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Happy Hybrid Owners

Hybrids • Honda Insight Complaints • Happy Hybrid Owners • Toyota Prius Complaints

Chris of Beverely MA (5/17/04):
While there may be some consumers that have been disappointed with their mileage there are also many of us very happy with the mileage we’re getting. Potential hybrid consumers should educate themselves better to know if they will get the EPA mileages listed for their vehicles.

First, to those getting poor mileage I would ask have they driven over 5,000 miles and through a full year? Typically, hybrids have a 3,000 mile or so break-in period where the mileage tends to be well below the expected long-term average. Also, mileage tends to be best when the weather is cool enough not to need A/C and warm enough for the engine to shut down. Currently hybrids rely on the exhaust to heat the catalytic converter, in the winter this means added idling or a richer fuel mix. Hopefully some auto manufacturer will fix this issue in the future.

Also, I would ask if the tires are under-inflated, do they tend to speed (especially over 70mph), have they modified the vehicle in any way (different brand of tires, roof rack, etc) or is there a lot of weight in the vehicle. All of these lower your mileage.

Also, consumers should be forewarned, at highway speeds wind resistance works very much against you and hybrid technology can’t overcome poor aerodynamics – expect the new hybrid Trucks/SUV’s to be particularly thirsty on the highway.

As for myself, I commute 60 miles a day and traded in a 25mpg Ford for a 59mpg Insight (with automatic transmission EPA is 56 Hwy/59 City). The computer tracks the vehicle's lifetime mileage, and after 60,000 trouble-free miles I’m averaging about 61mpg. Yes, in fact it isn’t too difficult to BEAT the EPA estimates once you learn to drive for mileage.

If I run the numbers, I’ve saved $2125 assuming an average price of $1.50 per gallon since switching vehicles. That’s more than enough to cover the premium on the hybrid. Plus with gas prices as high as they are now it’s a nice feeling not to have to stop so often for fuel.

As far as reliability, the verdict is still out, though by now many early adopters have passed 100,000 and 200,000 miles, so reliability looks promising. Additionally, electric motors tend to wear better than internal combustion engines (ICE) because of fewer moving parts and less heat being generated. Hybrids, while having two systems instead of one, do allow the ICE to work less hard and may turn out to be at least as reliable as a standard drive train.

As for Diesels, they do get good mileage, but produce much more carcinogenic soot than any other type of engine. Also, expect diesel to become much more expensive as new fuel blends to reduce some of this pollution become required. And the availability, odor, etc of diesel fuel do impact the ownership experience. I’ve personally owned a diesel myself and wouldn’t go back to owning one. Especially with gas-electric hybrids being an option.

Steve of Henderson, NV (5/17/04):
First, the complaints you show are for the 2003 and earlier Prius. The 2004 was totally redesigned in response to consumer feedback and as a result of Toyota research. There is nothing in common between pre- and post 2004 Prius!

Second, the gentleman who is advising people not to buy because the battery may run down in two weeks is doing the car a huge disservice and misrepresenting the facts. ONE model, Package #9, has a remote sensing system that automatically unlocks the car as you approach it. This is what can deplete the battery after about 21 days. Toyota provides a button the dash to defeat this function for exactly that reason, which is clearly pointed out in the Quick Guide, the owner's manual and by any salesman with any knowledge of the vehicle.

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