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Hi all,

Yes, I know what you're thinking - The Prius is a hatchback! :rolleyes: Yes, although technically true, I'm looking for a hatchback that can actually hold substantial items (taller than the 17" it offers at the rearmost corner. Right now I'm driving a Matrix, and looking over current offerings, I don't see anything in the way of something like that. And no - I don't want an Escape or any other SUV hybrid... :D

Thanks all.

(Actually, now that I think about it, a hybrid, or a diesel would be nice... Or both! Diesel hybrid!)

I have found the Prius' shape to pose very little limitation when it comes to bulky items. Just fold the seats down and shove. Every time we have to load it down we say the same thing: "It won't fit! Ok, we'll try anyway..." And every time we're proven wrong. You would think that we would learn to quit worrying but the shape of the car belies its capacity.

M6soto, brick is dead on. I've had my Matrix right next to a Prius a few times and unless you are hauling very tall items there really isn't much compromise.

I agree with the others. The only thing I've wanted to haul with the Prius that I couldn't was a recliner.

Hi Jim:
I agree with the others. The only thing I've wanted to haul with the Prius that I couldn't was a recliner.
___You just never know until you try :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne

This meanders towards OT, but, then again, it may be totally to the point. I loved my civic hatch. Used it to move out of our apartment. Packed it to the roof with dog and camping gear more times than I can remember. Hauled furniture, appliances, and 12' 2x4s. Packed it full of bicycles. It just got to be too small, wore out, scary on winter roads. We still have it, but it needs all new everything. The CR-V fits us better and I feel much better knowing the wife has reliability and AWD when she ventures into the deep north.

An FEH would have been a good choice for us, though out of our price range. At the time, we never really looked at hybrids anyway, because "they're expensive and the technology isn't proven". Man I used to be an idiot. Next family gathering I'll be taking a much closer look at my cousin in law's Prius. Maybe I'll try to jam a freezer in there just to see. I'm a hatchback kind of guy. We bought the CR-V because it was like a hatchback*1.5. If only it was lower, sleeker.
My ideal vehicle would be a "Utility Commuter." I'd love to see something like a Matrix hybrid. Maybe the Prius would do it. The more I think about it, the more I wish they'd build a 6 speed manual hybrid Accord wagon. That would be the car for me.

I have found the Prius' shape to pose very little limitation when it comes to bulky items. Just fold the seats down and shove. Every time we have to load it down we say the same thing: "It won't fit! Ok, we'll try anyway..." And every time we're proven wrong. You would think that we would learn to quit worrying but the shape of the car belies its capacity.

Hi Brick,

As much as I'd like to believe that that'd work 100% for me, there are a fair # of things I've been hauling that would be too big. Like desks, dressers, 32" TVs, mattresses, etc. Sure, I'm still getting settled into my new place, but I'd like the peace of mind knowing that my chances are very good of being to haul stuff (big and small). Nonetheless, thank you for the feedback. I do believe you when you say that the car's shape belies what you can fit. That's exactly how I've felt about my Matrix. But in comparison, for sure, the Matrix will fit more, and fit items more easily than the Prius surely would.

Hi Jim:

___You just never know until you try :D

___Good Luck

___Wayne
I did! ;)

Maybe the upcoming Honda Global Hybrid will fit the bill? But I wouldn't bet on it. It will be smaller overall than a Prius though perhaps boxier by a degree--iirc the design will be made public next January or February and then sold about a year from now. I'm hoping it's more Fit than Clarity, if that makes sense.

I will say my xB is pretty ideal for hauling giant square things, like a dining room table with 4 chairs, and a passenger all at once. The roof rack (which is normally off) can also expand its capabilities--have done some epic hauling involving 2-3 friends and camping/fishing/biking gear for a long weekend. 40-45mph over the pass and not by hypermiling choice! It's been a heck of a good little work/play van, with the front passenger seat down have hauled 8' posts and also put my tandem bike inside with only the front wheel taken off.

Back to the Prius: Maybe if you're daring wrt the warranty, you could pull an ultralight trailer with relatively light but bulky cargo? Something to ask Prius experts, no doubt it's been done by somebody. Or just rent a truck on moving day... of course that takes the fun out of things, but still...

The money saved from driving a Prius would more than pay for a moving truck (in the case you don't know anyone willing to help you that owns a larger vehicle) unless you move all the time. Thats not to even mention the emissions benefits. IMO, if that is the only thing holding you back from getting a Prius, you should really rethink it.

I really wish Honda would make a hybrid version of the Fit.

I really wish Honda would make a hybrid version of the Fit.
from what I've read your wish should be fulfilled by 2010

You can always leave the hatch open in a pinch! Buy a small utility trailer.If there is a will there is always a way,H