Prius' drive much better than the cars you are comparing them to.
We have a Prius, and it drives great. It is quieter than my mom's Lexus, and handles just as smoothly.
Last week, I had to drive a rental car because someone broke into my mini-van, and the van was getting fixed.
The little rental car got great gas mileage, and was cheap. However, even my kids complained about the car. It was noisy, and not very smooth. It handled horribly.
The main point basically is that you are comparing apples and oranges. Go test drive the cars you are comparing, and then tell me what you think.
BTW, I am not hammering on the Prius! It is all in fun at work when we argue whose car is better. :-)
It "feels" good because it has too, because you paid more.
I feel the same way when I rent a car, not as comfortable as mine.
Structurally your car is no different than a comparable conventional Toyota, which are good, solid cars.
You are not hearing the engine during startup because you are under electric power. That doesn't translate to a higher quality car.
I don't have to test drive any cars to know that the hype behind Hybrids is B.S.