Hybrid premium for the Prius - $97?

[jelloslug]

Originally Posted by joe1347

What about using the Toyota Matrix instead of a Camry?

The 2009 Matrix is very close size wise to the Prius (it's our 2nd choice if our Prius deal falls thru). Option for option it does not take very long to get a payback for the Prius over the Matrix though since at the S or XRS trim levels it only gets 29 MPG highway.

[Ichabod]

Originally Posted by The Tramp

...The real question is: if there was NO Prius, what would you have bought?...

Hmmm... I was just barely too late to get a Honda Insight when our Camry Wagon died an ungraceful death. I would have talked myself into that if it was still available then, but it wasn't, and I think I might have regretted that one just a little.

I'd have gladly bought another Camry Wagon... that was a good car for a lot of miles.

I'd have considered a Matrix too.

[Jiipa]

When my Miata bit the dust, I probably would have bought a Mini Cooper S if there was no Prius.

[dwdean]

A world without the Prius would be a sad place, so I'm glad this only a "what if" question....

Anyways, the answer would have to be one of the Honda hybrids. If it weren't for the Prius, I'd have thought that the HCH was a pretty good car. No offense to HCH owners, but for me the Prius fit my needs better; take the Prius away and I'd have gone with the HCH.

It's sad that there isn't a decent American made hybrid. I'm glad that the big three are trying to get with the program, but the offerings are still too weak for me to have paid serious attention to them.

If my driving needs weren't what they are, I'd have also given serious attention to a Zenn.

[autoxic]

Originally Posted by joe1347

What about using the Toyota Matrix instead of a Camry?

No, my wife has a 2006 Matrix XR, and I much prefer my Prius. Our Matrix gets 31 MPG, through many fill-up calculations. The Matrix has similar cargo space, but it is taller, and the hatch window can open separate from the hatch, which does allow one to carry very long items.

The Matrix was $3000 less than my Prius, but it has fewer features. On the plus side, it has a sunroof.

[drees]

Originally Posted by autoxic

Actually, I did kind of want a Subaru WRX, but I'm glad I bought the Prius anyway.

I have one of each.

The WRX is getting a lot fewer miles on it now than the Prius, though (about 3 times less).

[Tideland Prius]

I would consider the Camry has a match but NOT the Camry SE. I don't even know why they're comparing it to the sport model other than to get the price difference as small as possible.

[ohm86]

I have been telling all those "nay-sayers" out there who ask me about the price premium over the Matrix/Corolla this for years:

I am 6'1. My husband is 6'3. In a Matrix or Corolla, neither one of us fits comfortably in the back seat (even when the front seat passenger moves their seat up a bit). In a Prius, not only is the back seat leg room adequate, I can drive and my husband can sit comfortably in the seat BEHIND me. Maybe space efficiency and comfort in the cabin aren't priorities for everyone, but I'm certain I'm not the only one out there who puts "fitting in my own car" as a top concern when buying ...

To me, the Prius can't be classed with the Matrix/Corolla. I find the roominess better than the Camry, even!

[Bohous]

Originally Posted by ohm86

I have been telling all those "nay-sayers" out there who ask me about the price premium over the Matrix/Corolla this for years:

I am 6'1. My husband is 6'3. In a Matrix or Corolla, neither one of us fits comfortably in the back seat (even when the front seat passenger moves their seat up a bit). In a Prius, not only is the back seat leg room adequate, I can drive and my husband can sit comfortably in the seat BEHIND me. Maybe space efficiency and comfort in the cabin aren't priorities for everyone, but I'm certain I'm not the only one out there who puts "fitting in my own car" as a top concern when buying ...

To me, the Prius can't be classed with the Matrix/Corolla. I find the roominess better than the Camry, even!

Yeah, we came to the Prius from a Matrix XR, which we liked but the Prius is just a nicer car. The backseat space was a selling point for us too. We had a single infant seat in the rear-center of the Matrix which worked ok but would not have with a second seat (which we have now) directly behind the front seats. Interior passneger space is significantly better in the Prius. Also, the Prius has a softer, quieter ride more solid feel (not to mention the advanced features not available in the Matrix stated earlier). I liked the cargo area and the interior fabric better in the Matrix but that's about it. To be honest the Matrix was a little rattley and handled poorly at high speeds with crosswinds. Test drive both and I think few would argue that the Prius is a superior car regardless of fuel saving.