Happy Toyota Prius Owner Since 2004
Yep, I am a rabid Prius owner. I got it for the environment. I love it for the mileage, especially after the gas prices here jumped over $3!
When hybrid cars first came out in Japan, I thought I'd wait a few years until they'd worked out all the kinks. The first models were smaller than a Toyota Corolla and had the battery hogging the trunk. Once I saw the 2004 liftback Prius with the battery hidden under the seat, I said, "It's time." I was lucky enough not to have to wait long, although I wound up paying more since the only model available was fully-loaded. In retrospect, the extras I got (GPS, keyless entry, bluetooth connection allowing hands-free cellphone use) are some of my favorite features.
The Prius is a leap forward, but in fact I'm hoping for cleaner alternatives in the next decade. The great thing about hybrids is that they're convincing car companies that alternative technologies are viable. When I first got mine, it was the only one in my neighborhood. Now they're everywhere. Increasing customer demand will encourage companies to compete in developing more gas-efficient and eco-friendly systems.
The graphic, above left, is a mini version of a T-shirt and bumper sticker design I've created for the happy hybrid owner. See below for a selection of reasonably-priced gifts featuring this design! New! Now available with the alternate slogan, "My hybrid kicks gas!"
Photos of My 2004 Prius
2004 Prius: Glamour...
2004 Prius: Close-up...
My 2004 Prius
About My Car: Honest Answers to Common Questions
- Real honest-to-gosh mileage: About 40-42 mpg.
- Tank is about 10 gallons, and I usually go about 370-400 miles on it.
- Handling and pickup comparable to a well-maintained Corolla or Camry. Switch between electric and gas feels like changing gears in automatic transmission.
- My friends in Boston say theirs works perfectly well on snow and ice.
- Gasoline engine turns on automatically when battery drops to about 1/8th charge or when accelerating. Turns off while idling, driving at low speeds, or (sometimes) coasting.
- Keyless entry means the key is a transmitter, and car unlocks when you touch the door handle. Can be disabled (key includes old-fashioned key inside).
- TONS of cargo space, including two glove compartments and hidden suitcase compartment.
- GPS system stored on DVD, which can be replaced/upgraded. Works like Google Maps, including yellow pages. Directions provided via voice and/or moving dashboard map.
- Spare tire and jack under floor of trunk. Usual crummy jack, but the spare's good up to 50 mph.
- Most Priuses sold with a warranty on the battery for 8 years or 80,000 miles.
- I haven't had any maintenance problems in the first three years (knock wood) except for a couple flat tires, which may be due to heavy construction around here. Bridgestone tires I replaced them with seem sturdier.
"Yes, I Love My Hybrid Car" Gifts
I created these after answering this question in gas stations one too many times!
You already save money and gas; now save time by letting these unique gifts speak for you!
Hybrid Car License Plate Frame
Price: 11.99
Hybrid Car Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Price: 20.99
Hybrid Car Trucker Hat
Price: 12.99
Hybrid Car Magnet
Price: 2.49
Hybrid Car Green T-Shirt
Price: 16.99
Plug-in Hybrids: Even More Environmentally Friendly
Get More Go for Your Gas!
Here's the complete scoop on Plug-in Hybrids, which convert your hybrid into a super-hybrid that runs like an electric car for the first 40 miles or so and gets 100-150 mpg before reverting back to normal hybrid operation!-
Convert Your Prius to a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV): Even More Gas-Efficient!
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As a Prius owner, I was recently invited to be part of a focus group for Hymotion Hybrid Plug-in Conversion Kits. We weren't told what the focus group was for until near the end of the meeting -- I and the other Toyota Prius owners assumed it was a c...
You May Be a Hybrid Car Addict If...
- You find yourself cruising the neighborhood in "Stealth Mode" with the windows down so you can hear how quiet the car is.
- You actually smile when you see the gas station price over 3 bucks a gallon. (Ha-ha, what do I care? I only have to fill up once a month!)
- You enjoy talking to the GPS, and randomly search for Chinese restaurants or figure out how long it takes to drive from Los Angeles to Toronto while stuck in traffic jams.
