Motion Potion: The efficient people transporter
Start ‘er up--the Prius kicked on whisper quiet on battery power. There’s no traditional gear-shifting lever here: a gentle push of the electronically controlled joystick by the ignition button is all it takes to put ‘er into drive or reverse. Even when the internal combustion engine is running, it’s quiet. Other Prius owners have actually told us that they have to watch out for pedestrians that don’t hear this little zipper comin’. Motoring down roads was smooth and effortless with Toyota’s electronically continuously variable transmission (ECVt).
The magic that makes it all happen is the Hybrid Synergy Drive. The system constantly monitors all manner of driving and vehicle conditions to determine the best mix of propulsion power. The vehicle is able to move on engine power alone, electric power alone, or a combination of engine and electric motor. The hybrid display monitor gives constant feedback to the driver to let him know how efficiently he’s driving at any given moment. With a light foot and anticipation of traffic flows, it is fairly easy to keep the car in the 50+mpg fuel consumption range.
Handling was a pleasant surprise. Scott put this little car through his own version of a slalom course (a secret back road on the way home from work). Verdict? Solid and precise—snapping off sharp turns was just as much fun as pushing the fuel meter up above 50 mpg. With such a high roofline and an emphasis on fuel efficiency, he expected the car’s handling to be mediocre at best. No such deal.
The Enviro-meter: Smilin’ at the gas station
We asked the Prius to perform this week. From the mountains of northeast PA to stop-and-go city traffic, we drove heavy and light and the Prius responded excellently. Whether traveling to the amusement park, the state park or the hardware store, our fuel mileage averaged 52 mpg. Although we have Prius-owning friends who attest to even higher numbers, we now know that it’s just plain easy to get 50 mpg—and are sure that, with experience, skill and knowledge of the topography—these numbers could be even higher. Since there is no conventional Prius model to crunch fuel expense and energy impact numbers against, we chose a car of similar size from the same manufacturer, a Toyota Corolla.
According to fueleconomy.gov, the Toyota Prius’s petroleum oil consumption is about 7.4 barrels of crude annually—compared to 11.8 barrels for the conventional Corolla. Driving an average of 15,000 miles per year, greenhouse gas emissions for the Prius hybrid tally up to a lean 4.0 tons/year, where the regular Corolla will spew out a higher 6.3 tons/year.
The Prius is certified as an Advanced Technology-Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) and meets California emissions requirements. It is for sale in all 50 states.
When it’s all said & done: Kermit really should have test driven a Prius
In this case, Kermit surely was wrong—or else he just didn’t have a chance to drive a Prius. But we do believe he and all his froggy friends would love the Prius. Fuel-savin’ yet snappy, we have to wonder why more folks don’t stop complaining about fuel prices and put their money where their mouth is. Buy a Prius. We can’t see much of a downside on that transaction—in fact, it’s a move that’ll help you take back your power. After all, isn’t what you choose to drive one of the strongest political statements you can make? Choose a Prius and you’re choosing to conserve valuable resources (petroleum, your time, your money), plus make your life easier (think fewer bills and more fun). Here’s a great car that offers a great ride and handling—even a JBL stereo system to put out some serious tunes. Plus it’s said that a Prius is just a great conversation piece. Hey, everyone loves a Prius. And that, friends, is for a very well deserved reason. Go ahead, make your life better.
*Longer warranty coverage under CA emissions warranty for the states of CA, CT, ME, MA, NH, NJ, NY, RI and VT.
Pros:
- Instantly appealing
- Incredible fuel mileage
- Super-clean emissions
Cons:
- Limited rear visibility
- Limited front passenger seating adjustment
- Styling could use an update
Who Should Buy a Toyota Prius: Everyone after amazingly-efficient, reliable transportation.
Who Should Not Buy a Toyota Prius: People with deep pockets who want a large luxury car.
Rebate & Credit Run-down:
Buy the Prius and you’re currently qualified for a $1,575 tax credit. This, coupled with the Prius' first year’s fuel savings of $686 (compared to driving 15,000 miles in a conventional Corolla) will put $2261 more bucks back in your pocket in just the first year of ownership. And depending on the price of fuel and your driving habits, you’ll be several thousand dollars richer in consecutive years of ownership.
Details and Specs:
Technical Features: 4-cylinder aluminum double overhead cam (DOHC) 16-valve VVTi engine, regenerative anti-lock brakes (ABS), sport tuned suspension, traction control, multi-information display
Safety Features: front advanced airbags, front side airbags, and front and rear side curtain airbags, child seat anchors and child door locks
Interior Features: push button start, remote keyless entry system, two 12v power outlets, 60/40 split rear seat
Exterior Features: P195/55R16 all-season tires on 16” 7-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with full wheel covers, heated side mirrors
The Toyota Prius is manufactured in Japan.
Page One: Initial Impressions, Insider's View and Fuel-ability