Over the past five days, I feel like I've driven enough of the Prius to really know the vehicle. I've clocked almost 500 miles on the Prius and I've yet to fill the gas tank. (Final MPG: 490 miles on 9.89 gallons equating to 49.9 miles per gallon)
I've been asked more times than I care to count this week, what I think about the car.
The short answer is: The Prius is thrifty on gas, but isn't the car for me.
If you are looking for a vehicle to get you from point A to point B that is reliable, that is easy on the pocketbook, that can carry 5 people and have room in the back for groceries, this may be the car for you. If you're looking for something sporty or luxury, keep looking, the Prius is neither of those.
For most of my life, I was not a driving enthusiast and I didn't really realize what the difference was in cars. I figured if it had four wheels and it drinks gas, it was a car, and I couldn't really understand how someone could spend twice as much for a BMW when they could buy multiple Corollas for the same price. After all, they both had the same number of doors and could hold the same number of people.
The appeal and demand of the Prius, I believe, is driven mainly by people who are not driving enthusiasts. For the average driver, the Prius is a perfectly acceptable car, and offers them everything they want in a transportation vehicle, as well as offering a small amount of status (in owning one of the most in-demand cars in the United States) as well as doing the environment some good.
I think of all the people who have seen the Prius, it's my neighbors who will miss it most. The Celica is a lot noisier when it pulls up.
Pros: Excellent gas mileage. A very cool LCD touch screen. Cool futuristic gadgetry.
Cons: Interior feels cheap. No leather option. Handles more like a SUV than a car.
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