I have come to the conclusion that I will be buying a Toyota Hybrid in the next day or 2 and I have come to the following conclusions

1) If you drive stop and go traffic, Toyota is the one to go with.
2) If you are going to be heavy on the highway driving, the HCH is the one to beat on the drivability and their drivetrain system.
3) If you are an MPG freak, the Prius is the king of the hybrid drives.
4) If you want all around comfort, great mileage and a really stable ride, buy the Camry.

Listen to me...all these conclusions and I still don't know what I will buy. But the Camry is starting to show itself as the front runner.

Don't rule out the Ford Escape hybrid. My test drive was very nice over some of the rough streets in Huntsville.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

I drove an escape with a buddy of mine and I really didn't care for it. Very plastic and boring inside. For what Ford wants for a really nice version, I would just assume go buy the TCH and save 5K.

I have an '06 Prius, but I get to drive a number of Toyota products as loaner cars when I drop my Prius off for service. I haven't gotten the chance to drive a Camry Hybrid yet, but I've driven regular Camrys several times.

The Camry is a more conventional four door sedan; larger inside the passenger compartment, more comfortable driver's seat, softer ride. It's a pretty typical "American" type car; designed for those who want to drive their living room sofa around.

Things I don't like about the Camry; very conventional car, typical less than ideal cargo space layout (conventional trunk). I don't like the layout of the instruments and controls. They're "all over the map". The layout of the controls and instruments in the Prius are all more within easy reach of my normal "sightlines" while driving the car; my eyes have to "leave the road" less while driving the Prius.

Things I don't like about the Prius are pretty much limited to the driver's seat. It isn't a great driver's seat. However, I'm talking about the seat itself. The actual seating POSITION is fine for me; very good leg room and the "right" amount of distance from the steering wheel for my arms while still allowing my feet comfortable positioning on the foot controls (I'm one of those people who like to sit fairly far back from the steering wheel).

I'm always happy to get back behind the wheel of my Prius at the end of the day after I pick up my car from my Toyota dealer's service department. It isn't a completely PERFECT car, but I haven't driven anything I'd be willing to trade it for.

After a long and hard side by side, the winner is the TCH. The deal was done last night and I am off to work for my first time in emode.

No diss to the Prius, but the deal was too good to pass up. TCH with leather, upgrade package (wheels, bluetooth, etc) and convenience package with mats/rear applique/first aid kit all at an MSRP of $28,5XX was had for $26,760.66 out the door! Hell, invoice on the car was $25,8XX. I think I got a killer deal.

On the other hand, the best I could find on the Prius was $1,250 off sticker. In so cal, they are just a hot item.

Welcome to the CLUB!

It sounds like you got a great deal and I know you're going to be happy with that car. Oh the creature comforts!

When you get a chance, update your profile and of course, after the dealer tank, please record your mileage in the database. Having a record gives everyone better insights to how to improve performance.

Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.

I consider "out the door" to include tax, etc. What is the tax rate there?

Great move on the TCH! It's a great car and in my opinion, not even worth comparing to a Prius. Prius's are I'm sure are great cars...........but much smaller and with that a rougher ride. I am very happy with my TCH after 7 months of ownership. I know i made the right choice in Hybrids.!!

Hi folks Gary here from Boston... I just bought my prius after many days of comparing cars... the prius has more front and rear leg room that the camry.. the milage is much greater than the camry.. i guess i look at is as, if im buying a hybrid, i want the car that gives the better economy.. the camry milage is not that great to make the difference in the price of the car... i love getting about 56mpg, with all the bells an whistles......

Welcome to the CLUB!

We have a Prius forum with a FAQ and all sorts of accumulated 'lessons learned.' Hopefully it will help improve performance of your new car.

We also recommend recording your mileage in our database. This provides a way you can track what is going on and what works and maybe what doesn't work.

GOOD LUCK!
Bob Wilson

Operation Iraqi Oil Freedom:

Automatic, stock, project car.

My other 1500 cc car:

Automatic, stock, backup car.
Free speech, dialog and knowledge thrives without the poison of SPAM.