Bought an ‘07 Prius. Had to go out of state to round one up. Not really a manly car, but heck, I still love it. We considered a Civic Hybrid, but Honda doesn’t offer most of the amenities; leather seats, keyless entry, home link, cargo space, etc…
Fitting a spouse, Kindergartner, a Toddler, and a baby in the backseat is difficult, but not impossible. There’s even room for a dog carrier and some luggage as well. Don’t try this at home kids…. JK go ahead and try it. :-)
Great gas mileage (compared to my other car, a Honda Pilot SUV 4×4) at about 40 MPG with air-conditioner running. I’m usually the only one riding in it, but sometimes I carry the family in it. Especially on long hauls. Regardless of “in town” or “highway” driving, this car still gets more than 40 MPG in the real world.
TIP: Keep the tires inflated to recommended pressure. I noticed an exponential loss of fuel mileage for every lb. less than the recommended tire pressure. Always measure Cold tire pressure!
TIP: Change the oil when necessary. I have noticed an increase in gas mileage directly after an oil change.
TIP: The heater requires the engine (friction and fluid) so, if you use the heater in winter, the engine will run more, and you will use more fuel.
BTW, my Prius is currently in the body shop. I was driving it when a hail storm hit. Put about 1000 small dents in the car body (no broken glass). It kept me and my oldest son safe during one of the scariest storms I’ve been through in OK. So, I’m really missing it.
The smugness factor is out the roof! I really like taking the recycling to the MET in this puppy. ;-) Blasting NPR’s All Things Considered from the awesome sound system is a real attention getter too!
