Bought 2010 Prius, not Insight or Jetta TDI

We picked up our Prius III four days ago and I wanted to share our preliminary results from the car as driven off the dealer's lot:

? 50 mph - 67 MPG ? 60 mph - 62 MPG ? 65 mph - 55 MPG ? 70 mph - 53 MPG ? 75 mph - 49 MPG ? 80 mph - 39 MPG (*)

Test protocol: two runs in opposite directions averaged, temp: 82-84F, wind 15-20 mph steady; speed cruise control maintained and GPS validated; distance: 7-15 miles per run; mileage trip meter reset after GPS validated speed. (*) Temp: 62F, wind 15 mph steady, defroster on by accident.

I also ran a series of hill climb tests to compare with our 2,700 lb,

2003 Prius versus the 3,000 lb. 2010 Prius:

? 55 mph - .0725 gal. (2003 Prius, 2,700 lbs, straight gas) ? 55 mph - .0675 gal. (2010 Prius, 3,040 lbs. E10)

The 2010 has at least 6.9% better performance. This also shows up as extra power when climbing a hill:

60-65 mph - gas-only 2003 Prius hill climb speed 80-85 mph - gas-only 2010 Prius hill climb speed

The gas-only climb speed is how fast a hybrid goes up a 6% grade hill without drawing on traction battery power. I've climbed this 6% grade hill at 80 mph in my 2003 Prius only to deplete the traction battery at the 525 ft. crest. In contrast, the 2010 Prius will continue up at 80 mph until the gas runs out. But I got this car to replace our oldest,

2001 Echo.

My wife loves her new, 2010 Prius because compared to the Echo and my

2003 Prius; it is quieter; has more power; more room; more comfortable seats and ride; and burns less gas. Her 2010 Prius handles the road better than the Echo and 2003 Prius with significantly improved safety from the frame and air bags. Happily, my wife's 2001 Echo sold after nine years with 29,500 miles. In three and a half years, I've put 70,000 miles on our 2003 Prius getting just over 52 MPG and I'll continue to drive it "until the wheels fall off."

I tested the new Honda Insight and hit my head on the door jam. After adjusting the seat, it felt like a coffin with my head barely clearing the roof. Worse, the instruments had to be viewed through the steering wheel and folding down the seats, the interior looked more like a homeless cardboard box so driving was out of the question.

We've heard a lot about the Jetta TDI but the automatic Jetta TDI does not get better than our 2001 automatic Echo. Worse, VW brags about their engine noise!

So we voted with our dollars, $24,250, and after four days, are very happy. Our 32 MPG, low mileage Echo went to a family of five for $3,000 and replaced their 22 MPG pickup. Everyone has moved up and the Honda Insight and Jetta TDI remain on the sales lot.

Bob Wilson