- You try to puzzle bystanders by saying, "Open Sesame!" as you walk up to the car, causing it to unlock at a touch.
- You used to sneer at Lexus commercials advertising keyless entry and other frills like they were some sort of newfangled gimmick unique to luxury cars.
- You enter car sweepstakes hoping to win so you can sell off the car you win and buy a second hybrid.
- Watching Anakin Skywalker fiddle with the controls on his podracer reminds you of the dashboard display fuel monitor.
- You can't remember where your key is. Or even your cellphone. It's plugged in somewhere; you just use the car's touchscreen to dial!
- You enjoy cruising along at 70mph trying to keep your fuel consumption above 45mpg.
- You count Priuses while out and about, and feel like you can't pull into your driveway until you've passed at least 5.
Gifts for Toyota Prius Owners
2007 Toyota Prius TrueVue Anti-Glare Navigation Screen Protector
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2008)
Toyota Prius, '01-'08 (Hayne's Automotive Repair Manual)
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 07/05/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Toyota Prius Repair and Maintenance Manual: 2004-2008
Amazon Price: $44.07 (as of 07/05/2008)
Usually ships in 24 hours
Toyota Prius 2004 Black 1/43 Scale Diecast Model
Amazon Price: (as of 07/05/2008)
A Few Good Hybrid Sites
- Green Car Guide - Edmunds.com
- The Edmunds.com Green Car Guide features tips and advice on shopping for a fuel-efficient car, alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, improving gas mileage, and oil prices.
- Research Hybrid Cars
- Articles, Information, News & Comparison of Hybrid Cars.
- HybridCars.com
- Bigger site with hybrid vehicle quotes and buying tools, daily news, blogs, community forums, and free hybrid owner pages.
- U.S. EPA Green Vehicle Guide
- Official EPA fuel economy, air pollution, and other green vehicle information. It looks like they've finally fixed the way they measure fuel economy so that it's not dependent on sticking a sensor in the tailpipe and extrapolating from emissions -- this worked fine in the 70s, but with low-to-zero-emission vehicles, there was nothing to measure!
- Green Car Company
- "At The Green Car Company our goal is to bring awareness and educate the mainstream American population about how their transportation choices affect the environment. Our main focus is on CO2 reduction to combat global warming through the use of biofuels such as Biodiesel and Ethanol..."
- Car Talk
- Two really funny radio guys who know a ton about cars and maintenance. Great resource for all car owners.
More Fun Hybrid Car Gifts
Hybrid Car Kicks Gas License Plate Frame
Price: 11.99
Hybrid Car Kicks Gas Button
Price: 2.49
Hybrid Car Kicks Gas Teddy Bear
Price: 14.99
Hybrid Car Kicks Gas Sticker (Bumper)
Price: 3.99
Hybrid Car Kicks Gas Organic Cotton Tee
Price: 18.99
New Igo GREEN Tip of the Day
Google News Search: "Hybrid Cars"
- Hybrid Cars to Save the Green - Both Dollars and the Environment
- How to save on gas has become a question many seek the answer for Magnus Robot Fighter one answer to...
- Hybrid Car Insurance - What’s Up With It? By Francine Gielis
- Buying a Hybrid Car is in! You are thinking about Going Green, and doing your part for the environme...
- Hybrid Cars: The Financial Case
- After crunching all the numbers, I've come to the conclusion that going for the Camry Hybrid nets...
Got a hybrid car? Share your love!
If you have a hybrid and you love it so, tell the world here!
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RinchenChodron
I love your buttons and clothes. Great lens. Posted July 04, 2008 |
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kiwisoutback
Don't have a hybrid, but this lens is very helpful! This car isn't so easy to get right now, as you can imagine. I featured it on our road trip preparation lens! Nice work. Posted July 01, 2008 |
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Hhank
Nice lens, I have bookmarked this lens and given you a 5 star rating. Very comprehensive. I am working on a series about acne treatment and skin care. Posted June 29, 2008 |
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youhavegottobekidding
Great Lens. Yes I totally agree with the auithor, Hybrid cars could really help the environment and your savings. Posted June 29, 2008 |
