Comments on: Lexus-badged Toyota Prius to top $30,000, possibly use lithium-ion batteries [Illustrated]

By: Headhuntermi

Headhuntermi — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 17:36:35 +0000

I’m a Prius owner who rented a Cobalt for a week before buying the Prius.

First, I was suprised to find the Cobalt even ran on gas, most pigs run on corn. These two cars (ok, one alleged car) do not compare.

Second, my Prius was assembled in Oregon, not Japan.

Third, I get 40mpg in the winter, 45 in warm weather. Also, the engine doesn’t run and spew exhaust when I’m stopped, unless it is cold enough that the heater has to run.

Before anyone whines about the “Japanese” nameplate on the Prius, US makers need to come out with a hybrid meant to get real milage instead of to move all the pickup and SUV chasis they are stuck with!

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 14:11:03 +0000

Just liek your Tempo is better right lol. A grown man being a janitor

By: jackjimturkey

jackjimturkey — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:15:16 +0000

Cobalt is better

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:16:49 +0000

Im laughing so hard I forgot to tell you what does it matter if its made in Japan Dont buy based on where its made buy the best and Toyota and Lexus are better than GM (you know why )

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 22:15:30 +0000

LOl trying to compare a colbalt to a lexus or anything for that matter is obsurd!
36 my ass why not have a car with a better build qwuality that looks better and get more mpg’s A Cobalt Hahahahaha Oh my you said a Cobalt

By: Commodore

Commodore — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 21:54:33 +0000

Or you can get any new 2008 manual cobalt that gets 36 MPG highway by the new ratings system. 4 MPG less from $10,000 less? I think that is a good deal. Plus, you are possibly helping the environment more because the Cobalt is assembled in America and it doesn’t have to make the LONG journey across the Pacific from Japan to America which, without a doubt, requires A LOT of energy.
Will this Lexus hybrid be a hit? Sure it will, but it will be just about image car for the [wealthier] treehuggers. Toy released this car not to help the environment but to make itself appear green across the board. That is why ignorant people think Tundra’s are fuel efficient when they get 16/19 MPG compared to 17/21 for the Sierra or, in this case, people would go for the Corolla when they want a smaller, cheaper car thinking that it is more fuel efficient than the Cobalt which it is NOT.

By: affliction

affliction — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 05:07:47 +0000

all you guys who are underestimating toyota should think again. if executed correctly, this will be a big hit for lexus. there are lots of people out there who want luxury but don’t want to hurt the environment more than necessary. and for those who say the prius is a lie don’t know wtf they are talking about that **** gets at least 40mpg in the city. Personally it’s not worth it to me. I’d rather get a corolla for thousands less and a few mpg’s less.

By: jdasch1

jdasch1 — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 00:55:22 +0000

It makes sense that Lexus will get Lithium first. Low volume, and Lexus will come to your house to pick it up when its having problems…and they will. The problem is thermal runnaway. Lithium is still years away according to many battery experts, mainly because of durability and liability. NiMH is here today, and ready to go. Just increase the size of the pack and add a plug. MSRP++ with waiting lists will follow. Put lithium in a Lexus, and some lawyer will find the problems fast.

By: A4

A4 — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 21:12:16 +0000

i dont even know what to say but
i still hate toyota

By: autonut

autonut — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 02:05:33 +0000

Where is the news? Lexus is selling RX400H which is how different from Highlander Hybrid? They are actually the same size with identical mechanicals, oops electricals. It works for them fine. I even not sure inside is all that different between the two.

By: jackjimturkey

jackjimturkey — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:18:19 +0000

“What may come as a bit of a shock is that L—s is planning to essentially rebadge the Prius as a L—s model.”
Not a shock to anyone who’s paying attention.

To wit: “The interior will feature soft baby seal leather seats and African rhino ivory inserts. They’ll call it the Priapism”

Comment by global_lightning, posted on February4 at 8:16 pm

I did Detroit this year, so I should get the Apple next year.

Comment by WEKS, posted on April11 at 9:39 am

Comment by ambalanche: “Toyota is making the same mistake GM made rebadging lesser cars.” Somehow, I thing the Cimarron was a bigger mistake. People actually buy these LexuryScions.

Z06ified: “I still don’t get the point of a luxury hybrid.” I don’t get why you’re bringing that up in this thread? This ain’t a luxury-car thread.

Need4SSpeed: Point of order: the “GS” is not an Avalon, it’s a crown. The Avalon is a stretched Camry/ES.

The IS is a rebadged alteeza.

howsmydriving: I bet Toyota can pull this one off (selling L—-s-badged Priuses).
Yep.
tastyorange: the Prius is a midsized car.

Commodore, “This sketch that has been deemed credible enough to be published” but it hasn’t gotten the “good headgiving seal of approval” from 1115.

