt20077td.jpg
Toyota Corolla Interior
http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos....19_346x270.jpg
Chevorlet Cobalt Interior (Actually, a Pontiac Pursuit)
http://img123.imageshack.us/img123/5...alt20077td.jpg
Toyota Corolla Interior
http://us.autos1.yimg.com/img.autos....19_346x270.jpg
![Wink](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/wink.gif)
Aside from that, IMO you have to compare fit/finish and materials. I preferred the layout of my Bonne to to our 01 Camry in everyway, but the materials used, and how it fits together are better than all of the domestics of that era..
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Well, I should rephrase my statement. New Toyota interiors are NICE, but they are boring IMO. The design is what lacks, not the materials or craftsmanship (for the most part, read below). Take the 2003 Camry for example vvv
Horrible design:
![](https://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g164/NEBF/PTPabl0/camry_interior03.jpg)
But even the new Avalon lacks a little IMO. The materials they use sure look and are nicer than most GM cars, but the DESIGN is what lacks. The door panels have been very similar forever, and are shared between Toyota models which doesn't give each car their own true look. The multiple interior areas with flip-up lids is annoying to me too, but does keep a nice clean look.
Not to mention, I've driven in the new Avalon several times with a client of mine, and the leather seats were pretty bad, ie. the stitching/seams on the seats were crooked. I was shocked by the lack of care that seemed to go into it. I doubt they are all like that, but I'm sure there are handfuls.
Horrible design:
![](https://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g164/NEBF/PTPabl0/camry_interior03.jpg)
But even the new Avalon lacks a little IMO. The materials they use sure look and are nicer than most GM cars, but the DESIGN is what lacks. The door panels have been very similar forever, and are shared between Toyota models which doesn't give each car their own true look. The multiple interior areas with flip-up lids is annoying to me too, but does keep a nice clean look.
Not to mention, I've driven in the new Avalon several times with a client of mine, and the leather seats were pretty bad, ie. the stitching/seams on the seats were crooked. I was shocked by the lack of care that seemed to go into it. I doubt they are all like that, but I'm sure there are handfuls.
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This is what the Prius looked like. I have to say, it was pretty cool. I really think you need to experience it to fully appreciate it.
112_0408_One_Year_Test_Update_2004_.jpg
dashmfd.jpg
The dsiplay screen thing kicks a$$, and the way it turns into a rear view camerea when you go in Reverse is awesome.
Anyway, I would take a Bonne over the Prius any day, and I love good ol American horsepower. I was just surprised by the Prius.
112_0408_One_Year_Test_Update_2004_.jpg
dashmfd.jpg
The dsiplay screen thing kicks a$$, and the way it turns into a rear view camerea when you go in Reverse is awesome.
Anyway, I would take a Bonne over the Prius any day, and I love good ol American horsepower. I was just surprised by the Prius.
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Originally Posted by bonnie94ssei
But even the new Avalon lacks a little IMO. The materials they use sure look and are nicer than most GM cars, but the DESIGN is what lacks. The door panels have been very similar forever, and are shared between Toyota models which doesn't give each car their own true look. The multiple interior areas with flip-up lids is annoying to me too, but does keep a nice clean look.
And obviously it is working for toyota, as they are clearly out selling american cars. I would buy a new camry without thinking twice after driving my mom'* around for a few days. Not to mention her gauge cluster is WAY sweeter than the majority of GM clusters that have been released in the last few years.
#19
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I can't do those small cars. I'm 6-1, which isn't that overly tall at all, but I just dont feel comfotable in those small rides. besides... I nee something more form my cars.. like torque. ![Wink](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/wink.gif)
I took this from another forum (respectable forum, never any bashing on there of any kind).
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I took this from another forum (respectable forum, never any bashing on there of any kind).
The price of gas and America’* dependence on oil continues to be a hot topic for consumers. Many take these issues into consideration when deciding what vehicle to purchase. And the popularity of hybrids is growing.
However, studies are starting to indicate that hybrids may not be the best choice “in terms of vehicle lifetime energy usage and the cost to society over the full lifetime of a car or truck.” CNW Marketing Research Inc. spent two years gathering data on the energy necessary to plan, build, sell, drive, use and dispose of a vehicle from initial concept to scrappage. Costs include: plant to dealer fuel costs; employee driving distances; and electricity usage per pound of material used. In order for the data to make sense to the average consumer, it was translated into a “dollars per mile” figure or Energy Cost per mile driven.
The most “energy expensive” vehicle sold in the United States in calendar year 2005 was the Maybach, at $11.58 per mile. The least expensive was the Scion xB, at $0.48 per mile. Although neither of these numbers is particularly surprising, the results for hybrid vehicles were quite surprising. The Honda Accord Hybrid has an Energy Cost per mile of $3.29, while the conventional Accord has a cost of $2.18. When looking at the total lifetime of the vehicle, the Accord Hybrid requires about 50% more energy than the conventional Accord.
The industry average of all vehicles sold in the United States in 2005 was $2.28 per mile. The Hummer H3, considered by many to be harmful to the environment, has a cost of $1.949 per mile. This number is lower than all currently offered hybrids, as well as the Honda Civic. Hybrids cost more than non-hybrids because of the manufacture, replacement and disposal of batteries, electric motors (in addition to the conventional engine), lighter weight materials, and complexity of the power package.
