Prius is a "Top Pick" in the Consumer Reports April 2010 "Automobile Issue"

[Kolesar]

Our Top Picks are the best all-around models in their categories, based on their performance, reliability, and safety. They are chosen from the more than 280 vehicles we've recently tested and must meet our criteria in three areas:

Road test
Each must rank at or near the top of its category in our overall test score, which is based on more than 50 tests and evaluations.

Reliability
Each must have an average or better predicted-reliability Rating, based on the problems CR subscribers reported in our latest Annual Auto Survey.

Safety
Top Picks must perform adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or the insurance industry. (For some models, we do not have enough crash-test data to assign an overall safety Rating.) In addition, electronic stability control, a proven lifesaving safety feature, must be readily available. All of our Top Picks provide standard ESC and curtain air bags.

Green Car
Toyota Prius
The Prius received a redesign for 2010. It's still the most fuel-efficient car in our Ratings, getting 44 mpg overall. That distinction helped it earn our pick in this category for the seventh straight year, the longest of any current model. In addition, the Prius is a pleasant car to drive, with a roomy interior, a steady ride, hatchback versatility, and excellent reliability and crash-test results. The 2010 redesign also gave it a more solid feel and a dedicated EV mode that allows it to run longer on electric power at low speeds, an advantage mainly in slow, congested traffic. Price: $23,150-$26,950.

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/cars/new-cars/cr-recommended/top-picks/overview/top-picks-ov.htm

My car was built in Lordstown, Ohio.

[GodlessBiker]

1. As Maxwell Smart might say, "Missed it by *that* much."

[FourScore]

2. LOL

[Maat]

3. I've avoided the Toyota threads thus far.

I have a 2006 Prius, and have never had ONE problem with it. I have never gotten a tank under 45 M.P.G., and that's even when I do crummy in-town driving.

I'm suspicious of the ginning up of hysteria about Toyotas. The timing is rather coincidental - being that GM has been so desperate to sell cars. There have been accidents, but how many deadly accidents have their been with other cars?

[frazzled]

4. 2006 Prius owner here as well

With no problems. We hope to keep it another 5 years at least. (As opposed to earlier times in our lives, where we had work commutes and endless children schleps to piano lessons and orchestra rehearsals and track meets and etc. etc., we don't drive much now. We live in the city, and so take the car out only for once-a-week "big" shopping errands or to go out of town). We owned a Camry for 12 years before that, also with no problems.

I don't want to downplay this, because I don't suddenly want to find ourselves veering out of control and unable to stop. But it's kind of hard to believe, given our own experience and sense of the reliability of the car.

[starsky9]

5. I drove a Camry for 250,000 mi trouble-free

It got new CV boots and spark plugs once. Other than that, just oil changes, new tires and batteries when they got worn out.

[Fumesucker]

6. Someone on a Toyota thread pointed out that SUVs have killed thousands through faulty design..

The center of gravity is too high and they roll over in a flash..

And yet it's the economical Prius that's getting the horrendous PR..

I'm starting to suspect an agenda.

[Orsino]

8. So much money wrapped up in the industry. Agendas are a given...

...and harmless, maybe, until they distract us from addressing real problems.

[Mopar151]

54. 1st gen. Toyota 4x4 p.u

Were notorious for rollovers. And 4Runners have the same problems as other SUV's - you know, the ones idiots buy because they "feel safe" when the sit high up.
The thing is, most of the big automakers cashed in on SUV's, and consumers were well warned. IMHO, fear is what drives most SUV purchases, and it's an irrational emotion - that's why the 'burbs are full of them, parked on paved driveways.

[divideandconquer]

11. The timing has to do with the Bush misadministration being out of power

The government isn't covering up for Toyota anymore.

[Kalyke]

14. I'm suspicious of Toyota owners who STILL... to this DAY... think

their little yuppie, union-busting, US-economy-sinking bubble cars are better than American-made (assembled, profit-stays-at-home, union-supporting) cars.

Face it, Toyota has jumped the shark (of course, I thought so years ago).

All Consumer Reports tells me is that more people who drive Toyotas have time to take surveys than people who buy American-manufactured cars.

[PVnRT]

16. Got any more stereotypes you'd like to throw around?

I mean, you forgot "rice-burner" and "latte-sipping" and "elitist." Might as well throw all of those right-wing themes in there.

[Fumesucker]

17. Brie eating.. He forgot that one..

I haven't owned a Toyota in fifteen years either, the newest one I ever had was a 1978.

[galileoreloaded]

28. Then there is "arugula". But do we have to have to change

limousine liberal to Hybrid Hippie??

