There seems to be some hasty opinions on the original Insight and the Prius. I have both and will provide my experiences;
2000 INSIGHT:
- Achieve over 60 mpg lifetime (120k+), sometimes in the low 80s
- All the acceleration I need (and I live in a hilly region)
- Handling is more than adequate.
- Never any issues with wind and it can get very windy here in winter and spring
- Wheel skirts are a plus and anyone who has poked their head into a wind tunnel lab can tell you they make a difference.
2004 PRIUS:
- Achieve ~50mpg overall (wife slightly less)
- All the acceleration I need (and I live in a hilly region)
- Handling is more than adequate.
- Never any issues with wind and it can get very windy here in winter and spring
- Styling is more than appealing to me (beauty is in the eye of the beholder), though aerodynamics trumps IMO every time.
I personally feel the new Insight has been dumbed down; many features could have been added to make it more fuel efficient, but the design was likely rushed due to the rising oil prices and Prius product line rumours.
I believe most people complaining about either of the above cars hasn't spent enough time behind the wheel or tend to favor performance cars; neither of the above is a performance car, so should not be measured against them. America is addicted to oil, so cultural deadweight should be discarded before you find your future children having to read the Koran every day.
Birol 6.7% oil