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Hybrid cars
Hi all! I have a '04 Toyota Prius. It is not dinky by any measure, averages 52 mpg without driving like a grandmother, and does this in total comfort since climate control is std. The efficiency is due to regenerative braking and a continuousing variable transmission which allows any ratio of electric and engine power that the moment requires. A hybrid does not accelerate quickly, but once at speed will maintain speed with VERY little energy consumption (aerodynamic design over style). No laws of physics are violated, simply an honest effort at better milage. Detroit could have done this but didn't - ever ask why?
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Hi Ken,
Yes a '04 Prius is no Caddy, but if you drove around in an '02 or '03, it was much smaller then. The '04 Prius back seat is bigger than the Accord or Camry in knee room. These are two of the largest selling cars these days, so the beholder is referencing something else. Anyway, the choice to buy a fuel efficient car and not worry about the cost of fuel was not influenced by tax breaks, etc. It is simply a great commuter car. I do not recommend a hybrid as an only car for a family although it is very capable of being one. The trunk size is too small for trips requiring 4+ bags.
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Hi AV8R,
The Jetta TDI is a fine car. It is smaller than the '04 Prius in any dimension. I sold a 2000 Passat Wagon when I bought the '04 Prius for $21K. When the battery charge is near max, I can accelerate every bit as fast as a TDI. The Prius gets 295 lb-ft from the electric motor + 82 lb-ft from the engine, so it is a capable sprinter. The battery charge state determines standing start pickup for this reason. The reduced emission advantages of a hybrid are unmatched as compared to diesel.
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This is becoming humorous. FYI - The '04 Prius weighs 2890 lbs and is front wheel drive. I live in Massachusetts and have no difficulty in the snow. 0 - 60 takes 11 sec or 14 sec for a Jetta (90 HP) turbodiesel. My mileage does drop in January & February due to a longer warm up period and interior heating requirements. My opinion - today there is no advantage to diesel except for tractors where speed does not matter & torque reigns supreme. My Prius is approaching 9K miles with zero problems - this is a Toyota after all. Oh, the battery guarantee is 8 years/100Kmi.
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kwschumm,
Sorry about your Corolla experience. The facts (e.g. - CR) suggest your car was not typical of the brand. You'd have a hard time finding many Toyota owners, past or present that would agree they rate POS status. The Prius is certainly bland in some respects, but fuel economy, emissions and quality of build are as good as it gets. If the world wants diesel powered cars, or hybrid diesels, I will not protest. But I suspect that diesel cars are unlikely to gain widespread popularity with gas hybrids as an alternative.
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