[Kalyke]

38. I also eat greens to the point that I have to eat Brie to keep from

pooping out my colon.

I know, TMI, but, your stereotypes are not mine.

The point is: you foreign products buyers are the reason there is no or a failing middle class.

[Kalyke]

37. I'm not a "he" and I eat Brie.

Brie is good for you.

[Kalyke]

36. Rice burner, big whoop.

Lattes are bad for you and if you're and "elitist," then so am I on my middle class income.

No right-wing memes.

Listen to Thom Hartmann for a week, why doncha?

[kktk5950]

85. Another reason why I advocate population control

Waste of f_cking oxygen.

[spoony]

22. They also like the idea of caring about issues more than actually doing so

Otherwise they wouldn't drive cars from a company tied to slave labour deaths, dictators, and human trafficking, in addition to the union-busting you mentioned.

[Grand Taurean]

33. Toyota is nothing special.

Consumers Reports is showing their bias with this suggestion.

[Kalyke]

40. Funny, isn't it?

Every other car mag has more American cars in their top 10.

This one.. only two, both trucks or truck-like cars.

Consumer Reports sucks.

[Mopar151]

59. Just my opinion..

Consumer reports does'nt LIKE cars very much. How it drives on a track, or a handling(autocross) course at it's limits, means very little to them, while it means the world to a Grassroots Motorsports reader. So much so that GRM often uses equal tires for comparison tests, to factor out that variable.
The low- inertia drivetrain I adore is anathemic to most Consumer Reports readers, who would complain bitterly about idle quality and stalling on start. In fact, the flywheels on Toyotas of my experience outweigh the ones on American V-8's, in cars that weigh twice what the Toyota does.

[lucas_g20]

27. self-delete

[SimonPhoenix]

42. UAW member or spouse?

Figures. UAW and GM management should take the blame for the collapse of their company. You don't see Toyota needing bailout funds do you? Nope.

[Codeine]

45. Toyota gets gov't funds and subsidies

from Japan. Enjoy your union-busting POS.

[Maat]

72. I will.

Because of the mileage, which is MUCH higher than the American equivalent, I'll be polluting Mother Earth that much less.:) I'm not going to drive a low-mileage piece of crap, polluting more all the while, just so that an American worker can make more bucks. Mother Earth can't afford that.

[Mopar151]

76. Statistics, please

Smug self-satisfaction does'nt cut it.:mad:. Your perceptions are woefully out of date. It is TOYOTA that recently reached a multi-million dollar settlement for defective emission control equipment.

[blue_onyx]

78. You won't get any info from that poster

I pointed out in another comment that Toyotas aren't any better for "Mother Earth" than GM/Ford/Chrysler which that DUer had no rebuttal for. He/she worships Toyota and no facts are going to change his/her opinion.

[Mopar151]

80. He's a "low information driver"

Does'nt want his carefully managed perceptions muddled with facts. No worry - I live to plauge car haters.

[spoony]

49. Sayanora, troll.

Thanks mods.

[Mopar151]

77. Toyota is taking plenty of incentive money for their new plants

As have Nissan and BMW. And they (and Honda, Subaru, Hino trucks) are not carrying retiree health costs for more workers than they now have on their payroll.

[Romulox]

56. Right on. This is as much about Toyota owner's need to defend their own egos as anything!

Not me! I couldn't have made a bad purchasing decision! :silly:

[Mopar151]

62. Ding! Ding!Ding!

We have a winnah, raht heah! They are proud of buying the right car, the top rated one, just like their washing machine and fridge. The fact - THE FACT - that their perceptions have been played like a fiddle for a couple decades is almost too much to bear. So they deny, and deny, and deny.

[Name removed]

82. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

83. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Kalyke]

15. I'm suspicious of Toyota owners who STILL... to this DAY... think

their little yuppie, union-busting, US-economy-sinking bubble cars are better than American-made (assembled, profit-stays-at-home, union-supporting) cars.

Face it, Toyota has jumped the shark (of course, I thought so years ago).

All Consumer Reports tells me is that more people who drive Toyotas have time to take surveys than people who buy American-manufactured cars.

[Maat]

32. I get 45 miles to the gallon, in city.

There is no GM or Ford car that can supply those numbers.

It's saved me hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of dollars over the years. More importantly, that's much less that has gone into the air and gone to evil oil companies.

When there's a steady supply of reliable, relatively low-cost GM or Ford cars that supply those numbers while being relatively low-emission, let me know.

[blue_onyx]

35. Ford makes the Fusion Hybrid

which is rated 41 mpg in the city.

