http://www.consumeraffairs.com/news0...idwatch02.html
----------------------------------------------------------------------
By Joe Benton
ConsumerAffairs.Com
November 30, 2005
Toyota has sold more than 500,000 of the Prius hybrids, setting the mark in October amid continuing complaints about gasoline mileage claims. While the Japanese automaker is developing a loyal band of Prius owners, it's also amassing a gaggle of angry Priusians.
Feelings run deep among people who have endured waiting lists and additional premiums, particularly those who feel they were sold a pig in a poke.
Deborah H. in Louisville, Kentucky is angry. "I feel there was false advertising by Toyota stating there was 50 miles per gallon on the highway and 60 miles per hour in the city driving my Toyota Prius hybrid," she wrote.
Deborah was one of thousands of Prius buyers who paid the dealer a "market adjustment" or extra money for her new hybrid.
"They jacked up the price $8,000 from sticker stating it was a car that was hard to come by and that was their price. They said I would actually save money on gas."
But Deborah writes that gas mileage results her Prius achieves continue to be disappointing: "After six months of tracking, the best mileage I ever got was 43 miles per gallon. Most often my mileage is between 30 and 36 miles per gallon."
continued...
----------------------------------------------------------------------