Alrighty. A friend came to visit me driving this puppy, and it was the strangest, coolest ride I have ever had. First off, you can drive it like a bat out of hell and it still gets that crazy 60mpg or whatever. Yes, I should know that stat, but one of the appeals of having a hybrid is that it almost frees you to be the stereotypical lazy American. Almost.

The strange thing is that when you take your foot off the gas, there is no engine-running sound. It is quiet as a traffic cone. And the magnetic key doesn't even need to be put in the ignition. Like a keycard, you can wear it and just be reasonably close to the dashboard, and off you go. Haven't seen that new bubble-VW yet, but until then, this car has my public-transportation-user-vote. (via Jillita)

Handles beautifully, smart design, deceptively decent interior room and storage, great looking, gas up sparingly, save the environment. All around top flight automobile and a can't lose. And it's got Toyota dependability.

I bought this car (2007 model year/package #6) primarily because it allowed me to gain access to the carpool lanes in California (my commute time has been greatly reduced thanks to the Prius). The green factor was a very positive plus and the gas mileage (I average 47 MPG) is very nice. The interior room and amenities are surprisingly good. I especially like the hands-free Bluetooth phone feature (green-safety anyone?) and the Smart Key.

pretty awesome green technology ...little bit pricey but worth it

Now that the 2007 model is out, and because of the Hollywood factor, in Los Angeles the waiting list for a black Toyota Prius can be up to 6 months, if you want the leather seats and all the options. These include all kind of cool scifi gadgets like bluetooth to pair your phone to your car, a central touch screen with GPS navigation, and a rearview camera, and RFID keys that you can leave in your pocked and still unlock and start the car, and best of all a place to plug your iPod.

So does this mean that the L.A. crowd is getting green and trading the Hummer for the eco-friendly Prius? or is it the lure of the special DMV exemption that allows the hybrid vehicle to use the carpool lane even with a single rider?

Regardless of the motive, a desire to have a slightly smaller carbon footprint, or just because Leonardo Di Caprio, Salma Hayek, Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz have one, there is always a good reason to drive a Prius. (via oO's very eclectic)

Excellent mileage. Great statement.

What it says about my integrity alone is worth the extra $10K. Plus mine is black like an evil spaceship. (via Toyota)