Prius by Toyota

Bill S.
3 reviews
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Prius Power

Recently, I was invited to become a test driver for the new Mini-E. I was thrilled to be one of the first ones to tool around in their new electric car. But, alas, there's a rub. They need to install an upgrade to my electrical at my home and the specs on the Mini-E limit my driving to under 150 miles per charge and the expense is only a 40% savings in comparison to my Prius. I'm all for electric power and honking on my way by the gas stations, but it just doesn't make sense to spend an enormous amount of money for such a little return. By the way, the Mini-E lease is only for one year and then you're forced to give the car back. So, for a mere $10,000 for the year you get the privilege to drive the MiniE. Now, compare that to a Prius. Drive as far as you want, average a decent 45 miles per gallon, and keep the car as long as you want. We're a two Prius family, plus a Honda Insight -- also a great gas miser. The one I'm driving is just turning 100,000 miles. I've never had a car this long before. I'm hoping it lasts just long enough for me to turn it in for the new plug-in Prius with the solar sunroof. There's no question that Prius is a great green foot forward and currently rules the road.

E C.
1 review
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Prius? or Civic? or 1992 Accord?

After spending more on a new distributor than Blue Book and more on Smog Check than my Registration for my 1992 Accord and still needing new tires, we went car shopping to check out the hybrids.

First up was the Prius. The fuel display was fun to watch (although a bit distracting) for us TechnoGeeks and the ride was decent and the thought of the fuel savings was very enticing. I wasn't sure if the lack of acceleration was simply my unfamiliarity with the car or that it just didn't have it, but really the major downfall was in the dashboard design/materials which almost caused us to sideswipe a car in a lane change. Imbedded in the vinyl/leather dash is metal/plastic side vents which at the time we were test driving, the light hitting (BOTH) vents reflected into the outside side mirrors rendering the mirrors TOTALLY useless!

The Civic was very comfortable and felt like an old friend (coming from an Accord lover). The Civic has have grown since 1992, so the size seemed quite comfortable. However, as part of that growth, the dash is raised (to accommodate the extra panels) so much so that I could not see the hood at all! (I'm 5'3" with very short legs/tall torso) I could see myself having problems judging distances both in tight parking and also in bumper to bumper traffic.

Given the extra carbon footprint to buy a new car versus not junking my old Love, I'm hanging on to my Baby for a bit longer.

E's keywords: prius civic carbon footprint

JOHN M.
1 review
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Thumbs Up!!!

Recently I flew down down to Southern California and rented a car for the weekend. The guy behind the counter asked me if i'd like to drive a brand new Prius for the weekend, of course I accepted!!! I was pleasantly surprised the moment I stepped into it. Comfortable, roomy, quiet as the wind, yet powerful enough that when I looked down at my speedometer I was doing 85. I drove it all weekend, everybody wanted to drive in it. It was used ALL weekend. The best part was when I filled up Monday morning before returning the car...we've all done this, I kept the motor running while the gas was pumping so I could keep an eye on the gas gauge...reason being, the moment that gauge came close to FULL I could shut it off (saving $$$). But to my surprise, the nozzle click...no way I said it had to be a mistake...$13.27...FULL!!!
I drove Friday, Sat, Sun and Monday morning...try that in any other car. PRIUS you made me a believer!!! SOLD!

JOHN's keywords: Toyota Prius

Paul C.
5 reviews
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Prius now has stiff competition

The second generation Toyota Prius (2003+) has long been the standard bearer of the hybrid cars available in the US. But now there are more options than ever if you are in the market for a hybrid.

The second generation Honda Civic Hybrid (2006+) is now a direct competitor with a larger battery back and larger 20 hp electric motor. The Honda costs less and looks like a regular Civic.

The Prius is a great car and can get good gas mileage driving normally. One driving for economy can get great mileage. The hybrid information screen is very helpful and a great conversation piece.

The things I don't like about the Prius are the seats, the price and the look.

The seats are uncomfortable and seem cheap.

