Hybrids: Take Two

I'm very vocal in my disdain for hybrid vehicles; I've honestly never really liked them. However, since driving my uncle's Toyota Highlander Hybrid for the past week on and off, I'm ready to make a couple of initial judgments on its breed. Because despite my objections to hybrid vehicles, a vehicle is a vehicle, and I'll admit that I can't make an informed decision on one without driving it, regardless of how much I may want to. So here goes!

-I actually find driving with only the electric motor to be somewhat fun.

-On the subject of the electric motor; instant torque is such a pleasure.

-And instant torque combined with the horsepower of the engine offers surprisingly fast off the line speeds, especially for an SUV.

-I find myself concerned when the engine doesn't shift; it just continuously revs higher and higher and higher.

-The engine turns off occasionally, especially at low speeds. Having the engine shut off right as you're merging into traffic moving much faster than you is terribly disconcerting.
^ I HATE IT ^

-The gas savings are legit!

-In terms of the Highlander, its actually a solid car. Definite surprise.

-Still not one that considers the Prius to be okay.