Frankly, if I DOUBLED the fuel economy of ALL my cars combined, it would still take 10 years of $4 gas to save $16,000. It's just not worth it. I drive reasonably fuel-efficient cars, and I drive a reasonable amount.
Want to save money? Quit your 50-mile-round-trip job.
I've been in Priuses driven by crazy people. 49.9 MPG average - smacked right there on the middle of the computer screen. Let me get a hold of one and you'll probably see 55 mpg.
Throw in the fact that at 100,000 miles, if the batteries wear out (they won't), Toyota will pay to replace them and you've got yourself a winner.
For an automotive company; even if it costs a driver more to drive your hybrid - your objective is to sell them and boy, is Toyota ever doing that! When it comes to selling E36 M3, perception is 9/10ths of the law.
Okay, but let's look at why you want to buy a hybrid and if it's the best value for your use.
If it's because all the cool kids have them and you want your neighbor to see how much you're saving the planet (image/marketing), then feel free to buy one.
If it's to save money by getting good gas mileage, you're better off with something like a Fit.
If you feel morally about eliminating our subsistence on petroleum, convert a diesel to run Veg oil.
If you're out to save the air and the environment, it's not a bad option, but there are others that are cheaper and have similar overall impact.
If you want something quiet that's good for sneaking up on motherberkeleyers the Prius is a good choice.
I think I would buy the accord Hybrid before the Prius. I have been in the Toyota.. terrible seats, very plasticy interior, too space age for me.. though the centre display that tells you how the drivetrain is getting it's power is cool
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