The pricing for the car itself is reasonable, but the way Toyota accessories and options is ridiculous. The options packages add thousands of dollars to the price of the car and make the car buying experience very complicated.

I like the look of the Prius to some degree, but I like the look of the Camry/Corolla and Honda Civic better. The Prius has sort of an 'escape pod' look. I guess we'll see what the third generation Prius looks like...

Paul's keywords: Prius hybrid cars mileage

Robin Leigh A.
1 review
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Simply the Best

Without question the Toyota Prius leads the pack in the proverbial dust when it come to form, function and features! First, it's a Toyota, and no one builds a more reliable vehicle. Second, the quality is unsurpassed for the price. And third, with a 10 year 150,000 mile warranty on the Hybrid battery and 15 year 150,000 miles warranty on all of the other Hybrid components the Prius delivers the peace of mind you are looking for in a hectic world. That's why the Toyota Prius stands alone without equal!

Robin Leigh's keywords: Prius Hybrid Camry recycle environment clean conscience

Elli A.
23 reviews
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In small steps

The Prius stands out as a functional and well designed car. The talked about feature of hybrid engine, is nice, but in my opinion just one part of what this car really means.

The hybrid system has two engines and also two breaking systems. This means the gas engine can be smaller and more efficient.

The car has ample acceleration, it is par and probably better than other economy cars.

In the city the electric system shuts down the gas engine in red light stops and also "recycles" the cars energy when breaking, this is where the car really stands out in gas consumption.

The system is complex, but works flawlessly and can put some conversional cars to shame in its "Japanese perfection" and great use of space. The car is shorter than a corolla, and feels more spacious.

But this is all technical. The Prius is more.

Americans like big cars and cheap gas, that has to change (well the cheap gas is probably history). The Prius is not going to change that, but it is a small step in the right direction. It is now cool to drive a small car, which is what the Prius really is.

The Prius is also a mission statement: "I am green, cool and rich". So green is no longer for hippies living on the sidewalks of San Francisco or on a tree in Oregon. And you can also drive a small car and be proud of it without being poor. There have been hybrids before, but they did not have that impact because the lack of cool factor.

In a consumer society, this sadly may be the only way to change people's behavior. Do the right thing by consuming something cool, that everyone can see. In almost every other part of the world, people just drive smaller cars which naturally consume less gas. Regardless of the wonders of hybrid engines, big part of the Prius' efficiency is its size.

I am hoping that many people will get a Prius and get used to the fact that a small car gets you to work exactly like a big car. And that you can have a child without having a minivan.

Elli's keywords: hybrid engine prius corolla gas engine

Elyssa E.
1 review
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Love my Prius

I've had my Prius 2 and half years and am hoping it will keep going many more years to come. Best car I've ever owned. Mileage ranges from 40 to 50MPG depending on driving conditions. For me gets best mileage at about 55MPH on level turf and warm weather and if I pay attention to the great electronics that tell me how I'm doing. Fill up tank even at today's high prices for under $30 and get over 400 miles. Helps preserve the environment and my pocketbook. Very comfortable and pick up is fine for me. Good sound system and while no MP3 jack, has a cassette to connect to my ipod.

Elyssa's keywords: mileage driving car prius toyota ipod savings

Ralph H.
2 reviews
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Great Car. Wish it got better mileage!

Not sure if the EPA statements on the mileage are accurate.

Ralph's keywords: hybrid toyota prius electric

Linda I.
1 review
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Prius - The first with the best

Simply - The Toyota Prius is the first with the best.

Linda's keywords: hybrid car

Carol M.
1 review
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Good value car

This car can save you money while also helping to keep the air clean. Has plenty get up and go. Also cuts down on noise becase it runs so quiet.

Carol's keywords: hybrid car

Sonya N.
10 reviews
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Prius

Great gas mileage and far roomier than it looks!

Sonya's keywords: hybrid car vehicles

Jan P.
1 review
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Prius

Excellent car - great gas mileage and comfort - even in the backseat. I'd love to own one.

Jan's keywords: hybrid car

Salvatore L.
1 review
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15,000 miles and I still love this car!

