I did this exact thing in January!
Science Experiments & Self Esteem
I bought an used Prius in cash and traded in my luxury brand SUV. I've put 20,000 miles on it so far and it's been a dream to drive. It's great for long distance travel (it's traveled to Disneyland from the Bay Area several times now) and taking surfboards to the ocean over windy mountain roads. I highly recommend it. I also purchased it entirely on my own, the car is in solely my name and I own it outright. It's really freeing for my vehicle to be an asset instead of a liability.
*ETA by "dream to drive" I mean that it has had zero issues and I bought it with a lot of miles on it already. The gas mileage and associated cost at the pump is pretty fabulous. It is like driving a ball of playdoh though. If you want a fun car to drive, the Prius ain't it. But is is very economical and more eco-conscious than entirely gasoline powered cars.