[PBS Poll-435]

43. Using technology licensed (or "inspired") from Toyota's hybrid setup.

Ford claims it developed its hybrid system on its own, yet it felt the need to enter into a cross-patent agreement with Toyota in order to avoid even the appearance of patent infringement

:shrug:


:rofl:

[Romulox]

57. Nope. The Fusion hybrid was independentally developed by Ford. Look it up.

And look up what "cross patent" means while you're at it.

[PBS Poll-435]

75. Sure it was.

And you really don't need to be rude. I know what the hell a cross-patent agreement is.

[blue_onyx]

25. Avoided Toyota threads?

So you are one of the many Toyota loyalists who can't stand it when facts contradict their opinions.

There is no conspiracy. Toyota is having some big quality problems that they have tried to cover up for years.

[Maat]

31. Problems?

Bull-shit. Most of us, who own Toyotas, AREN'T having problems. I pray those that are, no matter what car they drive, get things fixed. That having been said, we will continue to enjoy our Toyotas, while saving the environment a whole lot of crud.

[blue_onyx]

34. You can't be serious

Just because you aren't having problems doesn't mean Toyota doesn't have quality issues. Seriously....what has Toyota done to make you so blindly loyal.

"while saving the environment a whole lot of crud."

Other than the Prius, Toyota vehicles are no more fuel efficient than GM/Ford/Chrysler vehicles. Toyota even makes gas guzzlers like the Sequoia 15(13/18) which has about the same fuel efficiency of a Hummer 14(13/16). But hey...don't let facts get in the way of your opinion.

[Kalyke]

39. And MOST of us, who have been buying American for years

have NEVER had a problem, either.

AND, if'in we DO, it doesn't take an arm and a leg to fix the crap, either.

FWIW, I drive a manual. My MUSTANG gets FANTASTIC gas mileage.

And, I'm scared to death when one of your rev-runnin' ToySHITTAs gets behind me, now.

[Romulox]

60. So what is your argument? Are you going to refuse to have the recall work done on your car?

Do you want to be complemented for owning a car subject to a massive recall? Do you want people to commiserate with you over the obvious image problem you feel vis a vis your car?

What is it that you're trying to communicate? :shrug:

[Mopar151]

79. NO problems?

Yeah, I owned a Toyota once. Most economical car I ever owned, and the most dangerous and wretched. It's structure could charitably be called soggy. The electrics would occasionally quit at random, so I rigged up a switch to jump the ignition and limp home. The 200,000 mi Mazda GLC I replaced it with was a far better car.
Toyotas have been notorious rust buckets since they were introduced here. The extra money they spent on the engines meant they'd go 250K - but it came out of the rest of the car in spades. Like in hardware quality, structure, wiring harness, lighting....

[TommyO]

29. Most people won't experience problems

but to even intimate that GM had anything to do with Toyota's fuck-ups is ridiculous.

[Hepburn]

51. From unexplained aceleration and in the same time period...

...I am not aware of any other fatalities as with Toyota. For Toyota ~~ all models including Lexus ~~ fatalities are presently set at 56.

[AngryAmish]

52. Are you insinuating our administration is deliberately destroying Toyota?

Since they own GM and Chrysler?

Really?

[Orsino]

7. "Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how was the play?"

I understand love for the Prius; I'm not trading in my '05 anytime soon.

This Top Pick--assuming it wasn't based on top speed--is some sort of PR win for Toyota, but if anything lessens the already-tepid urgency of fixing the known problems.

[TheCowsCameHome]

9. Any data on many seconds it took to go from from 0-94?

[Brickbat]

10. LMAO.

Illustrating, once again, what a crock the magazine is.

[spoony]

13. Yep. They boxed themselves in for so many years they can't back out now.

Happily, they're completely exposed at this point. The dissonance between their bs and reality has become so great that only nothing they say can cover it up.

[OneBlueSky]

12. nyuk nyuk nyuk . . . someone at CR doesn't follow the news . . . n/t

.

[Fumesucker]

18. Or maybe they don't fall for media driven hysteria..

Unlike some other people..

[spoony]

21. Lol.

[OneBlueSky]

46. sorry, but I'm driving one of the Toyotas on the list . . .

I don't anticipate any trouble . . . but all that media driven hysteria includes a number of crashes that give me pause . . .

[Romulox]

61. It's Consumer Reports job to *shield* you from that bad news. So you can be informed.

Or something to that effect... :shrug:

[Bill219]

19. We just traded in our 2007 last night for a new 2010

We got a copy of the proof of documentation that the cars computer has been flashed with the new upgrade. One of the first things we did on an empty road last night was test the method on how to shut off the engine in case of an emergency (neutral, push and hold start button for 3-5 seconds. Piece of cake.

