I had to cut 3" PVC for the toilet drain the other day from the basement ceiling. The hacksaw wasn't doing justice. It works fine on 1-1/2" though. I used a sawzall. Much easier.
Made a handful of cuts on 2" PVC with my miter saw (24 tooth blade) recently and found out just how big of a mess it will make. PVC dust sticks to absolutely everything so either do it outside or have a dust collection system set up.