On the fence on buying a Hybrid after owning two sports cars, will I be disappointed?

[John in LB]

My other car is a sports car... and is definitely a different experience. The sports car is about handling and power. The Prius is also fun to drive... but its more about the technology and the gadgetry that it comes with (I have the full options package with the GPS).

We are in southern California where the freeway speeds are typically 75 to 80 MPH (if we are not stuck in traffic).... The Prius seems to be fine up to about 80... I have hit a hundred, but the squirrel cage is reallllllllly spinning then...

The car handles like a typical sedan with body lean. Acceleration is reasonable for an econo car.... it is definitely not an under-performer.

Most of the hybrid technology benefits is in city driving and not on the freeway.... so, if you really plan to use the car at freeway speeds 95% of the time, I would suggest that you consider a fuel efficient non-hybrid vehicle... it will be cheaper and give you most of the bang that you are looking for. Our Prius gets consistently 43-44 MPG... and you can really see the difference with the hybrid technology when we do a lot of city driving.... in that situation, the fuel economy does NOT drop.... just stays at the same level.

The car is very reliable, easy to use and fun to drive - because it is "different".

[JimboK]

One more comment on acceleration: It is more than adequate, though a bit deceptive. The continuously variable transmission doesn't give you the "jolt" into your seat back as it shifts during a hard acceleration. That's because it really isn't shifting in the conventional sense. You might actually think the car is hesitating as you slam the pedal down, and then in a few seconds you glance at the speedo and see 60 MPH. I call it "sneaky quick."

[livininspirit]

My previous car was a 2004 VW Jetta 1.8T. It was by no means a real sports car, but the turbo was surely fun, and handling was awsome. I drive up to Big Bear Lake (mountain roads) 5 times a year, and that Jetta was def. fun passing people up and taking corners.

Now I own a 2008 Prius pkg 2, its a complete different feel. Handling is probably half as good, acceleration doesn't push you back to the seat, and yes if you do get on it, the engine is quite loud. Now I'm not bashing the Prius, I actually like the fact that it's all of the above because then it makes me want to drive slower.. I mean they did a study, if you speed, over a 30 minute commute you only save 75 seconds... so to be honest, speeding doesn't really save much, but waste far more gas.

Anyways, my conclusion is I still miss my Jetta sometimes, but Prius def. change the way I drive and I love getting 49 MPG.. that was my very first tank, filled up last night. I only filled up 7.2 gallons, and the gas pump nozzle clicked off, i was like.."what?? one of those broken nozzles again.. " so i kept on trying to pump it, until I realized...... right... i only have a 10 gallon tank with 2 bar of gas left.... total cost.. $28.00 for gas heh =) can't be happier.

[PRIUS007]

I drive this when the weather is nice and on the weekends


And this as my daily driver


I love my Prius and can't say enough about it. I actually think I brag and talk more about my Prius than I do the 505HP Z06 Corvette.

The Z06 Corvette with 505HP is a street missile, no question about it. This car is so crazy fast it's scary.

The Prius isn't really any dog in my opinion though. I don't have any issues driving this car every day to and from work and absolutely LOVE it.

It performs well, handles just fine, gets great mileage and is just overall a blast and a fun car to drive!!!

[lefat1]

[quote]Dear Sluday:

When I pass, I click the A/C compressor off (there's a handy switch) and just punch it. This is not an inconvenience for me, because my history is not with huge horsepower cars, and since I was a kid I've clicked the A/C off temporarily when passing.

why do you do this, the a/c compressor is not driven by the ICE as with non-hybrids

[okiebutnotfrommuskogee]

Originally Posted by MontyMan

Dear Sluday:





For myself, I can say the Prius definitely has passing power. When I pass, I click the A/C compressor off (there's a handy switch) and just punch it. This is not an inconvenience for me, because my history is not with huge horsepower cars, and since I was a kid I've clicked the A/C off temporarily when passing.




........MontyMan.

Sorry, just took another look and saw that your car is a 2001 with engine driven compressor. My mistake!!

Just curious as to why you click off the AC compressor since it is not driven off the engine and would not rob power from it during passing?

[sluday]

Originally Posted by Fred_H

Take a thorough test drive.
After a very thorough test drive (400 mi. vacation rental), I didn't have the slightest doubt, and I could hardly wait to order mine.

I did take it for a test drive but not at highway speeds. I was on a 50 mph road at a got up to 65 briefly and the car felt solid and was not sluggish. All the interior gadgets are there to feel close to luxury which was nice.

[sluday]

Originally Posted by Boo

If you decide on a Prius, consider getting the Touring Edition for its improved suspension and bigger/wider tires.

I would get package 5. Don't really want the leather.

[triumph1]

I got rid of my '07 Vette for the prius. I drive 87 miles a day, and the Prius will save me 3000 per year. No regrets. I have a motorcycle if I want to go fast.

[Sheepdog]

I love the Pri. I love it so much we now have two! I think that makes it "Prii".

I am technically trained from the AF and college (Electronics Engineering BASEET) and went that way as my boyhood hero was Engineer Scott from Star Trek. This car is as close to Star Fleet as any I have seen yet.

It is a radical departure from Henry Fords cars. This car is computers and engineering first then wheels to make it roll. Almost everything else other than doors is magical.

I am continually impressed and amazed at the application of science in this little car. It really is ahead of it's time.