Amazing Hybrid

I got pulled into the buying process for my sister's new Prius. I thought she was nuts. I was wrong. I was very impressed. I have driven a V6 Accord with everything on it for the last 6 years, and I didn't think highly of hybrids, until this car. The car comes with 8 available packages which incrementally add various features up to Package 8 which includes "the works." Package highlights include:

Package 1 - supplemental airbags.

Package 2-4 - airbags plus a better stereo with MP3 and backup cameras, and SmartKey - their proximity-based "key" system. Push the button to start the car. No key required.

Package 5-6 - things like bluetooth phone, JBL Premium Stereo, etc.

Package 7 - add navigation package

Package 8 - add leather

Check with the dealership, as not all packages are available. We was 1, 3, 6, 7 and 8. Mostly 3 and 8 on lots.

First, what this car is not:
1. This is not a sports car. It's not designed to "perform." It's designed to commute. Since most drivers looking for this are are in major cities, the 0-60 is probably not very important. When you're stuck in traffic, you *dream* of going 60. Personally, I'd settle for 30 in most cases. ;)
2. This is not a sport-ute or crossover. The cargo space and ground clearance are average, but not spectacular. Perhaps a full-size stroller and two large suitcases. The recessed hard-plastic storage bin in the back is nice - especially if you're carrying something messy back there.
3. A typical car - driving the Prius is more like navigating a self-propelled computer than a car. You have to relearn how to drive. As the saleperson aptly stated: It's an electric car with a gas supplement, not a gas car with an electric supplement. As such, the driver needs to learn a whole new "gear" in additon to P, R, and D. There is no N, and now you need "B" for "Braking" on long downhill slopes.


The good news:
1. This car (Package 8)got 52mpg on a trip from Washington D.C. to Norfolk, VA. So the gas mileage is spectacular. You may read reports of mileage as low as 44, but as with most hybrids, it will depend on your driving style. More conservative drivers do appear to get better mileage, but apparently 60mpg is a pipe dream.
2. It is peppier than previous hybrids. It's a four-cylinder car and it drives exactly like a four-cylinder car. Enough to get you there and stay out of danger, not enough to drag race.
3. Safety is quite good - as expected with Toyota. ABS, TCS and typical airbags are standard. Options include the side airbags and stability control. NHTSA rates the car as "good" across the board.
4. Space is good. Headroom is typical for most cars - nothing spectacular. Legroom, particularly in the rear, is surprising. We put three grown men (6ft 1) in the backseat, pulled the front seats all the way back and the knees still fit with ease.
5. Luxury options are better on this model than others in this mileage range. It has the same onboard computer as my mother's hybrid Lexus. Compare this to options availabe on the Civic Hybrid, or the Insight, and it's proof you can almost have your cake and eat it too.
6. Visibility is unusual. Forward and peripheral visibility is among the best I've ever seen. It's like driving a glass bubble. The rear window is reminiscent of the old Honda CRX, and that could prove to be troublesome. The Package 8 car we had included a rear-view camera, that was MUCH more useful, and frankly, safer than turning around like I normally do. With time, this may become a "must have" on all cars.

The baseline for this vehicle may actually be more impressive than the top-of-line. I found myself a bit overwhelmed with all the gagetry on Package 8. Without all that distraction, I found the car to be more impressive. I enjoyed the quiet ride, and that was without the sound insulation which they will gladly spray onto the bottom of the car for an extra $300.

That being said -

A. the excitement in driving this car doesn't come from the gas pedal, but rather the gas pump. This is not a sports car and it isn't going to send tingles up your spine when you hit the accelerator.
B. Price will get you. They're so popular, you can't get any deals on this car. You WILL pay sticker most likely.
C. Test-drive is often not an option. Very few dealership have any on the lot, much less one available for a test-drive. If you've been riding around in 6 or more cylinders until now - at least try the Civic Hybrid first to get at least a ballpark feel. They're not the same, but they're close.