R.J.
We have a Jeep (because we transport a lot of musical gear, and are on dirt roads a lot) & an 03 Mazda Protege. LOVE the Protege as a sedan... but when we replace it, we're getting a Prius. Hands down.
Especially on car buying though (although we use them for everything from toasters, to mowers, air conditioners to TV's)... consumer reports is worth every single penny.
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/index.htm