Hi,<br><br>Just got my copy of the Oct/Nov issue of Home Power magazine. In it there's an excellent 6 page Prius article with pix including Energy displays.<br><br>Very supportive of the Prius, except I disagree with the author's statement that the Echo is a "dead ringer" for the Prius. Yes, there's a similarity, but I can certainly tell the difference when I see them.<br><br>Worthwhile checking out and BTW, Home Power is a great mag for anyone interested in alternative energy, efficiency, sustainability, "green" living etc.<br><br>Ken

Funny you should mention the 'dead ringer for the Echo' line. As I drive around town, Echo owners will sometimes flash their headlights at me. Just this weekend as I walked out of the Stop 'n Shop, I headed toward my car and as I got up to it I noticed that it looked 'funny'. I walked around to the trunk and the license plate wasn't mine. Then I realized that it was an Echo and my Prius was in the next row of cars. DOH!<br><br>I think they are very similar. Yes, the Prius is nicer, faster, more roomy, and costs nearly $10K more.<br><br>I wonder if Toyota will bring out a Lexus version of the Prius? Nice fat tires, beefy suspension, higher amp capacity battery pack, leather adjustable seats, wood trim, maybe even a sunroof. I'd be willing to give up 5-10 MPG for all of that.

As far as the Prius being a "dead ringer" for the Echo, I have to admit I had trouble telling them apart when I first became interested in the Prius. I have a short list of things to look for:<br><br>1) Battery vent on driver's side<br><br>2) From the rear, it is obvious, the Echo's name is emblazoned across the back and the license plate is lower<br><br>3) From the front, I believe the hood is more deeply creased but I'm not certain<br><br>4) From the passenger side I usually can't tell.

look at the radio antenna - the Prius is in the center - easiset way to spot the dif.

And don't forget that Prius has its radio antenna in the center. Echo's is on the driver's side.<br><br>--gc