Jason,
Several people typically gather around my 04 Prius at work during lunch break. They always ask what mileage I get. They also ask what other Hybrids are available and how thier mileage compares. I just give them your website and tell them to look at the Real Mileage Database.

I have gotten some feedback from them and some of them get the wrong impression because they don't dig in to look at the data, just the averages. Here are a few examples:

"Looks like you got screwed. You could have gotten an Insight and gotten twice the MPG."

My reply:
The Insights typically do get better mileage, but I need a car that can carry more than two people.

Thier Reply:
"I didn't realize that the Insight was a 2 seater."

"Why on earth did you buy the new Prius HSD when you could have gotten a used Prius TSD and still get 8 MPG better."

My Reply:
The Prius HSD typically gets about 2-4 MPG better MPG than the THD. There are probably not enough data yet to show a good average expectation.


"Why did you take the risk on new technology when you could have gotten a Civic VX? The Civic VX gets 64 MPG!"

My Reply:
I don't know why the Civic VX gets such good MPG. I don't believe that the EPA estimates compare to Prius. There are probably not enough data yet to show a good average expectation.


In every case, I always tell them that they need to look at the data carefully and read the notes. I tell them to research the cars before coming to any conclusion. The funny thing is that the person who commented above about the Insight had visited both the Toyota and Honda Websites. Even though he had read about the Insight thoroughly on the Honda website and even viewed the Honda comparison of Insight to Prius, nowhere was it mentioned that Insight was a 2 seater!

By the way, I love the monthly MPG graph you just added!

Dan
04 Silver #7
EMAXX
3900+ Miles
LMPG 49.5
LMPGPPA 5*49.5. = 247.5 (Lifetime Miles Per Gallon Per Persons Accommodatable)

It's a Wonderful Day for Science!