Look what Consumer Reports had to say about the Prius C

[Stanton]

Source: Consumer Reports
Toyota Prius C. The C is the least expensive Prius hybrid, getting 37 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. It's not to be confused with the mainstay Prius that has earned Toyota its well-deserved mileage-leader reputation over the past decade. The C "suffers from a stiff ride, noisy cabin, slow accceleration and cheap-looking interior trim." Buy a Honda Fit, a non-hybrid, instead, the magazine recommends.

 

[cwerdna]

Source: Consumer Reports
Toyota Prius C. The C is the least expensive Prius hybrid, getting 37 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway.

No, it got 43 mpg overall and 48 mpg on the highway. See http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/02/the-most-fuel-efficient-cars/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;, http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/best-worst-fuel-economy/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/best-city-highway-mpg/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. 37 mpg on their city test is the best of ANY non-EV and non-PHEV on their tests.

There's been a lot of discussion over on Priuschat about the review, whether it was "fair" or "right", etc.
http://priuschat.com/threads/consumer-reports-twists-the-knife.113093/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://priuschat.com/threads/consumer-report-video-review.109955/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://priuschat.com/threads/cars-com-defends-the-prius-c-from-cr-report.110068/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://priuschat.com/threads/consumer-report-responds-to-criticism-of-their-review.110425/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Right or wrong, the Fit has always done well in CR's tests, even though I wouldn't ever buy one. Gas mileage seems to play little or no role in CR's test score ratings. The Prius c didn't do well in their test scores. See http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/2012/05/top-cars-in-our-tests/index.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for their best/worst scorers.

I wouldn't buy a Prius c either. If my 06 Prius were totalled, I'd buy either a new or used 3rd gen liftback (aka regular Prius) or a '12 HyCam to replace it.

 

[TLeaf]

We did happen to buy a Prius C as a replacement for my girlfriend's '93 Civic, and I do have to admit it is an appreciable step down from the comforts of the LEAF. That said, the C was effectively ~$3K cheaper than the LEAF and has worked out phenomenally for city driving (70mpg not uncommon) and OK for long-distance cruising. The C turned out to be exactly what I think Toyota was aiming for: an affordable hybrid aimed at the younger crowd for whom the likes of BMW-class luxury is unknown.

Just as with the show Top Gear, you have to realize that CR has their set of criteria and rates all cars to those criteria, fairly or not. Asking either of these organizations to rate the LEAF or the C would be like asking the organizers of the Grand Ol' Opry to rate Justin Bieber; they're using the wrong metrics for the target audience.

 

[gasmiser1]

Source: Consumer Reports
Toyota Prius C. The C is the least expensive Prius hybrid, getting 37 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. It's not to be confused with the mainstay Prius that has earned Toyota its well-deserved mileage-leader reputation over the past decade. The C "suffers from a stiff ride, noisy cabin, slow accceleration and cheap-looking interior trim." Buy a Honda Fit, a non-hybrid, instead, the magazine recommends.

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I disagree with CR. I rented a Prius C for 3 days and loved it. I logged 650 miles and found it a refreshing change to my 2010 Fit. Overall gas mileage in the "C" was 46mpg over the 3 days of mixed 75% freeway and 25% city driving. Typical Fit mileage is average 33mpg with the same driving.

Level 3 Prius C trim package is $20,800 plus tax/license. For a new hybrid, that's a bargin.

As a former 2006 Prius 2 owner (Replaced it with the LEAF), the "C" is a bit noisier than a Prius 2 or 3. But quieter than the Fit. The Fit is really just an entry-level Honda.

Overall, the Prius C is a superior built car as compared to the Fit. The "C" has many more features than the Fit. The Fit does have a harsh ride, noisey and cheap-looking interior trim. I really don't care for the Fit. Although the acceleration in the Fit is better than the Prius C, I'd trade my Fit for a C any day :mrgreen:

 

[TomT]

We drove a C. I agree with them completely. It was a miserable vehicle.

Source: Consumer Reports
Toyota Prius C. The C is the least expensive Prius hybrid, getting 37 miles per gallon in the city and 43 mpg on the highway. It's not to be confused with the mainstay Prius that has earned Toyota its well-deserved mileage-leader reputation over the past decade. The C "suffers from a stiff ride, noisy cabin, slow accceleration and cheap-looking interior trim." Buy a Honda Fit, a non-hybrid, instead, the magazine recommends.

 

[gasmiser1]

Miserable?

Ouch. Harsh.

I think for the price, it's not a bad entry hybrid car. If you're comparing the "C" to a higher price point vehicle or class, that's another story.

But comparing the Fit to Prius C, the "C" wins hands down.

 

[TomT]

Sometimes the truth hurts... I haven't driven a Fit (no interest), so I can't compare it to that.

Miserable?
Ouch. Harsh.