The Infamous Prius

Rachel Walla

Ever since the introduction of the Prius to the United States in 2001, it has been gaining in infamy. Please, don’t confuse infamy with popularity, because I think it would be wrong to say the Prius has ever been cool, and to clarify my previous statements, they are not at all, in fact, like a compact Mustang. Sorry Mustang. The interesting thing about the Prius is its ability to be famous for everything except what it was intended for; being one of the most efficient and most green vehicles sold in the nation. No, instead the skanky Prius has gained in popularity by way of Paris Hilton, using its less classy tendencies to work its way into the butt of jokes everywhere.



The Prius has slowly worked its way into our pop culture from Comedy central jokes about Al Gore making out in one, to Andy from The Office attacking Dwight using only his Prius as a weapon. Luckily, Dwight wasn’t hurt, although his right leg did fall asleep a little bit. Using its size, mileage and most of all its questionable reputation, this little hybrid has craftily gone from a little known fuel-efficient Plane Jane to a full blown media you-know-what. This rice-grinder has downwardly spiraled its way into the sleaziest of all innuendos. It lowered itself to being used as a place for homeless men’s indiscretions in Will Farrell movies, and then to having distasteful acts in the bedroom named after it. Remember the South Park where Kyle’s dad buys one? Even there, where the Prius is being recognized for its Hybrid virtues, it’s still ruining lives and reputations. Interestingly enough, 57% of Prius owners say they chose this vehicle because, “It makes a statement about me.” When Prius owners on prius.com read the jokes made about their trashy little automobile, they quote, “That means it’s becoming known in pop culture, that’s a good sign.” Clearly, they are also of the mind that all media is good media.


Because the Prius is silent when traveling under 5 miles an hour, I never heard it sneak its way into pop culture. Then quite suddenly, without reason or warning, it arrived with nothing to credit it except a skanky stream of jokes that seem to be only gaining in popularity. Welcome to pop culture Prius, you Paris Hilton of the auto world.