Can't all hybrids look normal?

[mchastek]

I'm all for getting 50mpg, but I'd rather not sacrifice my pride in the process. I know they make "normal" looking hybrids (like the Accord and Civic), but why do cars like the Prius have to look so different? I find it very odd that this isn't turning away a lot of potential buyers - or is it? Make the car look normal!

[Vtwin]

I agree with you on this thought, mostly its a marketing trend set by the manufacture to make the car stand out. The dealership I work for sells Hybrid luxury cars that look, feel and drive as the gas powered ones. Buyers may want to look at the Lexus line of Hybrids.

[BluffGuy]

The customer has spoken out loud and clear, they want the hybrid to look different, that's why they buy it ! They want to be seen driving the hybrid and want everyone to know they are driving it ! Honda is dropping their hybrid because it did not sell, it looked exactly like the standard gas model, so people did not buy it. Toyota is lowering their price on the Camry hybrid because it does not sell, looks just like the gas model, while the Prius which is weird and distinctive looking, jumps off the lot and is the most successful hybrid out there. Ford's market situation is different, you won't even find many Escape hybrids on dealer lots, they sell only a small number at retail, but the fleets gobble every one up so they sell every one they produce. NY City cabs are all going hybrid, and the Escape is the closest they can get right now to a people carrier, that will change when hybrid crossovers, vans, etc become available. Right now the retail hybrid buyer in general, wants everyone to know that they are driving a hybrid, thats why Prius sales are soaring, if it looked like a regular Toyota gas model, sales would be in the toilet.