I earned my driving privileges in 1954 and have owned many vehicles during the intervening years. I ordered a 2010 Prius last Friday. It will replace the 2005 Prius I'm giving my daughter and her family. I bought the 2005 for it's low emissions and low fuel consumption. As an electrical engineer, I was impressed by the technology.
The 2005 exceeded my expectations. I was surprised by how comfortably it seats 5 passengers. Compared the SUV and minivan I'd most recently owned, it was quicker and handled better. I live in a very cold climate and it's cold weather performance, including starting at temperature below -30F, was exceptional.
I'm looking forward to the arrival of the 2010 in about six weeks and my daughter is very anxious to receive the 2005. All I can say to those of you who criticize the Prius is this: Drive one for a week. You will come to appreciate it's capacity, utility and performance. Little wonder that here in the U.S. it has the highest customer satisfaction level ever achieved.