2007 Toyota Prius Touring Edition test drive

It’s a name synonymous with hybrid—everybody knows a Prius. We test drove the 1.5-liter, 4-cylinder DOHC 16-valve engine Touring Edition model with Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive System that poured out a net 110 horsepower. This package #5 equipped Prius was priced at $28,393, while the base price of this model sits at $23,690. Toyota’s new vehicle limited warranty covers traction battery/specific hybrid components for 8 years/100,000 miles (some states longer*). With EPA fuel economy rated at 60 city/51 highway, we were ready to hit the road as soon as we had the Smart Key in hand.

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Christine: “The first words out of my mouth were, ‘Wow—look at that color!’ In a crisp clear blue called Seaside Pearl, the world’s most popular hybrid was now sitting in our driveway. It sure was cute but also had a strong presence in person, and I knew there was more than meets the eye with Toyota’s Synergy Drive under the hood. I was ready to hit the road.”

Scott: “I always thought the Prius had just slightly quirky styling. Big headlights, high roofline, and that odd horizontally-split rear window treatment. But that’s just in pictures—in real life it’s really a nice looking car with just enough character to get attention. This is the car that really put hybrids on the map and I couldn’t wait to see what kind of fuel mileage I could eek out of the Toyota Synergy Drive. I knew for sure that I wouldn’t be satisfied with less than 50 mpg.”

The driver has an excellent view of the digital speedometer in an easy-to-glance at pod set cleanly into the dash under the sharply raked windshield, one of the most aerodynamically-designed production vehicles in America. One push of the ignition button and all systems are go—powering up the driver’s control center and the Navigation system with Energy Monitor. Here’s impressive computer technology that enables drivers and passengers to get an inside peek at the where and when of the energy being generated, captured or used in this Synergy Drive System. The kids got a charge out of the rearview camera display that transmits the rear back-up view via a small camera located next to the license plate—this turns on automatically each time the car is put into Reverse. This model was also equipped with the 6-Disc CD changer, Navigation and Bluetooth capability.

The small car exterior belied a larger and more spacious interior. Seating is comfortable if utilitarian, and we were both impressed with the amount of room in the cabin. We both took turns riding in the back seat with the kids. Conclusion: roomier than the front, and just as nice of a ride. As a midsize car, Prius provides an impressive 96.2 feet of passenger room. With the standard 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks and five-door hatchback design, the Prius performs like a station wagon. From groceries to hiking and everyday hauling, the hatch provides abundant space—14.4 cubic feet for rear cargo—and we have friends who say they even take their three kids backpacking, with all gear, in their Prius.

One of the very reasons the Prius has been so popular is that it makes efficiency easy. It takes the most readily available transportation fuel—gasoline—and makes the most of it, all while keeping comfort and usability paramount. It’s not many a vehicle today that can tout a 12-gallon fuel tank with a range of 624 miles. And one of the things Christine liked best about the Prius was the zippy yet tight driving combined with a fuel gauge that moved slow as molasses. When it’s time to fill ‘er up, $30 will do it. No breaking the bank. Yes, it’ll actually put a smile on your face to fill up with gasoline—and that’s not something most folks have occasion to smile about today.

Warning—do not try this at home (or with your father’s Oldsmobile): Well, the boys in our house certainly love their sniff tests. One whiff of the tailpipe had them in for a surprise however—this gasoline-burning engine was nearly odorless. The combination of miniscule fuel usage and the Prius’ three-way catalytic converters reduce pollutants in the exhaust gas to to an absolute minimum to help make this possible.

And the nose knows. The Prius actually produces over 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle, in addition to being certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) in California and states with CA standards.

Next page: Motion potion, the Enviro-meter, who should buy it, pros and cons, and Rebate Run-down