My husband didn't get our Prius for environmental reasons either. He was originally in the market for a new SUV after he was in a crash with our old Explorer.
Since he was test driving cars, he decided to test drive the Prius.
He thought it was more fun to drive than the other cars he was test driving. He was sold. He loved how the gas engine turned off at lights, he loved the acceleration. He also liked the technology of it.
This possibility seems to escape the hysterical crowd here.
As an engineer, I was fascinated by the technology, the implementation and the actual experience of driving one for an extended period.
I commuted almost 4 years in my 2003 Prius. Loved it, was never bored.
Whenever I am dumped on, I simply switch the subject to my 4-Runner...