Comment by sharpie: “When you have offered the same model is a lesser brand, buyers are just not willing to pay extra for a badge-job.”
You ain’t paying attention. LexuryScion sales are expected to hit a million.

1115: “Im (sic) all over your ass like americans (sic) on false patriotism.” That’s a bit of a role-reversal, yeah? Usually, you’re the “ass” that someone else is all over. That’s why you type standing up.

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 20:47:33 +0000

First, you didn’t explain why I am an idiot or why I was wrong. You explain that it “won’t look like a hatchback ugly-thing when it comes out” but who is more credible?
*You are an idiot bc you would hire a high school drop out over a harvard grad (Malibue over Accord)

This sketch that has been deemed credible enough to be published, and your opinion is just that…your opinion.
* These are sketches done by Mag x and are to be taken as just that SKETCHES there is not any proof that this will be the production unless the sketch came from Toyota itself ! GOD
More likely, it will look like the sketch then what you say it would look like. Getting info on how this car will look from you, is like ” proving” Toy’s quality (why are you talking about that AGAIN??) by using KBB. Kelley Blue Book is for RESALE VALUES, it does **** proving anything in regards to quality
* Here you go again for the fifth time playing dumb Whatever cars value is higher makes that car more reliable Check the resale I will say it as many times as you so stupidly ask it
You must have been a special kid in school
You still havent shown me anything proving GM is building a reliable car But the facts show that GM cars are unsafe unreliabe and on worst car used list and Toyota and Honda are not
Ask the question again
Lexus and Toyota keep their cars different and the article said that it will have styling that is Lexus
Now looking at the Es and the RX they are styled completely different in and out so it is more than likely that this will be too
If you take sketches so seriously then go to CWW cardesign and praise those photeshopped images as Gospel
YOU ARE TRULY AN IDIOT
Im still waiting for that Camry recall that you cant seem to find Meanwhile you are staying out of the Sequoia thread I see
You cant escape You should have never made that bogus GM and Toyota are equal ” stmnt Im all over your ass like americans on false patriotism

By: sharpie

sharpie — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 17:27:50 +0000

Put RWD in and badge it as a Lexus “HS” then you have something. A simple rebadge and we will see the beginning of a watered-down version of Lexus. Look, Acura killed its entry level RSX (formally Integra) and that wasn’t even a rebadge, just close enough to a Civic. Also look at the Lexus problem in Japan. When you have offered the same model is a lesser brand, buyers are just not willing to pay extra for a badge-job.

By: ktulu

ktulu — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:28:12 +0000

Lexus sucks!

By: AmericanMade

AmericanMade — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:08:24 +0000

k nobody read 1115’s posts anymore…

By: lucklaster

lucklaster — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:41:25 +0000

This is true – whore marketing.

By: xkr

xkr — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:36:25 +0000

Haha this will work out so good for Lexus, all over Beverly Hills,Westwood,Santa Monica all the way to Palos Verdes there is a sea of Priuses in every driveway I see it everyday, and now with a Lexus badge, its safe to say they will have no trouble selling.

By: Commodore

Commodore — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 15:28:52 +0000

1115 – First, you didn’t explain why I am an idiot or why I was wrong. You explain that it “won’t look like a hatchback ugly-thing when it comes out” but who is more credible? This sketch that has been deemed credible enough to be published, and your opinion is just that…your opinion. More likely, it will look like the sketch then what you say it would look like. Getting info on how this car will look from you, is like ” proving” Toy’s quality (why are you talking about that AGAIN??) by using KBB. Kelley Blue Book is for RESALE VALUES, it does **** proving anything in regards to quality

By: tastyorange

tastyorange — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:59:34 +0000

Some people here want to believe the Prius only gets the same mileage as any other small car, but if they would bother reading reviews, most people are getting 45 mpg.

Maybe that’s why they are all over the place now? The IQ level in this forum is very low.

What is needs are rear disc brakes.

By: johnnycanuck

johnnycanuck — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:55:57 +0000

Why wouldn’t Toyota/Lexus bring this to market? The L-Ion batteries are the big investment if they go that route. Everything else is cosmetic. Will it be enough to justify a 5k price jump over the Prius? I’m willing to bet there will be waiting lists.

By: nerfer

nerfer — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:51:00 +0000

Burns – it’s been shown that the Prius is an economical choice, and one of the best values in a family sedan today (see Consumer Reports among others). Not sure where you’re getting your information, but I bet it’s totally outdated and right-wing fringe. The batteries last the life of the car and are recyclable, if you haven’t heard.
Talking to other Prius owners, there are few that migrated to the Prius for patriotic reasons, to reduce our country’s dependence on terror-exporting countries, and to reduce our trade deficit (oil is the biggest single item). Saving $ at the pump is a bonus. They traded down from BMWs and sports cars, etc. I’m sure they wouldn’t mind shelling out a couple extra bucks for a luxury version of the Prius (the high-end Prius with leather, back-up camera, voice-activated blue-tooth and navigation, etc. is already about $30K and sells fairly well). I would think they would restyle the exterior some for a Lexus, that’s the part I like the least, but it’s aerodynamic and functional. Also the Prius itself is due for a refresh, probably 2009 or 2010.

