This being an opinion piece, I realize that fact checking is not stressed or even enforced, but I think that this pieces is filled with a sufficient amount of inaccuracies to voice mention. I'll spare you any data-dump listing facts and inaccuracies, since it is after all, an opinion piece. My main complaint with the article is that the author seems to want to stress two mutually exclusive opinions. The first opinion is that we are over dependent (I question if "overdependent" is a valid word) on foreign oil. The author declares this view here: "With the overdependence on foreign oil that has our country in an economic, social and international strangle-hold..." The author then continues to express disdain for efficient hybrids, while espousing the virtue of the power hybrids and SUV hybrids here:

"Lexus, which ironically is owned by Toyota, has developed a luxury hybrid sedan called the GS 450H. Its 3.5 liter V6 engine produces 340 horsepower and goes 0 to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds, while still maintaining a lean stylish physique.

Basically, not only is she beautiful on the outside, she's also a good person who eats right, cares about the environment and goes to Husky games with you on Saturdays.

Contrast that with the 110 horsepower Prius that goes 0 to 60 mph only when it's on a downhill slope. The Prius is like the ugly girl who kicks puppies and makes you go to Saturday book clubs instead of the game.

I think we can all agree that given the two choices, there really isn't a question about which to pick."

and here

"The people who really care about those commendable efforts are the ones who are willing to pay an extra $7,000 to make their new Ford Escape a new Ford Escape Hybrid, without broadcasting to the world that they did so with a sub-par body styling."

The point of the authors conflicting views that confuse me has to do with mention of his Volvo which he has emperical data supporting an efficiency rating of 35 MPG, expressed here: "However, my beloved red Volvo S40 T5 manages about 35 mpg, despite my extremely aggressive stop-and-go driving. Given a normal driver the rate would be just less than that of the pious Prius." The point of irony is that both the Lexus 450h and Escape Hybrid get worse fuel efficiency than he is already getting in his Volvo (23 MPG and 30 MPG respectively).

As an opinion piece, I won't challenge facts, but I fail to see how the author can support is opinion that:
1) We should use less oil.
2) Non-Hybrids are capable of 35 MPG.
3) People who care about reducing oil consumption should buy stylish hybrids.

When these opinions conflict with the fact that neither of the hybrids he supports get above 35 MPG. Moving from his Volvo to a Lexus would consume more oil, not less.

As a tongue-in-cheek article it is amusing, but as an opinion piece the author his conflicted, holding two opposing views.

Sources
Opinion Piece: http://thedaily.washington.edu/artic....
Ford Escape Efficiency: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008c....
Lexus 450h Hybrid Efficiency: http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/2008c....

I think Jeff Dicksons article is written from a narrowminded point of view. The first four letters of his last name seem to be an indicator of his "bone-headed" opinions. I have said many times that I did not buy my 2005 Prius to save the whales. I bought the car when Arnold Shwarzenegger signed the HOV sticker law into effect. No looking back for me and my wife. We drive the hellish freeways of So Cal and save fuel, time, and money by driving the Toyota Prius. Who the hell cares about what Mr Dick-son drives around? If my car choice helps the environment then that is a plus, a plus I am happy to be a part of. Someone mentioned that the author may have some shortcomings that he is trying to deal with by driving some macho machine that burns rubber and belches manly smoke. I support the authors right to his opinions, after all, there are no laws against acting stupid. And guess what, surprise surprise, many of the Prius drivers are NRA members, Republicans, Conservatives and moderates, as well as some environmentalists and Christian Conservatives too. Democrats and Libertarians all drive this neat little car. I can't apologize for the look of the Prius, I did not design it. But it seems to me that looking good is more important than anything else the narrowminded author can think of. Too bad. Gas is on the rise again, good luck with your Vulva.

For me, the greatest hidden benefit of the Prius is that it has vastly improved the gas mileage of all my friends cars -- based on what they now tell me. Almost incredible the number of 40 mpg cars there are out there, now that I own one that actually gets 48. Case in point here -- somehow the Volvo V40 (EPA mileage 21 overall, as you may check on wwww*fueleconomy*gov) morphed into a 35 mpg gas miser -- if we're discussing the Prius that is. With a lead-footed driver, just for good measure. asy, with a lead foot to boot. Shoot, just park that Volvo between two hybrids and the next thing you know it'll be manufacturing gas instead of using it.

Spend a week or two with a Prius then come back to me with your opinion. Wait a minute, it will take 3 weeks to use a 40 litre tank of petrol! I'm guessing you think Ford F150s are a stylish well built vehicle suited to every driver. Shut your mouth and open your eyes.

Just about everything I would say about this inane, very poorly written article has been already said.
The phrase Jeffy needs to learn is "Fact Check". (Do they still teach this in school?) I wonder where his editors were? Or (God forbid) HE is an editor. If that is the case, the state of journalism at UofW is in very sad shape.

