[quote=bubble_contagion]
This is what makes the Prius so special. It is not viewed as an econobox by affluent people. Politicians and celebrities drive the Prius. It has become the acceptable car to use when the Ferrari will not do. Toyota now recognizes this and will split the Prius brand from Toyota (as it did with the Scion). I live in La Jolla and see many Prius. I also drive one.
You will not get “credit” for driving a Prius but you can pull up to the valet of any restaurant or hotel in La Jolla and people will not think you work there as when you arrive in a Corolla or pick-up truck.[/quote]
You see many Prius in all areas of the city! Just because you see them in LJ too doesn’t mean you get more “credit” there than anywhere else.
When I drive around LJ, the thought that crosses my mind isn’t “wow, I’m suddenly seeing a lot more Prius”. It is usually “wow, there’s a Rolls. There went a Ferrari.” Those are the things I see in LJ that I don’t see as often in other parts of the city.
And it most definitely is an econobox! It is bought because it gets great gas economy and has no frills.
