Consumer Reports May issue compares the Prius with four midsized sedans: Chevrolet Malibu, Mitsubishi Galant, Suzuki Verona and Dodge Stratus. It beats these hands down and compares well (but doesn't beat) cars like the Accord or Camry. "The Prius blends excellent fuel economy with competitive acceleration, ride comfort, handling, and hatchback versatility." Tell us something we don't already know!! They obtained 44 mpg in their mixed driving. Fuel cost was about half of the other cars, a savings of $500, but that was gas @ $1.50/gallon. They assume annual mileage of 15k. Some other interesting tidbits: The Prius is the lightest of these cars, and is within a few tenths of a second for the 0-60 and quarter mile times of the rest. Braking distance is a bit longer, however (143 ft vs. 130-139) for a 60mph distance to stop. The Prius is the only one of the group to offer stability control. Guess the waiting lists are going to get longer before they get shorter! :clap: :clap:
They also made a "top 10" car category in the April issue (their annual auto issue) for the top Green car. Of course, it won. I'm a little surprised about the braking, the Prius has outstanding brakes. Price
I'm actually hoping the price of gas goes significantly higher. Maybe if it doubles what it's currently at, people will think twice about buying a gas guzzler....
Couldn't agree more! Prices in CA have pierced the $3.00 a gallon level at some stations, and people still idle their engines when they run errands around here and it isn't that cold anymore. Article in today's NYT claimed our driving behavior won't change until prices hit 5 and up, like Europe. Sales of SUV's continue to climb! When will we wake up?? :cussing:
Interesting that CR says Camry and Accord beat out the Prius. I'll have to read the article as one of those two cars was what I was going to buy before I lucked into the Prius. I was all set, actually, to buy the Accord (had negotiated price and was on my way that weekend to pick it up) when I hesitated and found out about an available Prius. So, at least for me, the Prius won out. So glad it did. I am absolutely obessessed with this car!
I found it interesting that 1 of the 2 'negatives' said the rear seat head rests in the lowest position were too low to prevent whiplash. Had to scrounge pretty hard for that one! Didn't mention in the positives that all the headrests are active.
My sister bought a new Camry because the bucket seats in the Accord were uncomfortable with too much pressure on her thighs and not enough under her butt. She's normal sized, not at all overweight. Otherwise, she liked the Accord. The Camry she bought is great and she loves it. She also loved my Prius, but couldn't abide the wait and uncertainty as her car was dying rapidly. Glad she bought a Toyota in any case. I think the seats in the Prius are fine except that taller drivers like myself will need some sort of cushion to provide thigh support. Without the cushion, my right knee gets sore from the odd angle of my knee joint on the accelerator. Small complaint.
Consumer Reports summary said "LOWS: Steering feel, multifunction display." So I had to look deeper: "Most audio and climate functions are located on the steering wheel, but others, accessible only through the dash display, can be inconvenient to use." It's a lot more convenient than my old BMW!