**TOYOTA**, not "Toyta". Jeez!

I bought a 2 year old Prius with leather and side impact bags for 18,000 when the cost of has hit 3.30/gal for regular. This was simply an effort to save money with a daily 140 mile round -trip commute. It's very comfortable, quiet at highway speeds, (good sound insulation, not the quiet ride of electrics at low speed)

The monthly savings in gas alone more than covered the difference in my new, higher, monthly car payment.

I know that you are learning a craft here. You have a lot to learn. This confirms my belief that one of the biggest problems in moder journalism is that too many people write about issues they do not understand.

Mac.

I am a Prius owner and LOVE my car. There is nothing anyone can say or write to change that fact. However, the author here is sorely mistaken in his viewpoints and needs to be corrected about several things - including his use of the word "ironic."
The following statement is taken from Wikipedia, in reference to the commonly improper use of "irony," and I agree with it entirely: "It is currently quite common to hear the word ironic used as a synonym for incongruous or coincidental in situations where there is no 'double audience,' and no contradiction between the ostensible and true meaning of the words." I often notice the way people misuse "irony" and how they throw it around without fully understanding its meaning.
I think a more accurate use of "irony," in this situation, involves the author's viewpoint in contrast to the audience's viewpoint. We could call it tragic or dramatic irony as Wikipedia defines it:
"Tragic (or dramatic) irony occurs when a character on stage or in a story is ignorant, but the audience watching knows his or her eventual fate..." So here, the author is the unwittingly ignorant character and we, the Prius owner's, are the knowledgeable audience. This is definitely a stretch of the definition, but much closer than the author's use.
I agree with the other comments that have been posted in regard to how quickly the Prius is able to accelerate and pass any other vehicle when merging onto the highway. I also agree that the design is a PLUS. My brother has the original Honda Insight, and I always admired its futuristic look. I laugh whenever I pull into my father-in-law's driveway and he yells out, "The Jetson's are here!" It makes me smile, as does driving around town, noticing other Prius' on the road, and waving to them in excitement. I love the feeling when a fellow Prius owner sees me and waves. It is like a special club....just like Larry David pointed out in that episode of Curb Your Enthusiasm, when he waved at a fellow Prius on the road.
So, no matter what any ill-informed person may say, I love my Prius and always will....I'm sure when this one is on its dying legs, I will upgrade to the next generation Prius that gets 180-200 MPG!

Obviously he is compensating for a small penis otherwise why own a Volvo? My god a Volvo! What a piece of crap. I had a PT Cruiser that looked better but couldn't get out of its own way and the best it could get was 26 mpg if you didn't use the air conditioner. The Prius gets 48 and I haven't shut the AC off since I've had it! Oh and I always pass Volvo's. You are writing an article for a newspaper and you should check your facts even if it is an article expousing your personal views. Some people prove there idiots by speaking foolishly, you sir have provided a written record.

Wow. That is one of the most poorly written things I've ever read on so many levels. The author clearly has little grasp over the mechanics of writing, the art of persuasive writing, or the subject matter on which he is writing. I don't really either, but then I didn't submit this atrocity for publication. I hope for his sake he wasn't getting graded on this, or his graduation may be somewhat delayed.

When I walk out of my door in the morning, I am fortunate enough to have a variety of vehicles to choose from for my commute. For fast, there is the Subaru WRX wagon. For big there is the Land Rover Discovery. For cruising there is the Saab Turbo Convertible. And then there is the Prius. Since it arrived two weeks ago, the car I have decided to drive every day has been the Prius. Not because I have to, not because I'm a martyr, because it is the one I most enjoy driving. Its fast enough to keep my right foot happy. Its quiet, and comfortable. Its roomy enough to carry around all the people and cargo I need. It also happens to get more than double the mileage of any of my other vehicles (4x the Land Rover).

Even as a verbally challenged engineer, I know if you're trying to convince someone of something consistency of message is key. I think thats where this piece really falls flat on its face. The authors key points are apprently:

1. Prius owners buy a Prius because of how it looks, not because its efficient, clean, cheap, and fun to drive. How arrogant and shallow.

2. People should buy less efficient, more expensive vehicles because of how they look (like regular cars). How selfless and noble!

3. We are overdependant (sic) on foreign oil, and it will be our downfall.

4. People who drive a Prius slow to get 60-70mpg using 3-4 times less foreign oil than the average driver are losers. They are just showing off.

5. The Prius is ugly, slow, expensive, and poorly made because I read it on the internet.

6. My Volvo is way better, because its mine and I'm insecure.

7. You should all buy Volvo T5s, because I get 35mpg even thought the EPA rating is 23mpg. People that do not drive as hardcore as I do will probably get like 50mpg.

