First-on-the-block feeling

The other review here does pretty well at describing the HiHy, and I concur with his comments about styling and value. Why'd I buy it? First, I was trying to unload a 2004 Sequoia that was just too big for me and stumbled into a shiny new Hybrid, just in at the dealer. Not sure what happened, 'cause they said there was a waiting list. Anyway, I wanted something 1. smaller, 2. more fuel efficient, 3. that would hold 7 people, and 4. more fun to drive. I hated the 4Runner styling enough to end my 15 year affair with that model, and the Sequoia was just too Papa Bear. Second (and maybe most important), my wife thought the Hybrid was the coolest thing going and basically talked me into it. Go figure!

The biggest kick now is dealing with the questions. What's it get for mileage? 26.5 over 3000 miles. Yeah, I know it's not Prius category, but this is 4WD and an SUV. The routes we drive penalize us because of highway miles -- the Hybrid system is most efficient at lower, variable speeds, thus it is most suited to urban commuting. It's really funny to hear the engine shut off at stoplights and it never even starts while you're driving through McD's or the mall parking lot. Using NO GAS is very cool!

BIG PLUS: This thing has VERY impressive power. It's almost spooky -- kinda like those electric trains at airports and theme parks. It just goes WHOOOSH and you're flying. I was at 80 the other day and stepped in it just to see what was left -- almost scared myself! There is some engine noise under hard acceleration, but not overwhelming. I can just barely tell when the power switches back and forth between gas and electric with just a little "judder". I like to watch the display (out of the corner of my eye, of course!) to be aware of when I'm on which power source, and the Hybrid online community has some great tips on how to modify your driving habits to maximize the system.

Yeah, the styling is really suburban soccer mom, but the 17" wheels help and I've got some running boards to go on. Wheel flares would help a bit, but I just try to get inside quickly and enjoy the smart interior and the enjoyable ride. Maybe somebody will come up with a "Pimp My Ride" concept that will rescue these great vehicles from styling purgatory.

Was it worth it? Kind of a moot point now, I did it and there's not much point in looking back. It was about the same cost as the Sequoia, and is more of what I want in a vehicle, so for me it was the thing to do. If you're looking at the mileage thing alone, the math doesn't work. Get a RAV4, maybe. Or wait a couple years -- Toyota is going to corner the market on Hybrids, and everybody else is going to tag along, so maybe we'll all win in the end.

Part of my fun is having one of the first ones. My plates say, "MYBRID". Made ya look, didn't I?!