When I decided to go the Hybrid route, I did my research on Green Hybrid and decided on the 2005 HCH for the following reasons:
1. Interior - I actually like the dash and gauges, the soft blue light is easy on my eyes at night.
2. Previous Civic owner - I had a 1993 Honda Civic before my 2000 New Beetle, and never had any problems, plus my family is a Honda Family.
3. HCH can run on gasoline only if needed.
4. Based on the data in the Green Hybrid database, there wasn't that much of a difference, plus I drive mostly on the highway or work from home. I was concerend with all the "dead batteries" on the Priuses I was reading about when someone didn't use their car for a week or three days. Plus I've been getting 50-51 mpg.
5. I sat in the new Prius and thought the seat was too close to the windshield. I didn't feel this way in the HCH.
6. Availability and price - I could get what I wanted with no wait and no mark up. The Toyota dealers I went to were snotty and qouted mark ups of $5,000-$10,000 over sticker. The Honda Dealer I dealt with in Scottsdale (Right Honda) was nice and no pressure.

I do like the Prius. I like the hatchback design and the technology, but for now, the better choice for me was the HCH. BTW, I did drive the original Prius and almost bought one until I discovered the HCH.

Here in Phoenix, I see both the Prius and the HCH on the roads. I have a co-worker of mine who has an Insight and a HCH and he loves them both. I think Toyota and Honda are paving the way.

Bill

From the Valley of the Sun. -Phoenix, AZ