I hate Prius drivers!
You're so smug
Came across MotorTrend's Smug Alert! Paper examines Park Slope Prius Panic and, of course, I had to check it out. Apparently a NY newspaper went into a neighborhood that "so creepily resembles San Francisco" and is, therefore, home to a high number of hybrid drivers. For instance, the reporter went to a Park Slope, NY coop where 6 out of 14 cars in the parking lot were Prius hybrids, so they were interviewed on their worries of sudden acceleration.
None were worried. Instead, these Toyota Prius drivers were concerned with how a few bad drivers and an overly-sensationalized media might hurt the long term value of their hybrid cars.
MotorTrend's author called the newspaper's piece the most insightful story on the hybrid icon since the "Smug Alert!" episode of "South Park", which was actually a pretty funny episode, as there is no doubt some smugness in the hybrid community.
So what?
In my SoCal neighborhood, for instance, there is easily as much smugness amongst USC football fans driving their BMWs and Range Rovers regarding both their luxury vehicles and their football team. At least Prius drivers are deriving their smugness from trying to do something positive - not just for themselves, but for everyone and the environment.
What is football smugness about?
Again, there is no doubt that some Prius drivers are smug. It seems most of us are a little smug about something. Nevertheless, surveys prove that a huge majority of Americans are worried about foreign oil dependence, yet most seemingly just bury their heads in the sand and pretend nothing can be done. Perhaps some of this 'smugness' perception is less about Prius drivers and more about gas-guzzling guilt?
Labels: Foreign Oil Dependency, Hybrid Vehicles, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
9:21 AM
6 Comments:
I loved that South Park episode and even grabbed a jpg of the "Pious" hybrid online.
But really, what do you expect from Motor Trend? They thrive on people that drool over high-performance cars. Aside from the heavy lean on American auto makers, they'd never take efficiency over ego like a hybrid enthusiast would. I love the cars they cover, but spend my money on reality instead.
Yup. My co-workers get tired of me talking about oil independence and such.
I think mostly they feel guilty, and are tired of having to make excuses for why they "have to" drive a "farm" vehicle to work every day.
kp-
you could also make an argument that MT was complimenting the Prius, while also poking a little fun at the drivers.
this is a bit tangenital - if that's actually a word - but i was really surprised at how Toyota and Prius-defending both MotorTrend and Car@Driver were on the recalls.
I think they defended Toyota simply because that's what the facts dictated, nonetheless i have to give them some kudos for that because I've always thought they've been very harsh on hybrids and on Toyota and Honda 'blandness'.
ultimately, i think some prius drivers do deserve a little ribbing, but i think that Park Slope Prius drivers probably represent the opinion of most Prius drivers.
prius drivers have been driving these cars for a decade. the prius has sold more than a million units. according to JD Power, Consumer Reports, etc., the Prius has one of the highest rates of consumer satisfaction.
it might have been sarcastic, but ultimately, i think that's what MT was saying.
i should have also added Edmunds into that list as well.
If human nature dictates that people fear and often make fun of that which they don't understand, what does that say about Motor Trend, their article, and their anticipated audience?
when MT and others tried defending the prius during the recalls, their audience hammered them.
i guess they had to give the audience a bit more of what they wanted, a little prius bashing.
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