Something else happened while in Orlando...
Now, my trip down there certainly didn't start out too good and the overall experience wasn't great, but one of the highlights (in addition to the training facility, KDC) was that after my 1 hour wait to get a car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car, I drove off with a brand new Toyota Prius with less than 5000 miles on it.
This thing was cool. Granted, it took the ERAC guy 20 minutes and a helpful co-worker to figure out how to start it, but once they got out of my way of the driver's seat, it was SLICK.
Let's be honest about one point - the thing is UGLY. Like, as sin. However, it makes up for it with just about every other cool feature this thing has...
First, I'm a big fella. I was reluctant to take the car when the ERAC guy offered it. He assured me that it was very roomy and he was right. In fact, I fit 4 people in it once and everyone was fine. I was completely surprised.
Second, it's an electric-hybrid car, not a wind up or gerbil powered car. It's got power to spare. I had this thing clippin' all over Orlando and never once worried or thought about how it wasn't responding. In fact, I often found myself speeding without realizing it. Whoops.
Third, this thing is a geek's dream. It's got bluetooth technology so you can do wireless stuff from your car. It's got a center console screen that shows where the power is going, how many gallons you've saved, audio system preferences, etc. Plus, the driver's console/display has been TOTALLY redone. For starters, there's no starter. It doesn't start so much as “turn on”. The first time I was in it, I must have tried to start it 3 times. Then, I realized it was already on, I just couldn't hear it. Oh yeah, and there's no key. You know the little remote you have for most power/remote unlock cars now? That's all you have. Stick that into a little hole in the car and push the “On” button.
In addition to the other geeky stuff, they redid the display for the driver and it totally works for me. They pushed the display (speedometer, fuel, etc) WAY up toward where the dash and the front window meet. It's almost like a heads-up display. You can see both the display and the road in front of you at the same time. Very nice.
Finally, the steering wheel has A LOT of stuff on it. In addition to the obligatory cruise control on the tree, you have all of the climate and sound system controls there as well. Very handy.
I loved this car, even though it's as ugly as cars get these days. We don't need a sedan, but I'll certainly test drive the versions that make sense for my family (vans, sport utes, pick up trucks, etc).
One thing...you've kinda got to re-learn how to drive to maximize the benefits of having an e-hybrid car. Most people slam down the gas pedal to accelerate. That'll kick in the gas motor prematurely on this car and negate your fuel efficiency. Speed up slowly.
I didn't have much faith in them before I drove it, but I'm a believer now.