I am really enjoying my Prius. I drove a VW Passat (4 cyl. turbo) before this. The Prius is just as roomy inside (except the hatch is not nearly as big as the Passat's trunk). I am averaging just over 48 mpg since I bought my Prius in November. I have about 21K miles on it. The Passat got about 24 mpg, and used premium gas. The car is really cool and fun to drive. The touch screen monitor controls the stereo and climate control, as well as shows current gas mileage and other consumption information. The neatest thing about the car in everyday use is the smart key system. When the car is locked, it senses when you have the key near the car, and you don't have to use a key or press a button to unlock the doors, just grab the handle and it unlocks. Once in the car, leave the key in your pocket. The car "knows" you are there. Just push the power button and the car turns on. The car is very quiet. Once warmed up, it is completely silent at stop lights, and when driving slowly (up to about 35 mph for me). This can be fun in parking lots, where you can sneak up on people. There are lots of innovations in the Prius. A thermos-like container holds some of the warmed up coolant when you turn the car off, so the gas engine warms up faster when needed, and also provides immediate heat in the winter. The braking system recovers the energy lost during braking and uses it to charge the batteries, which also reduces wear on the brakes.
The only downside to the Prius is that you have to defend your conservative credentials because people think you are lib if you drive one. I am not big on bumper stickers, but I am thinking of putting a GOP or W sticker on the car somewhere, so people won't think I am a dem or greenie. I highly recommend the Prius.
I am not ready to get a Prius, I don't even know what they look like, unless they are that boxy little car that I see occasionally. Thanks for you very thoughtful reply.