Basically, ditto to what Evan said, but one note: I'm not sure about 'hip' -- it's tough to call, and I'm notoriously bad at it. But I know one thing about college students: they move approximately every 8 months. So a hatchback is going to be very useful.
Isn't the Matrix also a hatchback as well as the Scion xA, xB, and tCs? Otherwise ya, the only mid-sized car with a hatch is the Prius.
I have had all doubt removed by your responses. We are going to proceed with purchasing the Prius. Now we are just down to deciding about which package to order. Thank you to everyone. David
The Camry has a very small electric motor ... 45 bhp compared to Prius 67 bhp. I was very disappointed ! The Camry hybrid is rigged for speed not mpg. So if one was interested in the Prius in the first place (fuel economy and utility - 5 door hatch) then extra money for the hybrid system is questionable. If I did any more than 40% highway and really wanted a Camry, don't buy the hybrid, get the jo-shmo reg 4 cylinder Camry. My 2 cents or small 45 bhp motor in a big bucket. CC
I wonder how much of the poorer MPG in the Camry vs. Prius can be attributed to this. (Compared to, say, ICE size/power/gas consumption, aeordynamics, etc.)
