We visited my girlfriend's daughters & grandkids this week, traveling from Michigan to Virginia Beach. Given the recent changeover in my vehicle stable, it was between spending an estimated $300 in fuel to drive the new Ridgeline or $130 to drive the Prius. We took the Prius as it was just the two of us with only a couple bags and had no regrets. The actual fuel cost was just under $110, averaging 52.3 MPG per fuelly. Observations: - No problems maintaining speed in the (mild) mountains of PA on I-76. - Seat comfort was fine, as we stopped for breaks about every 2-3 hours and swapped seats. - We drove one tank down to a remaining range of 13 miles and it only took 9.6 gallons to fill - plenty of reserve. - Cargo space was ample as we took a number of presents under the rear floor and used that space for dirty laundry on the way back. - The Prius was a hit with my girlfriend's adult daughters. The boyfriend of the younger daughter sniffed at 50 MPG, claiming he gets 60 in his 1990 Ford Festiva. - I never felt at a loss for power when needed, like when pulling away from a toll booth, etc. - The open area under the "bridge" was very useful for small items needed when on the road. - My girlfriend liked to creep up to 80 MPH if not using cruise control. Aside from visiting family, swimming in the ocean, & good food, the Blue Angels and other jets were practicing over the beach for the air show this weekend. Also my girlfriend (former Navy) asked her ex-husband (also former Navy) to get us on a carrier. Since most of his carrier contacts had retired, he took us where he works as a contractor at NAS Oceana. I think this beats a carrier. While I was in the cockpit of that operational F-18, a Sr. Chief walked by and asked him "Does he know what NOT to touch in there?"
This made me LOL. Love it when people use that comparison...should've asked him if his car would protect him in a minor collision or crinkle up like a soda can with no airbags, ABS, or other safety features.
