also - remember, the Prius has all the modern safety and emissions features - IIRC, it is PZEV. That makes a comparison to a Sprite inappropriate - if other reasons do not.
If you don't want one, don't buy it. But please don't spread lies about the car, just because you are a right-winger.
Toyota Prius Tops Consumer Satisfaction Survey
http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news04/2005/cr_consumer_satisfaction.html