1. In my opinion the electric motor should be considered the transmission because that's what produces the continuously varying gear ratios. The planetary gear, in my opinion, is just a power-split device in which they named the transmission because thats how the power gets to the wheels.

4. I have a picture of 10 foot lumber put inside a Prius with all the seats down. Its not volume but rather length. Did they ever figure out the volume with the seats folded down?

5. I don't know about Chicago and I don't live there, but I'm using the packages found on Toyota's website and in their brochure

The Driftwood pearl question was just an inside joke between my friend and I. In my personal opinion, the color is just a little bit too conservative. But of course it's all a matter of opinion. Since I am part of the younger generation, its not a very exciting color to me.

Thanks for your input though! Next time i'll try to elaborate more in the questions

A Prius a day keeps the doctor away!