2007 Toyota Prius Review reveals why the Prius is the best car on the market.

Thursday, August 28, 2008

2007 Toyota Prius Review

The Prius debuted in North America for the 2000 model year, promising unparalleled fuel efficiency with its hybrid gasoline/electric engine. But it wasn't until 2004 when the Prius really hit its stride. Redesigned as a mid-sized sedan and equipped with Toyota's "Hybrid Synergy Drive" that allowed it to run longer without resorting to the gas engine, the Prius became the world's premier hybrid. In 2006, the Prius received upgrades to its air bags, LCD display, and added a rear-view camera. The Prius was the Motor Trend and North American Car of the Year in 2004.

The BuyingAdvice Team Says:

The Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient small sedan on the market. A purpose built hybrid, the Prius is about the same size as the Corolla, but has unique styling and interior design. Its LCD touch panel, electronic displays and diminutive, electronic shifter give its interior a futuristic feel. Combine that with great quality, safety and reliability and it is no wonder the Prius is the most successful hybrid yet.

What's New For 2007:

All new for 2007, the Prius now features standard front seat-mounted side airbags, as well as front and rear side-curtain airbags. A new trim has been introduced: The Prius Touring Edition, which features a European-tuned suspension, fog lights, a big spoiler, high intensity headlights, and 16-inch alloy rims.

What is the Predicted Reliability:

The Prius has little long term reliability data. However, it received five out of five stars for initial quality from J.D. Power and Associates. Owners overall are extremely happy with their Priuses, with the exception of a few complaints about overly sensitive brakes. Expect well above average reliability. The Prius comes with a basic three year/36,000 mile warranty and a 60 month/60,000 mile powertrain warranty.

Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:

The Prius received four out of five stars in government frontal crash tests and averaged four and a half stars in side impacts. It received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's top score for front and side impacts, but only a mediocre "Marginal" rating for rear impacts. As for safety features, it comes standard with a driver and front passenger advanced airbag system, front seat airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, and traction control. Stability control is available as an option. The 2004 Prius was recalled for a potential power steering crack, and the 2004-06 Prius had recalls for airbag issues.

Pros and Cons:

Pros
+ Safe and reliable
+ Unmatched fuel efficiency
+ Low emissions

Cons
- Fuel efficiency doesn't live up to expectations
- Lackluster engine
- Debatable exterior design

Head-To-Head Competition:

Honda is Toyota's biggest challenger on the hybrid front. The Honda Civic Hybrid is similarly priced, but is beat by the Prius on estimated city mileage (60 vs. 49 mpg). However, hybrid mileage estimates at the moment are somewhat overstated, so expect the Civic and Prius to be fairly similar in reality. Regardless, the Prius still wins with more cargo capacity and standard traction control. The Prius also competes very well against the much more expensive Honda Accord Hybrid, featuring a higher estimated gas mileage (60/51 mpg vs. 25/34). However, the Accord received slightly higher government crash test scores. The strongest competitor to the Prius has a gas engine, and a German one at that. The Volkswagen Golf starts out several thousand less than the Prius, and comes with a better basic warranty (48 months/50,000 miles) and higher government safety ratings. However, the Prius, of course, wins for gas mileage.

What Others Are Saying:

"Thanks to a seamless and sophisticated power system, the 2005 Toyota Prius delivers excellent gas mileage and comfort, making it the best hybrid on the road today." - C|Net

"So are hybrids the next really big thing? Well, they would be if they could all come to market like this one, priced right on top of conventional sedans of similar size but spiffed out with xenon headlamps, stability control, brake-by-wire, curtain airbags, etc. Despite Toyota's protestations to the contrary, we'll never be convinced that this car, selling at this price, earns what any Ivy League CPA would recognize as a profit." - Car and Driver

"But on the whole the Prius is so proficient for its price that it should no longer be categorized as a quirky, alternative-fuel vehicle, but as an above-average mass-market sedan that just happens to have some extra brains under the hood." - U.S. News & World Report

Read more about the 2007 Toyota Prius at the Toyota manufacturer web site.

Published on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 - Email to a friend

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