My first desire to get a hybrid car was purely based on the concept. I just wanted to have one of the first cars which (hopefully) would replace the modern gas-only engines. While I realize now that the hybrid really isn't the future of the auto industry, I think it is a great stepping stone towards a better environment and an efficient car.

The EPA estimates 52 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway, but this is not the case. My average mpg comes to around 41 mpg with combined city/highway driving. I live in Long Beach, CA, which involves a lot of city driving as well as freeway driving to other parts of LA, so both aspects of the car were tested. From what I've heard of other reports, this 40-41 mpg average seems to be consistent. Now granted, you can meet or beat this with traditional gas-engine cars, but you must also factor in the fact that this car also emits far fewer emissions than those cars.

Inside the car, the headroom is very ample (I'm 6'1", and I'm very comfortable in the car). Many people, getting in my car, have commented how much more spacious it is inside than it appears on the outside. Or, they'll get out of my car after having been in it all day and comment on how small it is from the outside. It really does pack more space than it seem like it should. Trunk space is also quite sufficient, although you cannot fold down the backseat to make more space available.

As for driving, it is really quite unremarkable. At low speeds the electric motor powers the car, much like a golf cart, and above 25 mph, the gas engine kicks in seamlessly. I was expecting this transition to be somewhat obvious, but it is even less apparent than an automatic car shifting gears. It is incredibly seamless and quiet when it switches on the gas engine and switches it off as you come to a stop light. Speaking of which, when the gas engine shuts down and you are running purely on electricity, it really is a fun time. You can sneak up on people because the car is literally completely silent. Alternately, I've waited impatiently on people to move in parking lots, because they weren't aware I was there! It really is very cool, and when you come to a stoplight in busy LA, and your car shuts off, you look around at all the other cars and imagine what it would be like if everyone's car shut off. Totally quiet and no fumes.. kinda cool.

The car is affordable at $20,000, which is nonnegotiable since this car is somewhat rare. Japan only ships 12,000 /year of these cars to the States for the past couple years. I got mine because someone ordered it, then canceled their order, but the car still ended up on a lot in Long Beach, so I didn't have to wait the 3 month period for mine. If you shop around, you can find other dealers with similar situations (although you may not get your first color choice)

The negatives: the cruise control is absent on this car, although it will be a feature in next year's model. The braking feels somewhat awkward and takes some getting used to. I can't quite describe the problem, but I imagine it has to do with the regenerative braking (the car recharges the battery as you drive it, and you never have to plug in the car, like with purely electric vehicles). Also, the gearshift column is similar to the Toyota Previa in position and motion, which on this car (unlike the Previa) blocks the driver's view of the radio somewhat. Once you get used to the car, this isn't a big deal, but it is a little frustrating at first.

Also, the dashlight positioning is in the middle of the car and high. I thought this was awkward at first, but later on I grew to appreciate it more than the traditional under-the-steering-wheel view. However, this may, at night, cause an unwanted reflection on the windshield. This can be diminished by reducing the brightness of the display, however.

Speaking of the display-- this is a really cool gadget which shows where your energy is flowing to and from at any given moment. It also shows your instantaneous miles-per-gallon. This allows you to adjust your driving patterns to get optimal mileage, which gets to be kind of a video game after a while. You need to learn how to drive the car to get 42+ mpg, but it is kind of fun. Or, you can skip the driving lessons and be happy with 35-40 mpg, of course.
Also, you can get the optional Global positioning system which then uses the display to show you the map of where you are.

Warning-- this car isn't for speed demons. You need to maximize coasting and minimize braking to take advantage of what this car can do for you. You don't have to severely alter your driving style, but it simply isn't for people who drive very fast and aggressive.

If you are unsure about the car, most places around me offered a day-long test drive for about $40, which is totally worth it to try it out.

This a very fun car which you can show off to friends and sneak up on enemies.
Amount Paid (US$): 20000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001