By: DeansterTJ

DeansterTJ — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:45:19 +0000

If you scroll down, there are far more interesting images, like a Subaru 2-door coupe, the new 370Z, something that looks like a redesigned Nissan Micra. Interesting.

By: elviososa

elviososa — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:34:48 +0000

So….Lexus will soon be finished.

By: howsmydriving

howsmydriving — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:33:26 +0000

I bet Toyota can pull this one off (selling Lexus-badged Priuses).

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:26:41 +0000

LOL the Avalon is a front drive car and the GS is a rear drive car. The sheetmetal on both are COMPLETELY different
Do you even know what a GS and an Avalon look like ???

Commo- First you are an idiot second this is a SKETCH ! and third -refer to the first

Lexus and Toyota along with Honda Acura are the standard when it comes to quality Dont believe look it up in KBB and other no biased publications

They obvious are not going to make the Lexus version a hatchback and the car will look completely different in and out just like the ES and the RX

By: 400horseSS

400horseSS — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:15:12 +0000

Some people want a joke ass hybrid that parks itself.

By: Commodore

Commodore — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:13:29 +0000

1115 – how does this have ANYTHING to do with quality reliability and resale? Although, at best, one of those three still holds sort of true, it still doesn’t change the fact that this is a classic rebadge. The headlights and grille are different and the tailights are different and THAT’S it. This is why this story is being reported. We already know a full-hybrid is coming from Lexus, but we didn’t expect it to be…the Prius with a different front, back, and emblem. Again look at the curves of the Buick Enclave compared to any of the others

By: Need4SSpeed

Need4SSpeed — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:13:16 +0000

sorry I meant “ES and a Camry” not IS.

By: Need4SSpeed

Need4SSpeed — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:11:29 +0000

Wow tripleonefive you are so full of it it’s not even funny. Have you looked at a Lexus GS? It has the same body as a Toyota Avalon? It too has a much nicer interior and a different front end and back end. Other than that they have the same body, same sheetmetal. Just like a IS and a Camry, body is identical except with the change in front and rear ends, and of course they put a whole different suspension and interior and all of that. That red sun really has you blind.

Ford Taurus foever- “Lightning GT” never going to happen….

I think the same exact thing mayer_ray_nagin. I don’t get why Japanese hybrid cars have to be soo ugly looking. Except for the hybrid variants of other production cars. And Honda’s Prius look a like doesn’t look much better.

I pray this is just a sketch, Toyota is missing the mark here. What they need to do is just offer Hybrid variants of the IS as well. Or if they want a true Lexus Hybrid come up with a new vehicle, C’mon Toyota.

By: burns

burns — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:10:21 +0000

Why bother? It’s already been shown the prius isn’t even that economic and the costs, environmental and otherwise, in making these must be huge. Weighing it down with even more Lexus toys is hardly going to help matters.

By: Z06ified

Z06ified — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:08:26 +0000

I still don’t get the point of a luxury hybrid. Those who can afford a luxury car, can usually afford the gas bills to drive it. Those who can’t are idiots. Making an environmental statement is extremely hypocritical at best.

By: tripleonefive

tripleonefive — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:51:08 +0000

Thats just a sketch Toyota would of course put diff sheetmetal and interior on the Lex version
Unlike GM FFord and Chrysler who would change the front and back lights and call it something different
Toyota and Lexus are very fwd thinking which is why they are on top in quality reliability and resale
Yea it hurts but its true

By: mayer_ray_nagin

mayer_ray_nagin — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:49:33 +0000

Does it have to use the “Prius distinct overall shape?”

Every time I see a Prius I gain more sympathy for road ragers.

By: Jigs

Jigs — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:49:29 +0000

FordTaurusForever, They wont u know why? read up on what happend to the Electric car. they scraped it why cuz oil is the biggest money maker in the world… so an electric car would mean people dont need oil as much… and its PROVEN Prius is a lie! same miles to the gal as the avrage but yet car slower crapper and uglyer.

By: FordTaurusForever

FordTaurusForever — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 13:45:42 +0000

I think instead Toyota should take it to the next level Technologically speaking. like instead of just a rebadged Prius why not make it a Total Electric vehicle Instead Toyota. Don’t be caught being upstaged by either the Tesla or Lightning GT. I think I’m turning Japanese I really think so. Think so think so.