Price reasonable?
I'm not an auto shopping expert, but it appeared to me that the base price Prius, at $20,299 is very comparable to a similarly equipped Camry, which is the closest comparison (not a Kia or Echo). Likewise, when you add in the #9 package with side airbags and all, it still looks good compared with comparable quality midsize quality cars. Folks who were on the wait list prior to the price increase also get the $300 back from Toyota, and a $1500 tax break in 2004, declining in 2005 to $1,000.
Am I an out of touch car buyer? This car looks like a very good deal to me. I would have probably gotten just the side air bags, keyless entry, and hands-free phone if that package were available--I could do without the NAV, etc.. Unfortunately, you have to take the #9 package to get that.
If someone eventually markets a smaller, less expensive vehicle with the hybrid basics in the $15,000 zone, that would be great for entry-level buyers, of course. But the big market that will cut our oil use is in hybridizing SUVs, vans and pickups. I'm lining up for a hybrid Tundra when that becomes available!
It's looking likely that Prius will be allowed to use the HOV (diamond) lanes with 1 occupant later this year, as an SULEV vehicle.