As an HCHII owner, I have to say that the Prius is a hell of a car technology-wise. But, what do you think spurred them to come out with that car? Honda. So, Toyota trumped Honda out the gate with the Prius' technology edge. This year, Honda has provided a good balance of technology, comfort, and mileage in the HCHII. I don't think they were necessarily attempting to 'beat' Toyota, but to 'compete' with them using Honda's strengths. I believe they were hugely successful, too.

Also, it will be interesting to see what cars stay on the road longer. In a few years, we should start seeing some interesting numbers regarding blown engines, depleted power packs, burnt out motors, failing regen systems, etc.

If Honda has stayed with their strengths, I suspect they'll be on the road longer due to a little less high-technology and somewhat simpler designs for their IMA over the HSD.

Scalability-wise, bot Honda and Toyota have proven their designs to be able to scale up to standard form-factor automobiles. Our friends at Toyota will soon have a Camry hybrid available, which is a response to the success of the Accord hybrid.

Competition.... ya gotta love it!


Don