My wife and I cannot get over how different the 2010 is from the 2007. It is like a completely different car.

We both like the fact that the center console is now integrated into the dashboard and the car gives a much smoother and quieter ride. The car definitely handles better than our previous 2007. They somehow made the inside larger with more head and leg room in both the front and the back. I still do not like the split window on the hatchback but I have gotten used to it.

Our decision to purchase other Prius was based on the fact that out of all the cars that we have owned over the years, and we have owned many different domestic and foreign cars, we never had a problem with that car. The only time that it needed to be serviced outside of the routine stuff was the one time the tire pressure light came on and I had to take it in to get a tire repaired.

[Bill219]

20. We just traded in our 2007 last night for a new 2010

We got a copy of the proof of documentation that the cars computer has been flashed with the new upgrade. One of the first things we did on an empty road last night was test the method on how to shut off the engine in case of an emergency (neutral, push and hold start button for 3-5 seconds. Piece of cake.

My wife and I cannot get over how different the 2010 is from the 2007. It is like a completely different car.

We both like the fact that the center console is now integrated into the dashboard and the car gives a much smoother and quieter ride. The car definitely handles better than our previous 2007. They somehow made the inside larger with more head and leg room in both the front and the back. I still do not like the split window on the hatchback but I have gotten used to it.

Our decision to purchase other Prius was based on the fact that out of all the cars that we have owned over the years, and we have owned many different domestic and foreign cars, we never had a problem with that car. The only time that it needed to be serviced outside of the routine stuff was the one time the tire pressure light came on and I had to take it in to get a tire repaired.

[Bluenorthwest]

23. Consumer Reports also gives 'high marks' to the current

health 'reform' plan, without option, for profit only. Insane people they are.

[dmallind]

24. The criteria are listed for you. Notice that recalls and hysteria are not included. NT

[Romulox]

58. I would think both recalls and firey deaths are embraced by the "Reliability" category...

:hi:

[NoGOPZone]

63. The OP explains how the Reliability rating is compiled

as well as the other criteria necessary for a recommended rating. Nonetheless CR HAS suspended recommended ratings on several models and model years exhibiting unintended acceleration.

[Romulox]

64. I don't think this is an issue that can be parsed away. Sorry.

"Nonetheless CR HAS suspended recommended ratings on several models and model years exhibiting unintended acceleration."

And another suspension will have to be therefore issued. Pity it wasn't in time to stop the presses from issuing yet another embarrassing faux pas for CR.

[NoGOPZone]

65. I don't think an explanation of the facts is 'parsing away'

The models for which the recommendation was suspended were those that were recalled and those that for which sales were halted. As the Prius is now the subject of a federal probe, I don't see a problem for the suspension which you insists should happen is delayed until the results of that probe. It's worth noting, however, that the 2010 Prius is a redesign, and any recall MAY not include that model year, although it should be included in the probe. so if embarassing faux pas are in fact an issue for you, maybe you should research more before you post.

on edit: 'production ' to sales as per a toyota press release

another edit: another source is indicating Toyota is readying a recall for 2004-2009, pending the finalization of a solution. unfortunately, I can't cut and paste from this computer and I don't know if this is an official release

[Romulox]

66. Ummm, the 2010 Prius has already been subject to one recall...

:hi:

[NoGOPZone]

67. For? I'm aware of an ABS recall for 2010

the
also see my edit to last post.

[Romulox]

68. Brake failure. nt

[NoGOPZone]

70. Last word from Toyota is that 2010 won't be recalled for acceleration issues yet

2004 to 2009. On edit: Intention to recall has been announced but not implemented

another edit: another source has Toyota denying the Wall Street Journal report about a recall.

I need to switch computers so I can cut and paste.

[Romulox]

71. CR's editors should have held back their recommendation until the dust settles.

Now their credibility is further strained.

[Thegonagle]

74. Actually, safety recalls are considered. CR has temporarily "suspended recommendations"

of all new and used Toyota models in its April issue that were on recall for unintended acceleration at press time, "until the issue is resolved." (p. 25, Consumer Reports, April 2010)

[vicdoc]

26. A few bad cars on CNN do not a trend make....

Toyota makes millions of cars a year and very few are malfunctioning. My Camry Hybrid runs on the same technology. In 94k miles it has been a trouper, a great car, supremely reliable, and very inexpensive to service. Plus the dealer is great, doing me right when I did have problems with another car I bought. I'm sold on Toyota (and Honda, for that matter, we have 2 Accords, made in Ohio), and they will get over their problems, and do the right thing without 50 billion taxpayer dollars. Like Ford did when their SUVs had tire problems causing blowouts and rollovers. GM on the other hand, is a bankrupt dinosaur which should have been allowed to die, and resurrect itself like every other bankrupt company. Instead they propped it up with $50 billion of our children's money.

