I like it a lot!
That said, it does not fulfill a vehicular need that I really have - my needs:
1. Need for Speed; fun old sports car -- hotrod 911
2. Need for a high ground clearance, high traction vehicle -- Subaru Forester is as close as I can come on that w/o getting a Jeep
3. Need for good traction in snow - Forester
4. Need for a camper -- VW Vanagon
(if I could get a Syncro Westy with a/c and more power, that solve a lot of problems)
5. Need for the smallest roadster with decent power and great handling -- currently unfulfilled since I got rid of my Boxster S lease some years ago
I don't drive so much as to really need a high mileage vehicle -- I spend more on coffee every month than I do on gas.
But the Prius is interesting for its drive system, which I hope to see in a Syncro Westy like vehicle before I am too old to enjoy it.
The engine vs. elec. motor drive is extremely well integrated and I'm sure it will only get better in the future.
Also, the gas mileage is great - I am getting over 45 mph on every (in town) trip. If I did a lot of freeway long-trip driving, I'd get a diesel Benz or VW, but the hybrid system is better on hilly blue hwys, and in town. I'd like to try a Volt but they are not in rental fleets and the only guy I know with one is a neighbor's son in PDX who visits here once in a while.
here is an under the hood shot --
