Thanks--the reason that I'm comparing a manual transmission Corolla with a non-manual Prius is that those are my choices for a new car. I suppose I could get an automatic Corolla, but frankly the only advantage is that it would be easier to handle a coffee mug while I'm driving :-).

(You mentioned a couple other choices, including a Scion. I'll have to have a look, I hadn't thought of the Scion. I do enjoy the Corolla Wagon when it comes to picking things up at Lowes or Home Depot, but that doesn't seem to be a possibility, since Toyota is AFAIK not making wagons any more.)