[Kalyke]

41. Um.. vic... Japanese cars are all subsidized by their government.

Always.


Just thought you should know.

[SycamoreFlynn]

30. Prius is a "Top Pick" in the Consumer Reports April 2010 "Automobile Issue"

....a top pick for what...the Indy 500?

[Codeine]

44. Consumer Reports is a joke.

It makes a living off reinforcing the perceptions of middle class strivers and yuppies, telling them what they want to hear and assuring them they've done the right thing. Fucking ridiculous.

[tammywammy]

53. Agreed n/t

[PJPhreak]

47. I drive this...

A 1986 Toyota Corolla. Exactly like this one,same color even.

Why not the comparable American Car?

Would You Drive any of these?

1.1986 Ford Escort...


2.1986 Chevy Citation...


3.1986 Dodge Aries...


4.1986 1986 AMC Eagle...


And ask why,back in 94 when I was looking for a $1500 Get-a-Bout car,I chose the Corolla over all these other "Fine" examples of Quality and Craftsmanship of the same vintage and appox purchase price and model class...

There Is No Way In Gods Green Earth I am Gonna Drive A Car That Is Named After The One Thing I Don't Wanna Cop Giving Me...A Citation!

[DemoTex]

48. Toyota's technical problems are anecdotal (for now), not statistical trends (yet).

I love my 2007 Prius. However, I am trying to sell my 2008 Toyota Tacoma to buy a Ford F-250 diesel for the 2010 fire season only because I need something big with 4-wheel drive that will get me through a few fire seasons and a driving trip to Alaska when my wife retires. But I will keep my Prius (it only has 19,000 miles).

Basically, I drive the Prius for the six or so months I'm home in SC, and I'll drive the Ford F-250 for the six months I'm in Oregon (and to and from Oregon). I study the owner's manual on my vehicles like I would the pilot's manual on a Boeing 737. What I don't understand, I look elsewhere to augment the info in the vehicles' manuals. Too bad so few people take the time to even read their vehicle's manuals, much less put forth an effort to understand them and to think through possible on-the-road abnormal situations.

This is not to say that I think highly of the Toyota corporation. I do not. The company's arrogance has put it in the Toto flusher. I am apprehensive enough about the long-term viability of Toyota that I'm ignoring a fantastic deal made me on a new Tundra by my friend who is a Toyota sales manager.

[Mopar151]

69. Thank you for a rational, reasoned response

A friend of mine has the limousine version of the Tundra 4x4, and it's a sweet ride - but the big Ford is a real workhorse, and far more suited to what you're going to put it through. Keep it out of the salt, and maintain the corrosion protection, and it's service life will be nearly infinite.

And I agree with you about Toyota long-term - their stonewalling on OBD-2 "reads", denials of program errors, and failure to set trouble codes gives me the willies.
Your potential new Ford, OTOH, is open code, and if you don't like the factory programming, you can buy a different program.

[melm00se]

50. deadlines

a things to think about here:

1) this magazine issue was put to bed a couple of months ago, probably before most, if not all, of the horror stories came out.
2) their rating and recommendation is based upon past data to make a future prediction.

Now, personally, I wouldn't buy a Toyota. They are too beige bland for my tastes. I prefer German cars over Japanese ones but I am not biased against all Japanese vehicles as I own a Kawasaki motorcycle.

[Romulox]

55. I've said it before--Consumer Reports is one of the biggest casualties in this scandal. nt

[DainBramaged]

73. Consumer Reports, been suckin' tailpipes for way too long.

[Mopar151]

81. Would you beleive a steakhouse review from a vegetarain? n/t

[DainBramaged]

84. Good point (hope you are well)

:hi:

[Mopar151]

88. I'm tryin' n/t

[anonymous171]

86. Toyota is a multinational corporation. It exists to produce profit for its shareholders

That is its primary purpose. As long as you recognize that, I have no problem with your cheer leading.

[Mari333]

87. just call the damned thing PRIAPUS and get it over with

google it

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Priapus

[Nihil]

89. Copyright infringement ...

That is reserved for Hummer drivers and their ilk ...
:hi: