For all the skeptics who think the Prius is a "wuss" of a car: My husband and I and another couple took my Prius for a 7,475 mile drive in 29 days to eight National Parks--packed with a month's worth of clothes for four as well as snacks and the usual stuff one packs to take a month hiking and sight-seeing trip. This Prius took us over the Continental Divide numerous times in Glacier, Yellowstone, Grand Tetons, Arches and Canyonlands without a strain; hugged the curves on Going-to-the-Sun Road and Beartooth Highway;zipped us through small towns and large cities. Even with the load, we averaged 46 mpg. See why I lovemyprius05! I owned two Avalons and two Cressidas in the years before the Prius and, needless to say, had some reservations about the "small" Prius myself. However, I overcame my trepidation because I wanted to make a statement about oil dependence and the environment. Haved learned there is nothing miniature about this Baby.
What great news to hear! And the mileage wasn't so bad, to boot. Sounds like the Prius did a stellar job and then some...