So glad you wrote your very informed rebuttal to the argument discounting the Prius. We had a 2002 and now have a 2004, and we love it. I also agree that the mileage numbers that have been cited are very low given our experience. We live in the NW with mountainous terrain. I drive about 17 miles one way to work in a mix of driving situations - country roads, freeway, and city driving. We have a moderate maritime climate, but do find that our mileage drops to about 47-49 in the colder weather and moves steadily up to 55-58mpg in the quiet sound are additional advantages to all those you stated. Besides all that they are great, dependable, and fun.