Which Toyota? Matrix, Yaris, Corolla? My head is spinning.

[JONOV]

Originally Posted by MItoBH

What is your opinion of the Prius? I'm already convinced this will be my next car, I just want other opinions.

Great cars from the perspective of low cost of ownership. It has the same wheelbase as a Camry for a decent ride. I thought it had plenty of space inside. Make sure you test drive it, as its design is kind of polarizing and some people don't like the interior dimensions and proportions. Don't let anyone tell you about battery replacement; most batteries last in excess of 200k, and on the modern ones a whole replacement is rarely warranted, merely cells that need to be replaced.

[Chris V]

Originally Posted by MItoBH

As a girl who was born and raised in Michigan, I have had Ford vehicles in our family for years, and had lots of problems. When I got into an accident which totaled my 2002 Ford Escort, I was able to buy a 2003 Mitsubishi Lancer. Very soon, I will pass down the Lancer to my nephew and I want to get a Toyota Prius.

What is your opinion of the Prius? I'm already convinced this will be my next car, I just want other opinions.

If to are specifically asking me. I am looking for a prius, the last couple of weeks. I am ready to buy one as soon as I see one I like. I have driven prius before, but I didn't think of buying one so I didn't bother to thoroughly check it out. Now I need one, I drive on average a 120 miles a day, that doesn't include weekend trips. I need to save gas. I spend on on average 6-700 bucks on gas a month.
Two weeks ago, I sat in a prius to see the comfort level. It hurt my hip and right leg. The seat does not have any support. So I am looking for other option. I may have to change out the seat, how I don't know. And I don't care. I go through cars like underwear. I buy it I enjoy it, I don't like it, I get rid of it.
As for quality, its outstanding.

[Who Dat]

Out of the group listed by the OP, I'd choose the Rav4, or if you want a little larger go with the Camry, 4Runner.

I would not hesitate to buy a 1998-2010 of any of these or even a Honda. Unless of course there were obvious signs of trouble or neglect.

My wife and I own three vehicles, the fuel mileage is roughly 28, 30 and 15 mpg. The 15 mpg is an 05 Land Cruiser with 80K on the clock. Our '98 Camry (28mpg) has nearly 200K on it and our 30 mpg Honda Odyssey (1998) is pushing 300K. I would be comfortable taking any of them on a cross country trip right now.

I perform regular maintenance and thankfully we haven't needed a mechanic in well over a decade. That speaks volumes about their reliability and my confidence in them.

(fingers crossed I didn't jinx myself)