I remember watching Top Gear (British car show) where they matched a Prius with a BMW. They drove the Prius around the track, full blast, for 10 laps, with the BMW following, to compare gas mileage. The Prius got 17 mpg, the BMW got 19 mpg, which tells me it matters less WHAT you drive, and more HOW you drive.
We own 2 paid-for vehicles, one is a Ford SUV. I'm often asked how I can afford paying to fill up my 30-gallon tank. My answer is, I pay $100 a month for gas, but nothing for a car payment. Why would I trade that for a $250 or $300 car payment, just so I can pay $50 a month for gas? The last person I said that to said, "Oh, I've never even thought about that...."
I've owned the SUV for 14 years and been in 3 accidents, all 3 were the fault of the other drivers, who were all driving compact cars. Every car was totaled, while 2 of the accidents left no marks on my SUV and the 3rd accident required replacement of a side panel - it was still drivable.
I'm glad you found the Prius satisfactory. I'll stick with my SUV.
