We looked at the Prius, Camry, Civic, and Accord. Our eventual ranking was Prius/Accord, and Civic/Camry. The Prius and the Accord are different cars for different markets, but they're both acceptable, and at times delightful. The Civic and Camry are also for different markets, but we were not delighted by them.
The Prius is a decent city car. The mileage on the sticker said high forties/low fifties, but the internal meter said about 33 MPH driving on small country roads. That's acceptable. The acceleration was good but not outstanding (it felt like if you were merging onto a busy road, you'd want to take a moment to check it out), and the handling was good (small steering wheel was okay for my wife, felt a bit like a toy to me). The rear-view camera (only active when in reverse, unfortunately), was slick. The gas engine runs more than I expected -- about thirty seconds after the engine start, it comes on 'to heat the catalytic converter', then shuts off except for acceleration. The interior was laid out well -- lots of visibility forward and side. I couldn't see the nose of the car, which was a little off-putting, and the view out the back (hatchback) window was minimal, which was also a bit of a problem.The car was different in terms of how it started (keep the transponder key in your pocket, if you want; press the START button to start it), and how information was delivered to you (the graphics are nice but about half of them are useless, I think). And the hatchback area opens up all the way -- the two rear seats can fold flat. I wouldn't want to take a long trip in it, but overall, not bad. Seats four, comfortably.
The Accord is more luxurious, and surprised us by that. It felt like I'd expect a Benz to feel. The mileage sticker for it said 25/31, which we're guessing would actually play out to about 20/25 -- not as much as we'd like. Granted, you're using less gas overall, but still: a problem. The interior was quite comfortable, and it could probably handle five. We didn't drive it, though.
The Civic and Camry both disappointed us. The Civic felt cramped -- funny, because the Prius is a smaller car, but somehow the Camry didn't feel bigger. This will sound odd, but the Civic didn't feel 'welcoming'. My wife said that it felt like a college kid's first car. As for the Camry, for the price (about equivilent to the Accord), we expected it to be more plush, more elegant. It was nice, but bland.
We've got to think about it, and of course drive the Accord, and then do the math: do we want a city car (less expensive, better mileage) or a touring car (more comfortable, more room). And: if one of them is the car our daughter learns to drive in, which? The Accord has more steel around you, but both have front and side air bags. Minor preference for the Accord, but not overwhelming.
So right now its the Prius or the Accord. More likely the former than the latter, but not definite by any means.
6 comments:
I'd prefer the Accord to the Prius, if it were my decision, just personal preference though. The Prius just doesn't feel like a car that would withstand much in an accident. Add to that the more luxorious feel of the Accord and Honda's are just excellent cars. Not that Toyota's aren't either, but in my personal opinion, a Honda is a car that will go the distance and they have crazy high resell value because they are such good long-term cars.
Hard for you to make a decision though until you test drive the Accord.
You're right about the accident -- I thought that, too. It wouldn't take a Hummer to devastate it -- your average pickup could do a number on it.
The luxury idea is also true. I'd not say we aren't luxury people, but its not something that occurs to us. We don't think of that as something that makes a car desirable. (We're not aesthetes, though!)
As for resale, not sure. We tend to keep cars a long time -- the Buick we're replacing is a 91. By that time, I don't think resale will be all that much of a consideration.
I'm in love with all things Toyota. I love the cars, trucks and SUV's they make .. but alas I drive a Chrysler. lol
Good luck with your decision. Either way .. you'll be driving a brand new car, and THAT'S luxury in itself!
Absolutely, Rach. Actually, it'll be my wife (the idea is that its better suited for stop-and-go, which describes her commute, more than mostly-highway, which describes mine), but the idea of the new car is still cool.
Its a funny thing, though, and please don't think I'm poor-mouthing this -- I like the Prius intellectually, but emotionally? Its not particularly sexy.
I had to giggle at this I like the Prius intellectually, but emotionally? Its not particularly sexy.
I think you need to get her a mustang or camaro. ;)
Actually, she suggested the Prius. I pointed out that Toyota makes Lexus, so.... Ah, no. We're not environment freaks (which just about every article I've seen on the Prius implies the buyers are); we just want to pollute a little less. We're willing to spend $5000 more for a car that can do that.
Now, if Porche had one? Why, of COURSE we'd look! (g)
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