From the perspective of the total cost of ownership, the cost of insurance matters too. Prius is far more expensive to insure than the FEH. I think whatever money you save in the slightly higher MPG would be more than made up in the money you'd save on the auto insurance.

Repairs should be cheaper for a Ford than a Toyota at least for the non-hybrid components, since American cars and trucks typically seem to be a little easier on the pocket. Of course, there is a lot to be said about the FEH being one of the most reliable SUVs on the market since it was first introduced.

 

the 08 FEH is
3/36 bumper to bumper
5/60 powertrain
8/100 hybrid related items
in CA emissions states it is 10/150 on hybrid parts

 

Why would it cost more to insure?? I realize that insurance rates vary in different parts of the country, but my Mother's insurance on her 06 Prius is no more expensive then my 06 FEH.

As far as reliability, I doubt there is enough difference between the two vehicles to worry about. My Mother has had two Prius's now & has never had a lick of trouble with either one (The first one was totalled at 47,000 miles when a woman hit her at 50 mph)

I love my FEH & would not trade vehicles with her, but both are awfully impressive vehicles IMHO.

~John

 

Absolutely agree!

The auto insurance was significantly higher for the Prius at least in my case. Maybe it's my insurance company...

 

As a 6+ foot person, one of the things I didn't like about the Prius was the lack of a telescopic steering column. I tried a Mariner Hybrid and a Prius and the Mariner was much more comfortable. I ended up getting an Altima Hybrid because I am more of a car person and it was also more comfortable then the Prius, but the Mariner was the most comfortable SUV on my list.

 

Altima's are nice cars, what kind of mpg are you getting with that???

~John

 

We are consistently getting between 36 and 37 MPG over the last 3 fill-ups. That is with normal Central New Jersey driving, no hyper-tricks and multiple drivers. Folks who know what they are doing should be able to match the Camry Hybrid in gas mileage.

This is my first hybrid and first Nissan vehicle. The Altima is fun to drive, comfortable, and gets better gas mileage then the standard Honda Civic that we traded in for it. No problems to report.

I did like the Mariner Hybrid as well.

 

Despite the popularity of the Prius, I'm one of the few that really dislike it. I think it is a very ugly car. In contrast, I like the FEH quite a bit.

I do not have a hybrid now, but my next car will be one. Currently, I reside in CA. CA's nice weather means the Prius is very popular. But if I return to New England or to an area where I need 4-wheel drive, the FEH is the way to go. Plus, I have 2 medium-sized dogs, so I definitely need more room for them. Lastly, I like sitting up higher. Being a bigger man, the high seating not only makes it easier for me to get in and out of the car, but I have better vision of the road. Low cars, like the Prius, are a pain for me. Hence, IMO, the FEH is the way to go.

 

I am with Erie Insurance. The Prius was almost 400 more per year for insurance. Thats one of those things I checked when I was out shopping around.

Its all based on if the vehicle is in an accident...what portion of it will be destroyed. I am sure some acctuary is behind it all.

 

The people have spoken! Long live the FEH!!!!

in styling, repair costs, insurance, overall quality and a host of other features, the FEH beats the Prius anyday