8. Al Gore is a loser because his son got pulled over doing 100mph in a slow ugly Prius.

9. People who really care about saving gas, money and the environment should buy:
a. Volvo S40 T5 w/ EPA 23mpg for $28,000
b. Lexus GS450h w/ EPA 23mpg for $55,000
c. Ford Escape Hybrid w/ EPA 30mpg for $26,000

10. They should not buy a $22,000 46mpg Prius because as I said they are ugly.

I take it all back. This is clearly a very convincing set of well thought out arguments.

"The problem with the Prius is not that it relies on hybrid fuel sources to minimally propel its 12-inch wheels; it’s that it looks like a hybrid."

It's probably just as well I haven't found a gas station that sells hybrid fuel because I've managed to go much faster than 30mpg in my Prius using regular gasolene.

Amen brother. I too am tired of venturing out on the roads and seeing a ugly little car struggling to keep pace with me on the freeways of Seattle. With many other options out there I wonder why so many people still turn to the Prius and your article provides good insight about people wanting to show how environmentally friendly they can be with their wallets.

My 2004 Prius gets 46mpg WITH a lead foot. With a light foot I easily break 50mpg. The GS 450h uses the electric engine to boost power a little, but basically you'd be lucky to consistently get over 25mpg, and it costs $60K. Not exactly a fair comparison. (Also, it kinda whines a lot when you really get it going...)

I've never noticed a speed problem in the Prius. It's basically the same as a 4-cylinder Camry. Sure it's not exactly fast, but I have no problem passing people on merging on highways or whatever. When I bought the Prius I traded in a Mitsubishi 3000GT, so I am familiar with fast. The Prius is slower than the GT. So what? The GT was much smaller, and much more expensive to fill up. Everything's a tradeoff.

Do Prius buyers want to make a statement? We ALL make statements with the cars we drive-- statements about what is important to us and what we are willing to spend money on, just as we all make statements with the houses we build, the clothes we wear, the women or men we date. Prius drivers are no more and no less obnoxious than Hummer drivers. But the key is, Prius "early adopters" make their statement to Toyota-- saying (loudly) "HEY, we'll buy this technology, keep making it"-- and we've said it so loudly that Ford heard it, and FINALLY, GM is hearing it too. This is what early adopters do-- we give the manufacturers confidence to invest the money to get to where EVERYONE will want it. In about 2009 the next-gen Prius will be ready, with Lithium-ion batteries that are lighter, more powerful and cheaper. When that happens, you'll get your wish-- hybrids will be indistinguishable from other cars... Except by that point a few other vehicles will be out: The all-electric $98K Tesla Roadster will be available for the rich and famous, and for the $25-30K mainstream the 100mpg V-1 from Venture Vehicles (www.flytheroad.com) and the 230mpg (!!!) Aptera (www.aptera.com), and then there's the $17000 Loremo (150mpg). All of these will be major departures from even the new, hybrid mainstream... and again there will be early adopters... and again there will be people like you to ridicule them...

Bottom line-- we're at war, and whatever you think the reasons are, you'd be absolutely kidding yourself if you think oil has nothing to do with it. The world is heating up-- fast. By 2050 the last Polar Bear will likely drown from Arctic sea ice being completely gone. So between helping our troops, helping our planet, helping asthmatics breathe easier... why don't you become part of the solution? We need all the help we can get. Your article? Not so helpful.

If we are at war, the best thing we can think about is how others view of our vehicles. Because thinking about how attractive a person's vehicle is does a lot to help us in this war. By the way, if you had bothered to read through several of the comments, the design is not meant to make a statement. Rather, the design was to make one of the most aerodynamic cars and a 4-5 person vehicle in a small exterior. What is your example of cars that are attractive yet get better gas mileage than the Prius. Based on the EPA tests (which are the only objective comparison...anecdotal accounts don't count..http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/bestworst.shtml) has the closest minicompact car is 27/36 compared to 48/45 a difference of 78%/25% better for a car that is double the size? If people buying the most efficient car on the road bothers you because you don't like the looks or the statement you think it makes, then maybe you should spend mer time looking in the mirror rather than driving a German car so you can say you lived. If Prius owners just driving around and correcting erroneous statements about the Prius is being prideful, what is your definition of being humble?

Mr. Philebot,

Mr. Dickson is certainly entitled to his opinion. And others are entitled to point out that it is moronic. You don't get an automatic pass on drivel by calling it an "opinion." Indeed, the more extreme and counter-factual your opinion appears, the more in behooves you to provide adequate support for it if you care to promote it publicly.

He is not merely stating an aesthetic judgment on the car. If he had merely stopped at stating that he finds the car ugly, I doubt he would have received so may responses. You can make a good case that the car is unattractive.

