A Computer on Wheels: Toyota Prius Rogers AR

Posted by : Ken Henningsen Gadgetshed: A computer on wheelsdek: Toyota's Prius is a fantastic gadget-and it's not a bad car, either.by Ken Henningsen

Last fall, I finally started looking to replace my faithful 13-year-old Honda Accord, which was going on 200,000 miles. Being both cheap and a bit of a tree-hugger, I was very much interested in the introduction last year of the first two production gas/electric hybrid vehicles to hit these shores--the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius. Both promised outstanding gas mileage and very low emissions, and I knew I had to have a look. I quickly discovered that the Insight was too small to meet my needs, so I zeroed in on the Prius (which, besides being a very practical sedan, is a great gadget). It was on the latter score that I proposed an article to my editor, who, to my surprise, agreed. What follows is, as far as I know, the first auto review in COMPUTERUSER's history.

A more powerful version of a model sold in Japan since 1997, the U.S. Prius is a four-door sedan that's shorter than a Corolla but actually roomier inside (except in the trunk, where the battery pack encroaches a bit on the space). Where Honda has a pretty narrow market for its tiny two-seater, Toyota is aiming squarely at the middle-class family. Both Insight and Prius come loaded at a little less than $21,000, but the Prius can carry four adults comfortably--five without serious discomfort. ...

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