Shiny happy Prius people counter hybrid Civic unrest

Heather Peters, who took Honda to small-claims court, is not the only hybrid Civic driver suffering a bad case of buyer's remorse. Jeff Wald of Cary and Aneil Mishra of Durham say their hybrid Civics also deliver poorer and poorer fuel economy these days, too (see today's Road Worrier column with reader comments).

Local Toyota Prius drivers beg to differ.  They protest that the broadly worded print edition headline ("Hybrids not satisfying owners") should have reflect the column's more narrow focus on the gripes of Honda customers.

And they proclaim their continued happiness with their non-Honda hybrids:

We're a two Prius family. We get a minimum of 45 combined highway-city mpg when environmental conditions are worst for the car (high or low outdoor temps leading to maximum use of the heating / cooling systems). If we ignore the "low tire pressure" light, we might get as little as 43.7 mpg. We have achieved mileage as high as 54-55 mpg on a long spring or autumn road trip. - Carlene Byron

I own a 4 year old Toyota Prius.  It's a good car and I'm happy with the gas mileage.  I have not seen a drop in gas mileage over the past 4 years. ... I have about 65,000 miles on mine and have seen no deteriation.  A guy I work with bought a 2005 Prius about 6 months ago that had 90,000 miles on it, he says he's over 100k now and he's getting a steady 45mpg.  I've yet to talk to an unhappy Prius owner. - Shaune Morley

As one of many very satisfied Prius owners, I would appreciate not being lumped with the unfortunate Honda hybrid drivers.  For the naysayers who delight in dismissing progress, they will read no further than the headline to validate their choice of gas guzzling, carbon emission-spewing oil-dependent motor units.  - Judy Schneider

I have a 2010 Prius and with only a modest effort can achieve and indicated average MPG of 53!  It I work hard (and unfortunately irritate my fellow drivers :-) ) I can achieve 56mpg.  The car has 30,000 miles on it. - Tom Evans