Results like this are important for the automotive industry. If the concern is the cost of gas and our dependency on foreign oil, then hybrids might be a valid option for consumers. But if the concern is the overall impact on the environment, conventional automobiles, and even SUVs, might in fact have a less negative impact on our environment. Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research Inc., says “We hope to see a dialog begin that puts educated and aware consumers into energy policy decisions. We undertook this research to see if perceptions (about energy efficiency) were true in the real world.” For more information, contact Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research Inc., 541/347-4718 or Mailroom@cnwmr.com.
Source: “Hybrids Consume More Energy in Lifetime than Chevrolet’* Tahoe SUV,” CNW Marketing Research Inc.
THIS MATTERS TO YOU BECAUSE…
* Consumers usually purchase hybrids for two basic reasons: to save money on gas and to show their concern for the environment. Research has shown that the added costs of hybrids compared to their gas-only equivalent actually outweighs the monetary savings from using less gas, based on current gas prices.
* If consumers become more aware of the fact that hybrids could use more energy than traditional gas-powered vehicles, which contradicts the “environmental friendly” aspect of hybrids, then consumers could shy away from purchasing hybrid vehicles.
However, studies are starting to indicate that hybrids may not be the best choice “in terms of vehicle lifetime energy usage and the cost to society over the full lifetime of a car or truck.” CNW Marketing Research Inc. spent two years gathering data on the energy necessary to plan, build, sell, drive, use and dispose of a vehicle from initial concept to scrappage. Costs include: plant to dealer fuel costs; employee driving distances; and electricity usage per pound of material used. In order for the data to make sense to the average consumer, it was translated into a “dollars per mile” figure or Energy Cost per mile driven.
The most “energy expensive” vehicle sold in the United States in calendar year 2005 was the Maybach, at $11.58 per mile. The least expensive was the Scion xB, at $0.48 per mile. Although neither of these numbers is particularly surprising, the results for hybrid vehicles were quite surprising. The Honda Accord Hybrid has an Energy Cost per mile of $3.29, while the conventional Accord has a cost of $2.18. When looking at the total lifetime of the vehicle, the Accord Hybrid requires about 50% more energy than the conventional Accord.
The industry average of all vehicles sold in the United States in 2005 was $2.28 per mile. The Hummer H3, considered by many to be harmful to the environment, has a cost of $1.949 per mile. This number is lower than all currently offered hybrids, as well as the Honda Civic. Hybrids cost more than non-hybrids because of the manufacture, replacement and disposal of batteries, electric motors (in addition to the conventional engine), lighter weight materials, and complexity of the power package.
Results like this are important for the automotive industry. If the concern is the cost of gas and our dependency on foreign oil, then hybrids might be a valid option for consumers. But if the concern is the overall impact on the environment, conventional automobiles, and even SUVs, might in fact have a less negative impact on our environment. Art Spinella, president of CNW Marketing Research Inc., says “We hope to see a dialog begin that puts educated and aware consumers into energy policy decisions. We undertook this research to see if perceptions (about energy efficiency) were true in the real world.” For more information, contact Art Spinella of CNW Marketing Research Inc., 541/347-4718 or Mailroom@cnwmr.com.
Source: “Hybrids Consume More Energy in Lifetime than Chevrolet’* Tahoe SUV,” CNW Marketing Research Inc.
THIS MATTERS TO YOU BECAUSE…
* Consumers usually purchase hybrids for two basic reasons: to save money on gas and to show their concern for the environment. Research has shown that the added costs of hybrids compared to their gas-only equivalent actually outweighs the monetary savings from using less gas, based on current gas prices.
* If consumers become more aware of the fact that hybrids could use more energy than traditional gas-powered vehicles, which contradicts the “environmental friendly” aspect of hybrids, then consumers could shy away from purchasing hybrid vehicles.
#20
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One of the big things I don't like about Toyota interiors is that they are flat...the dash is flat and straight across along with the radio, AC unit, etc. The interior isn't oriented towards the driver the way a car should be IMO. There are many other cars that are similar, but Toyotas just seem to be one of the most plain and simple. The Infiniti M45 for example is VERY nice inside while having a 'flat' dash.
Their interiors are also "safe" when it comes to design. There is nothing that provokes excitement at all. I understand that is their style, I just don't prefer it.
I agree with you Jason that the fit and finish is definitely above par. I just happen to like my Bonneville interior over many other cars out there due to the aggressive styling and design that doesn't hold back, and is oriented towards me.
I'd also prefer the 95-99 Aurora interior over any Toyota any day.![Headbang](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/headbang.gif)
EDIT: Rob, you're right for the most part. But I'm not saying they should design them different, I'm just saying I don't like them.
Their interiors are also "safe" when it comes to design. There is nothing that provokes excitement at all. I understand that is their style, I just don't prefer it.
I agree with you Jason that the fit and finish is definitely above par. I just happen to like my Bonneville interior over many other cars out there due to the aggressive styling and design that doesn't hold back, and is oriented towards me.
I'd also prefer the 95-99 Aurora interior over any Toyota any day.
![Headbang](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/headbang.gif)
EDIT: Rob, you're right for the most part. But I'm not saying they should design them different, I'm just saying I don't like them.
![Laughing](https://www.gmforum.com/gm/images/smilies/icon_lol.gif)