I'm doing a marketing research paper on hybrids and was curious if I could get some input from some Prius owners. <br><br>What factors led to your purchase? (gas milage, design, technology etc)<br><br>Why did you choose a Prius over the Honda Insight (the only other Hybrid on the market)<br><br>Do you have any complaints about the car?

To answer your questions (from my perspective):<br>1) Factors leading to my purchase were multi-faceted. The mileage was primary with a 100+ mile/day commute. The technology and design were a close second.<br>2) I wanted a car where I could a) have passengers, b) carry cargo, c) fit into. The Insight excluded itself pretty rapidly (even with the higher mileage)<br>3) Complaints? Not many, if any. I've installed the Coastal cruise, so my first complaint way back when was negated. With MY 02, this is fixed. I wish I could have more control over the usage of the ICE. There are times where *I* feel I know better than the computer how to control ICE usage. I try to do it as best I can by my driving style, but I'd like to control the other 10%. Maybe it's the domineering geek in me, but I second guess the computer every now and again. My minor complaint is that I cannot install GPS on the 2001. Rather minor, though.<br>I've found this car does not unenable me in any way from a normal car. I've taken very long trips in it, and it eats my commute for lunch.<br><br>Hope that helps...<br>:-)<br>Pat<br>IL - TO GO B 4

What factors led to your purchase? (gas milage, design, technology etc)<br>- gas milage<br><br>Why did you choose a Prius over the Honda Insight (the only other Hybrid on the market)<br>- Prius seats 4-5 vs 2 on the Insight. Needed room for the kids. Also the "automatic transmission" on the Prius.<br><br>Do you have any complaints about the car?<br>- No armrest on front seats.<br>- Gas engine is a loud at high rpms.<br>- Wheels size 14. The size 15 wheels used in Japan and UK look much better.<br>- Radio speakers need tweeters.<br><br>Overall, I am very happy with the car.

I'm awaiting delivery on an '02 Electric Green Prius--anticipated delivery Jan-Feb with order finalized 8/28. Options: Single CD, daytime running lights, floor mats, cruise control.<br><br>1) What factors led to my purchase.<br><br>I love this car.<br><br>I guess you wanted a little more than that. :) I first saw the car in roughly June when a co-worker showed me hers in the parking lot. After her 3 minute presentation I was totally obsessed. I read everything I could get my hands on and talked to other owners online. Finally I borrowed her car for a weekend.<br><br>I think for me, more than anything else, it's the overall environmentalism (more than just the mileage) of the car that wowed me. Finally a car that has the good sense not to idle its engine while I sit at a stoplight.<br><br>I also like that at long last it is a car that is ready to join the computer age. Most cars have little more onboard technology than my lawn mower. This one is a computer with wheels and well it should be. Even the "automatic" transmission that was so revolutionary when first introduced is low tech and non-"automated," in the sense of computerized. Other automakers have been experimenting with specific computerizations of on board functions, like anti-lock breaks and distributed power to the wheels to prevent skidding, but none have so completely computerized onboard functions. You don't "start" this car, you boot it up. It's not merely an "automatic transmission;" it is, in a much fuller sense, an "automatic car." And it's about time.<br><br>Once my test drive and reading confirmed that it was, in fact, a real car--practical for my family, my commute, real live highway driving at 75mph with all the merges that entails, that my requirement of cruise control (I won't drive a car without it) would be available, and that Consumer Reports gave it very high marks compared with other "regular" cars in its class, other owners were happy, I decided to buy it. I'm excited and I am anxiously awaiting delivery.<br><br>I do a lot of driving (50+ miles/day) and I love the idea that this car won't emit and won't waste gas. I also like its climate control system--no other car in this class offers a thermostatically controlled system. The small savings on mileage are nice economically, but economics are not the primary motivating factor in buying this car. There are definitely more economical cars around, and I hesitated for several months before my wife and I decided that this factor was outweighed by the cars plusses.<br><br>There are some concerns, but these, for me, are outweighed by the attractions. I'm concerned about the tire issue, and somewhat concerned about the eventuality of needing roadside assistance (but of course Toyota provides for that) or parts, but I'm pretty confident that the vast majority of Prius owners aren't having problems.<br><br>It was also a plus that the Car Talk guys really liked the car and recommended it without reservation. (Their review is in the cartalk section of cars.com.)<br><br>2) Why not the Insight?<br><br>I think the question is based on an incorrect premise, specifically that the Prius and Insight are comparable. The Prius is far, far more similar to a Honda Civic than to the Insight. I suspect most Prius owners spent very little time "deciding" between a Prius and an Insight.<br><br>3) Do you have complaints?<br><br>Yes. I don't like waiting 6-7 months for delivery. Toyota should have been prepared to meet demand before offering the car. 2-3 months would be long but 6-7 months is frankly ridiculous.

