In respond to the tirade letter writer Eric Huss wrote against Prius owners (“What did you give up for that Prius?” Aug. 4), I gave up nothing for my Prius.

My camping gear fits nicely into the back of my Prius, it has made multiple trips on Interstate 70 through the mountains while maintaining the speed limit, and I have driven mine through two winters and have never been stuck.

Now — granted — I have an old 4X4 truck for use in deep snow and the occasional off-road adventure, but comparing these abilities between a truck and any front-wheel-drive car is like comparing apples and oranges. The Prius does as well as any FWD car in winter conditions and is my vehicle of choice for 85 percent of my driving.

While there are some who only bought a Prius for environmental reasons, most of the Prius owners I know bought theirs for economic reasons. While the environmental benefits are nice, I based my decision on operating cost. Over the course of 100,000 miles of driving, the gas savings in the Prius over a hemi-powered Dodge truck (46 miles per gallon vs. 14 mpg) will pay for the cost of my car! On top of this, everyone who has driven or ridden in my Prius has been amazed by its comfort, roominess and acceleration!

I’m sorry if anyone feels as though they have lost their freedoms or are being punished because I choose to drive a Prius, but please, judge me on my character and not the car I drive!