The extra cost of the Prius puts it out of reach of many, while a good used small car is a sensible and economical option. And if you drive conservatively, utilizing hypermiling techniques, you can get a lot closer to the MPG of the Prius for a MUCH lower price. The world is continually bombarding us with messages that we need to be consuming more, and sometimes that even comes under the guise of being "green". Small car, running well, driven conservatively, is being a responsible steward of resources and saves its owner a lot more "green" than the new Prius.