My best friend bought a Toyota Prius a few years ago. His main reason was that he simply wanted to have the most reliable car on the market. He did some research and found out that the Prius is this car. He has put some 100,000 miles on the car so far, and spent nothing apart from scheduled maintenance and two blown light bulbs.
The interesting thing when comparing a Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive to other drivetrains, it isn't simply an electric motor bolted to an ICE. The interesting part is the so called Power Split Device (PSD), basically a small, yet sturdy planetary gear-set which connects the ICE with one electric motor and one generator. This gear-set does not have any moveable parts besides some turning sprocket wheels. You do not have shifting mechanisms, band brakes, synchromesh mechanism, no clutch or torque converter. The engine is permanently connected to the drivetrain, even when it runs and the vehicle stands still. All different driving conditions, from standing still over running on the highway with 120 mph until going in reverse are emulated by controlling the revolutions of one ICE and one electric motor. The Prius ICE engine does not need a starter, it does not need an alternator, it neither has a serpentine belt nor a timing belt.
I think this is pretty amazing for an ICE car.
I have a Toyota Yaris Hybrid, and it actually is lighter (!) than a conventional Yaris with an automatic transmission. And if you compare the price of the two vehicles, the Hybrid is only 1,000 GBP more expensive. And it really is extremely relaxing to drive.
Best regards from Bavaria
Frank