17th Jul 2008, 20:17
Actually, GM builds (and has for a decade) more 30+ mpg cars than Toyota. Last year one of GM's hybrid vehicles, the Tahoe Hybrid, was Green Car of the Year. The highest mpg SUV is the Ford Escape hybrid. The only hybrid Toyota has built for "almost 10 years" is the Prius. Likewise, the only hybrid Honda has had for any length of time is the little 2-seater model (I forget the name).
18th Jul 2008, 05:38
10:16 producing high mpg hybrids is the focus. I cannot wait to see what the repair bills are going to be when they are a few years old with different batteries, complex computer systems. Try fixing one on a back road yourself when that occurs.
The new Tahoe by the way received the "2008 Green Vehicle of the Year", exceeding Camry's mpg if you can afford one. One does not need to buy a new Corvette, but at least come out with some sharp aerodynamic styling, convertibles etc. to address the driving appeal factor as well. I might buy one if it was appealing.
The only new small affordable 4 cylinder I liked was my co workers new black Solstice convertible. He has a 30 mile daily commute and loves it.
18th Jul 2008, 10:37
The Prius has been built since 1997. So it's been built for almost 12 years.
The Ford Escape hybrid uses technology licensed from Toyota. The Escape is basically a Mazda anyway.
The little claim that GM "Builds more cars that get 30MPG" than Toyota isn't totally accurate either, since they build numerous models that are exactly the same, only with different badges slapped on the hood. If Toyota wanted to, they could take a Corolla and slap a Lexus badge on it and then voila - more models!
18th Jul 2008, 10:40
"10:16 producing high mpg hybrids is the focus. I cannot wait to see what the repair bills are going to be when they are a few years old with different batteries, complex computer systems. Try fixing one on a back road yourself when that occurs."
Well, seeing as how the Prius has been produced for almost 12 years, with many on the road in the US with well over 200,000, there has been extremely few problems with them. The rate of battery failure has been incredibly low, as in perhaps a handful nationally. We have a 2002 Prius and so far, the car has been problem-free. Not bad for an almost 7 year old car.
18th Jul 2008, 11:26
I have a 39 year old car with only 20,000 miles on the clock. Age is not as descriptive as sales volume/usage (mileage). Must be incredible batteries 7 years never needing replacement on your imports.
18th Jul 2008, 11:34
A recent news article about the high cost of repairs on hybrids, reported on one Prius customer who had problems with the transaxle just out of warranty, and the repair cost was HALF the new purchase price of the car. Comment 05:38 is right on about this.
Not long ago while in line at my bank I heard a Prius owner discussing how his battery pack had failed, and that he was looking at re-manufactured batteries because a new battery was over $2000. Some companies are now starting to LEASE batteries!!
The cost of hybrid repairs FAR outweighs the fuel savings, and in addition, the disposal of the highly toxic batteries poses a threat to the environment second only to nuclear waste disposal. A high mpg conventional engined car is a far more eco-friendly and sensible alternative.
18th Jul 2008, 11:35
13:49 Why did you drive one? As far as comparison, you will spend 2-3 times for an equivalent performing import. It never fails with the economy oriented crowd; the emphasis is on interiors and cup holders and the like.
The first Vipers did not have actual operative windows, but absolutely did not detract from its performance and race inspired frame. I am surprised the new Vette does not cost more.
As far as looks, nothing is more hideous in my mind than a Prius or the many boring potato shaped little econo vehicles, of which in all fairness there are domestics included in that comment. The only excitement I can see is the thrill of attaining and getting out at the destination. I prefer driving.
Sorry that driving a new 6 speed Vette 0-60 in slightly over 4 seconds does not give you the excitement present in your new Toyota.
19th Jul 2008, 04:54
13:49; Being over 50 and with no points, my personal insurance rate would remain unchanged. It makes sense to check insurance beforehand when looking at more vehicles.
You may save $35 a week on fuel, but be prepared for a $4-5K repair bill just in case of an engine/trans issue. You may think imports are immune, and I can state firsthand I have found otherwise.
I'll take a stronger V8 with 100,000 mile warranty, and 20 MPG with no issues; better than 40 mpg with issues.
My new V8 engine runs easily, smoothly, has good power and performance (especially running many accessories), A/C. But it's doubtful you have driven 2008s to accurately comment... for some reason you feel time stands still on 15 year plus vehicles (that may have been poorly maintained) if bought used to start with.
19th Jul 2008, 16:13
I would really LOVE to get a concise definition of "cheap" plastic. The Corvette, whose sales have gone up 300% in Europe since 2000, is reputed to have "cheap" plastic in the interior. I've driven and ridden in tons of cars in the past few years, including friends' Lexus, Mercedes, BMW's, Lincolns, Volvos and Acuras. ALL of them had the SAME plastic dash and door panels as my Ford or Pontiac. How am I supposed to know the difference between "cheap" plastic and "expensive" plastic?? Does fake plastic wood count as "expensive" plastic??
20th Jul 2008, 15:34
My youngest son used Honda Civic has plain plastic everywhere, and my Acuras had plastic plus a marbelized plastic faux look on either side of the console.
This is a good comparison, as I doubt you are paying twice as much for the prettier plastic. It's the larger VTEC engine that has the appeal, in spite of 93 octane and low mpg. I never understood cupholders and plastic focus anyway.
As far as appearance, I like black paint with black leather but that's not about the big price difference.
Take a look at Porsche and the wide price spread. But then look at whats under the hood to understand. Same with the new Vette which has to be the best performance bargain anywhere. You will have to spend 2-3 times or more with an imports and plan to spend a great deal more keeping them running.
Toyota has had a new concept sports car that may be relief for those waiting for one. I just saw a brand new black Challenger that has a waiting list. Nice car. Even with trucks it's nice to have tasteful upgrades with great handling and performance.
17th Jul 2008, 13:49
Oh yes - me and my Wife are so "trapped" by our fuel efficient car. We drive a older Prius that regularly gets over 50MPG. We drive 40+ miles each way to work. A typical car getting 20-30MPG would cost us around $80 per week to drive for gas alone. This one costs us around $35. That's a BIG difference. Plus, one thing you forgot to mention is that insurance on sports cars is prohibitive.
So we don't feel "trapped" in the least. But I bet there's quiet a few people out there driving as far or farther, and are getting pinched pretty badly driving their gas-guzzling SUVS, trucks, and sports cars.
Besides - beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and in my opinion, Corvettes have to be about the ugliest looking sports cars out there, and they tend to get uglier with each redesign. I actually test drove one of these at a GM sponsored event. Considering how expensive these are, I was blown away at how cheap and plasticy the interiors are on these.