But he chose to plow on from that simple subjective observation into an indignant condemnation of both the car itself and everyone who drives one. He based this argument entirely on factual errors, foolish comparisons, and childish rhetorical assaults on Prius owners. So I find it hard to muster much sympathy for him. That larger point is offensive and not supported by his "argument."

And he does misleadingly imply that the Prius gets mediocre mileage, by comparing it unfavorably to cars that do. It's as though he suggest that a seven foot tall basketball player is not much of an improvement over a five-footer. Preposterous. Foolish to even propose it. Deserves a spanking.

Al Gore is an "economic activist leader?"

A very lousy article concerning the Prius. Maybe Jeff has too many letters in his last name. I'm a few thousand miles into my 2007 unit and I love it. Toyota has done a lot of things right. I've always been a Chrysler or GM fan but I got tired of replacing transmissions and finding intermittent problems time after time and then paying horrendous repair bills.

The Prius drives great and I love the quiet. I can listen to the stereo and actually hear the dynamic range of a cd. Long trips, short trips, 49 mpg, and yes it almost teaches you to be a better driver than you ever were.

It just makes sense to use all of the improvements made in the internal combustion engine in over a century (along with the fuel infrastructure) and then make a large leap by combining the electric motor and the possibility of using the electric grid and better and better batteries to finally make a difference in our oil usage. I believe that hybrids and plug-in hybrids are at the right place at the right time to help us bridge the gap between fossil fuels
and our future power sources. It will be interesting to see what people will think of hybrids 20 or 30 years from now.

Sam Sharp

pruises suck. Hummers rock. pruises look like japenese fish. Hummers kill terrorists. I drive a H1 and get 2 mpg. rock on!

oops! I spelled prius wrong. It is spelled P-R-I-U-S for all of you gullible idiots.

Al Gore sucks. He says so much about saving the environment but he flys everywhere in a private jet that uses much more gas than the largest Hummer in the world.

ndevruioisdfhguherughseruhu ua rhypu ghuaeripgt aupriagtr uigtuipheruiaghewruighp hurae aipvguaebipueiyrgy7per879p8yerpurehig;p;uu uergtip aehrgu uirptgaugt upgtaeui uhuerah phera ghrawegtpy rhawehtg;uioa wtu8yawerph tg;uawegtaywh ruith uio;earyt aehy tuhreauitpweyatrheauioeawtipowareyh tuiiuwerhyatuiyawui tuwa tperity hfasdbvjihbsdvoyh y auriopwegft aeg;gthh au u taptyhutao;werhyt yt yaergt h;;ahsg ;ah hgioaer;yhnva;sihd cvnzxjkhgioawhgn;sdahiwe weaioh;t ithywo;arehf hiaeo; gthgnv;iahe h@#%!#^ %$%^@%^ @^ @^ @$ ^ %^&*# ^@#^ @$% ^%N # ^34^2$ ^@#$^ @^@% @65 @$624^ % $^%$ bnB%$@B @ b2$^ 45 $%@@$^%&^*&&$^ 56 &37 63427 2 653& 345#^& %^#& #%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

If you can't read this that means that you are a prius sucker!

Sorry about the really retarded comments. Those were posted by my Hummer loving friends. I really do love the Toyota Prius and can't understand why some people are fucking retarded!

I love hummers so does borat "they crush priuses" I love hummers sorry i cant say that enough 10 mpg beeyah!

my brova is a we tard

I love hummers.

Man, this jebidiah kid knows what he's talking about, unlike this "Andrew UK" guy. I mean what kind of last name is UK? What does UK stand for anywhay? Maybe it stands for "Undereducated KnuckelHead". All I know is that he sure sounds like one. Did your mama drop you on your head when you were little?

AHHFDHSTRHYSW!!!!!!?! I like biodeisel, ogylabolagey! UhhhhhhhhDuhhuhuhh! I LIKE TO DRINK BIODEISEL! OGLARETTONEBERATDY!

hi im an overweight citizen i drive a honda but want a @#$@ing prius so bad I @#$t myself

Thanks
love
Jebediah @#$$ face

What a bunch of ignorant posters. Especially Jeffey Dickson. The only green I care about is folding kind I put in my wallet after a trip in my wife's Prius. 48.9 mpg from Vegas to North Colo. 6 gallons from Vegas to LA, baby! Hummers, now there's a joke, unless you own the original. You H2 and H3 dweebs are buyin' Chevy Blazers and Suburbans with a different body style. HA HA HA. Anyone who thinks a Prius is slow or cramped has never been in one. For those who want to compare 100,00 mile costs w/300,000 for the life of a car, how about apples to apples. Buy all the fuel you want, I'll wave as I cruise by, silently.
BTW, 52XXL is my 1952 Ford F4 ton & 1/2 truck. Talk about a Hummer destroyer. Yes, it will hold a 50 cal in the bed or through the grille.