i’ve been looking at various hybrid cars over the past few months. basically starting a long term investigation so when we’re ready to buy something we can make an educated choice. i have to admit that the new toyota prius looks pretty amazing. it was recently voted as motor trend 2004 car of the year. i know, now days it seems like you can buy that honor … but if you look at the features of the car you start to see why it was given this title. $20,510 msrp, 16-valve dohc V4, 11.9 gallon tank with 60/51/55 mpg (city/highway/combined) which gives you a on average 654 miles per tank of gas. add to that optional auto parking and integrated bluetooth technology for phones and computers and you have the perfect car. yes, if an american company came out with it i might consider it, but the fact of the matter is they haven’t and aren’t. yea, some can say the hybrid ford escape (been in “coming soon” mode for years) or various general motor pipe dreams but then reality hits you when you look at the timelines on these products or their reliability. toyota has a great track record with the prius and this is their second generation. i have to admit this car is a front runner for me. if i get a chance i’d like to test drive one soon.