If you want to safe energy, the environment, and have fun every day you drive then this car is for you! On average I add 5 gallons to my car each week after traveling 240-250 mile range. That places me in the 48-50 mpg range. I especially enjoy the quiet ride due to the low resistance design. Maintenance at 5,000 mile intervals saves on costs as well. If you learn how to drive this car (go and glide technique) you can achieve over 60 mpg. Only drawback I see is winter weather in the North affects mileage as engine is running a good deal of the time. In the dead of winter in Chicago my mileage dropped to around 40 mpg. Gas mileage improves in 50 degree or better weather. If you live in a warmer climate this car shines at its peak. But even in Chicago weather my mpg range is just fine with me. Handling and inside features are fantastic. Bluetooth, climate control and sound system are excellent. Could use a little more rear travel on seat adjustment. Car is a blast to drive!

Salvatore's keywords: car transportation

Robyne O.
2 reviews
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more than better milage!

I have been driving my prius since December 2006. It does get great gas milage...I average 50 miles to the gallon. But also important is the almost non-existant emissions it puts out. It's a great feeling to drive a vehical that isn't polluting the enviroment. It's also comfortable to ride in and pretty cute too.

Robyne's keywords: car

Kevin L.
2 reviews
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Good but not as good as marketed

Don't get me wrong from the title, the Toyota Prius is the best car I've ever had the pleasure to drive. That having been said, I was told that I would be getting upwards of 60 miles per gallon with my fancy new car and I only tend to get 40 to 45 miles per gallon. I'm a pretty average driver and I'm sure if I tried a little harder I could get a bit better gas mileage. Though the mileage isn't as spectacular as I was hoping it's still way better than any other vehicle I've had (excepting my bike, of course). Other than the gas mileage the car is fantastic. The rest of the car is great. The interior is great and the digital odometer (and other gauges) are a big plus. The car handles well and though the brakes seemed a bit touchy at first, I got used to it and I love it.

Kevin's keywords: prius toyota hybrid car hybrid

Alexia D.
1 review
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Extremely Satisfied Toyota Prius Owner

I have recently purchased a Toyota Prius and am very happy with my purchase. The gas mileage is awesome, the car is very quiet, very smooth, and very versatile. Everyone who rides in the car is very impressed with it, especially when it is running solely on the battery because it is so quiet. The price was a little bit more than a normal compact car, but I believe it is worth it to cut down on emissions. I have not had any problems with the car so far, and for anyone that would be skeptical of the car; it is just like any normal car. It also has great storage space even though it is a smaller car. I would recommend this car to anyone.

Alexia's keywords: car

Hemant J.
1 review
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intelligent automotive design

For anyone driving a high powered ' family car ', the prius will be a bit disappointing. Only when looked at in the proper context of environmental responsibility, energy conservation and as an example of corporate accountability to the planet does the Prius become a star performer.

We've owned a Honda CRV in the past, which was a very planet friendly vehicle itself, though never marketed as such. I also drive, sparingly, a BMW M Coupe. The Prius is the only car I've ever driven that is so clearly superior to every other automobile, simply by virtue of being excellent at what it does, that every other car we drive by, or that drives by us, seems simply an exercise in half-hearted design and production. try it and you'll see what I mean.

For a daily driver, urban vehicle, roomy enough for 5 and an allround 'feel-good' vehicle, there's nothing better.

very highly recommended.

Hemant's keywords: hybrid car

Deborah F.
1 review
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Hybrid Car

This car drives smoothly, is comfortable and roomy for me (senior citizen); and has incredible safety features which are standard (side and front air bags, curtain air bags, traction control, ABS). Gas mileage is incredible, also. A good option for all age groups, and families.

Deborah's keywords: car

Jorge K.
1 review
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Toyota

i will like to win a prius

Jorge's keywords: car

Renoir G.
2 reviews
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Love My Prius

My Prius is the best car I've ever purchased. I recommend it to everyone with an inkling of buying a car in the future. I've had no problems with it, and the styling is great. I hope Toyota explores production of a totally pug-in electric car.

Renoir's keywords: car