&gt;&gt;&gt;What factors led to your purchase? (gas milage, design, technology etc)<br><br>Balance of good mileage and low emissions. Wanted that SULEV rating.<br><br>&gt;&gt;&gt;Why did you choose a Prius over the Honda Insight (the only other Hybrid on the market)<br><br>Space. The Insight simply did not have the carrying capacity I needed. Also, at the time, dealers were asking thousands over the MSRP for the Insight so the Prius looked like a better deal. Finally, I have this pet theory that a taller small car is more visible and therefore safer than one that is low to the ground.<br><br>&gt;&gt;&gt;Do you have any complaints about the car?<br><br>A few; I think it look kinda frumpy. "Roller skate" wheels, squarish sides and a lack of some options like sun roof and cruise. But man, do I love to drive it.

cwback42 said on 10/17/01 6:07 pm:<br><br>&gt; I'm doing a marketing research paper on hybrids<br>&gt; and was curious if I could get some input from<br>&gt; some Prius owners. <br><br>Most of your questions have already been addressed elsewhere. Try searching the archives and the polls sections on the (much busier board) <a href=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius target=new>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/toyota-prius</a> and also the archives on <a href=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prius_friends_II target=new>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prius_friends_II</a><br><br>You may also want to check out the Insight list: <a href=http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prius_friends_II target=new>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prius_friends_II</a><br><br>Also, do note that some of us are polled out. I've already received at least 5 product surveys on my Prius purchase in the mail (all came with a $1 bribe), and some have gotten a few web/email surveys besides those...<br><br>&gt; What factors led to your purchase? (gas milage,<br>&gt; design, technology etc)<br><br>Um, other than needing a new car? Well, overall environmental-friendliness. It's a SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle), which means it puts out 90% less emissions than the standard auto being sold today, and it's one notch away from a ZEV (Zero-Emissions Vehicle). (Only 2 other production cars, which are CA-only special trim designs, also meet the SULEV status currently. (not sure about the new 2002 CVT Insight, haven't checked...) Also, the gas mileage is great. After 1 test drive, you're hooked on all the neat technology in the car, you'll love "stealth" driving (running on electric motor only) - it's fun! Also, I like the no-haggle approach when buying the car. (If you pay over MSRP for the Prius, it's your own damn fault - go to a decent dealer!) (My other car that I was looking at at that time was a Saturn LS300..)<br><br>&gt; Why did you choose a Prius over the Honda<br>&gt; Insight (the only other Hybrid on the market)<br><br>At the time I was looking, the Insight was only available as a stick/manual. I'm not about to learn how to drive a manual on a brand new car... Also, I was looking for a 4-door sedan, which the Insight obviously isn't.<br><br>And be aware, Honda is supposed to unveil the hybrid version of their Civic this spring...<br><br>&gt; Do you have any complaints about the car? <br><br>Personally, nothing major. I am concerned about the long wait times for new (replacement) parts/tires. Often a replacement has to be stripped from a not-yet-delivered or TRAC/demo car, or from the (already 3+ month behind) production line in Japan. Then again, so far the wait hasn't been any longer than that of my prior Mercury Mystique (Mistake) car (a US/Canadian vehicle), which was on the order of weeks.<br><br>Personally, I have more of a complaint about the order process - many dealers are clueless (or only know half-truths) about the Prius, and there is VERY little feedback about where your ordered car is (or even if you're in the queue) within the process of waiting up to 5 months for delivery of your car... Info regarding your car during the waiting process is very dependant upon dealer.<br><br>Some people have commented on wear problems with their tires, and a lack of communication from Toyota about suitable replacement tires other than the (obviously inferior) OEM Bridgestone XL tires. A fe

"What factors led to your purchase? (gas milage, design, technology etc)"<br><br>#1)awesome technology #2) mileage #3)low environmental impact<br><br>"Why did you choose a Prius over the Honda Insight (the only other Hybrid on the market)"<br><br>Have you seen the Insight?! I'd have to fold myself to fit into it. :) Also, I really dislike driving manual transmissions (The Insight didn't have the CVT option when I bought my Prius)<br><br>"Do you have any complaints about the car? "<br><br>Nope. Zero. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

Thanks a lot for all of your input! Sounds like everyone is happy with their purchase and eager to talk about it. I asked the same questions in a Honda Insight club and didn't get any responses. Pretty lame huh?