[keat]

Go test drive the cars you are comparing, and then tell me what you think.

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.

[luckystarmom]

I know I don't hear the engine during startup, while driving at low speeds, or waiting at lights because it is under electric power. That makes it huge difference in the way the car feels. It makes it feel like a much more luxurious car.

I took some girlfriends out to dinner over the Christmas Holidays, and we took the Prius. They had never riden in a hybrid, and they were both commenting on how quiet it was at the stops.

If you are in stop and go traffic, it just makes a huge difference. If you are mainly driving on the highway, it wouldn't matter very much.