09-09-09 is my 9th

I got the keys 8/21/2001. In three weeks the world changed enormously; in some ways it is hard to remember what it was like 'before'.

Most opinions I heard were fuel economy and low pollution were 'good things', but what a risk I was taking as an early adopter.

By November I had taken the interior apart for an inside bed, off-roaded on the N. rim of the Grand Canyon, but slept outside for the Leonid meteor shower (better view). What fun.

After another long trip Jan 2002, it was clearly time to install cruise control kit from metro TPN. Internet enthusiast groups already had the info I needed to not let the air bag explode in my face.

I remember some regrettable disagreements in those enthusiast groups. Also John, Graham, Michelle, Dianne, and a whole lot of other heroes. I simply cannot imagine that any other car has generated its own world of support and interesting discussion.

What a risk - ha ha ha!

By the way, John posted his "Prius mission statement" on Jul 17, 2000
9/9/9 is a gigantic day for weddings in China, because the 9 symbolizes 'everlasting'. It would not be such a bad day to get a set of keys...

 

Congrats, John! Well done -- and thanks for the (more recent) memories.

I didn't become an owner until I purchased my 2007, but I had spent years attempting to become an owner. (Lots of stories wrapped up in that one!)

My first business partner bought in late 2001, and I was immediately enthralled by the technology. The looks about did me in (though I really liked the interior), so I just couldn't pull the trigger on the Gen1. The Gen2 was my cuppa tea, but I had just purchased a new (used) car, so I held off from buying. I followed, quietly, the whole world fly by on PriusChat. I could take it no longer and got on a wait list that eventually was cancelled by the dealer (more than a one-year wait!). On and on and on until I finally got mine.

Thanks to all of the early adopters. You paved the way for us all, and the early work STILL makes a big difference!!!!

 

I was busy winning over 'she-who-must-be-obeyed' to the idea of unloading the Ford Exploader back in '04. The idea of 9-11 fresh in my mind, and with a better understanding of oil production peaking ... our neighbor doc larson had an '03 Prius. I began searching ebay for the 'new' 2004 model, just slightly used. Several months went by before a totally loaded '04 came up on ebay. The original owner was a military guy who was 'skipping out' ... rather than return to Afganastan ... and he drove it down to us. We met up at John Wayne airport, where began his AWOL/desertion jorney ... speaking of surreal.

.

 

That's awesome John. You've lived through the improvements made through three generations.

Your 2010 Prius MPG is very impressive compared to even the Iconic generation. I can't wait to find out your winter MPG.