Prius v vs Honda Fit vs 2012 Impreza Hatch

Our situations are similar, as I've wanted a hybrid for a long time as well, but am currently driving a Honda Fit. Part of the problem for me making a change now, IS how much I do like The Honda Fit. I think your observations are spot on accurate.

However for the OP? The real key to my recommending The Prius is he say's he needs to transport a family of 5. While possible with a Fit? Not even in championing it, could I honestly admit it would be ideal or compete well on that front with the alternatives he is considering.

 

I got a Prius v !!!



... brochure


Hey, it's nice to look at

Took another 10 minutes in a v Five. This is no 2011 Prius, it is upscale I'm tellin' ya. Check it out.

 

If you like the way your Saab drives, do yourself a favor and check out Mazda5 as well. For the price of Fit you will get Saab's space and the driving experience that will remind you of your Saab much more than any other car mentioned in this tread. The previous generation (up to 2010) had minor suspension problems (bushings); the newer cars seem OK. As for horrific resale - yes, but only if you prefer a slushbox. The manual transmission equipped cars, on the other hand, keep their value very well.

 

eCVT is good stuff. No shifts. My Accord Coupe can bog at certain throttle settings getting on freeway. I should manual shift it. Only manual trans I would buy would have 2 wheels.

Prius is often smoother than Accord automatic when getting on freeway.

Driving experience doesn't mean too awfully much to me in SF Bay Area while driving in soup of cars everywhere. Just wanna get from A to B in comfort, efficiency and reliably.

We have a Mazda 626 in the house. It's old, 1992, but only 125k miles. The repairs are getting expensive, really. $800 for A/C compressor. $600 for bad heater core. More last year.
It smells like burnt oil after pulling in garage.

I've talked to pro mechanics. They say Mazdas are decent when newer, but when they get over 100k, it's downhill. They cost less, but I'm inclined to believe their components are quite a bit cheaper. My '88 Toyota pickup at 110k miles has needed fewer repairs than the 626

I was looking at Mazda3, but had to pass. Plus their dealer network is 1/4 of what Toyota and Honda have here.

Plus the character lines and the stupid smiley grill are lame on the Mazda5.

 

I concur, if the OP will be regularly transporting 4 passengers, they'll be much more comfortable in a Corolla or larger vehicle.

OP, just curious, which other vehicles did you consider and decide against? There are a few others I think would be quality rides but would prefer not to waste your time and suggest any that you've already ruled out.

 

Forget 5 in a fit, it's just too small.

If it's 5 on short trips, just get the 3rd Gen Prius. Just clocked 55 MPG on dash and 60 at the pump.

v is nice and classy though. Plenty of room. Super practical and efficient.

Impreza will not get you over 25 MPG day in and out. Will struggle for low 30s on all highway. maybe less.

If don't like Prius, Rav4?

At 6'2", I cannot drive a Fit. Headroom ok. From waist down, it's all bad.