[chris ok]

In early 08 I had a customer at the Toyota dealer w a hybrid Camry. It had a very smally dash rattle, but I have to tell you it sounds different than any other car. He explains to me the car is the only place he can talk to his fatheras he is legallydeaf over 20 years and has nothad a real conversation till he bought the Camry. He and his dad would drive around or just park so they may talk. I fixed the rattle. Thecar drove so quietit was unnerving to me. NO road noise at all. Best quiet cabin I've ever seen, and for that alone I hope I never need one. The customer was so happy it was fixed. I was happy for him as they had not sploken in so long till this car.
On another note, you disconnect the rear diff on the hybrid highlander and the torque of the front whell drive wil leave posi marks as long as you stand on it. No you can't do it at home, only thru the scan tool.
They are excellent vehicles. along w the rest of the fleet they build. America can learn, Ford did by purchasing rights to hybrid technology 1 from toyodel. Toyota is on like 4th or 5th gen now.
I look forward to Tacomas and full size. But there is a weightpenalty, and I'd still not want to be in a badd accident in one.
Too each his own. I still like standard vehicles and all are so improved in every brand available.
But the hybrids are good for techies. Some get up to 100mpg w double batterys in those ugly priuses. Not my cup of tea, I buy cheap and fix my own to drive cars.