Test drive: 2007 Toyota Prius Hybrid Touring Edition
The Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid is pretty-much a shoe-in for our list of the top ten fuel-efficient cars. Hybrids like the Prius may not have an easy time achieving their EPA fuel economy numbers (60 MPG in the city and 51 MPG highway in the case of the Prius), but for the average driver, achieving 45 MPG in mixed city/highway driving in a Prius is pretty much a no-brainer -- and that's a heck of a lot better than most mid-size sedans can manage.
It's worth noting that while the car I tested -- a fully loaded example of of the new-for-2007 Prius Touring Edition -- listed for nearly $30k, Toyota currently has a discount program running that lowers the Prius' price by a couple of grand. No word on how long this program will last, so if you have been thinking about buying a Prius, now is a good time. Still on the fence? Then check out my 2007 Toyota Prius Touring Edition test drive and 2007 Toyota Prius photo gallery to help you decide if a Prius is right for you. -- Aaron Gold
Photo © Aaron Gold
Comments
Even with a “discount”, the price is too much. The mph for the Prius is not that terribly different from the Corolla or Civic. Also, if the hybrid breaks down, and I’m on a road trip, a regular mechanic probably can’t fix the car. Even being “green” has its limits.
As nice as it may be to feel green and warm and fuzzy, you can still buy a fuel efficient car for about half the price, and still not spend the difference in fuel costs (over an average ownership period), right?
IF the hybrid cars were priced competitively with other non-hybrid economy cars (I understand that may not be feasible), where there would actually be a cost benefit in addition to the warm-fuzzy-eco-friendly feeling, I am sure that the cars would be selling faster than they could build them.
What’s “green” about the Prius is not solely its fuel economy but also the fact that it meets SULEV standrads for emissions -practically none!! Neither Tht Corolla nor any Honda can come close to matching that. You buy a prius to reduce fule consumption AND drastically cut your harmful vehicle emissions. My 2005 Prius is going strong and with $3 per gallon gas, has already paid for itself (covered the premuium cost over a cheaper car). Not to mention the ultra smooth CVT transmission and the fun of driving in “stealth” mode (electric only).
I have been driving a 2005 Prius since October 2004. The tank I am on right now is 4.0 L/100KM (58.8 MPG) with my winter tires still on but I usually average 4.4 L/100KM (53.4 MPG).
I didn’t buy it for the savings in gas (although I like the fact I have cut my gas costs in half) I bought it to reduce the pollution I create when I drive a car. I bought it so that my kids will have cleaner air to breath. And when a cleaner car comes along - I’ll buy that one. (I tried in vain to buy an ULEV from GM or Ford in 2004 but there was nothing available.)
As for reliability - I’m just over 57,000 miles and this is by far the most reliable car I’ve ever had.
(Carol): You cannot blindly compare the Prius to a Corolla or a Civic. For starters it is MUCH bigger inside and carries a LOT more stuff. Based on space need, the Prius compares with the bigger models, i.e., Camry and Accord, while being much smaller outside.
The rear seat fo the Prius is HUGE and fits three big sized adults confortably (for a city trip at least).
Once you option a 4 cyl Camry or Accord to the same levels of the standard Prius you will notice that the difference is more than reasonable, and if you add the tax credits (if available) and the diwcount, then the Prius becomes a “good value”.
Guys, thanks so much for buying into the eco-friendly Prius fad. I personally am breathing much easier knowing you are all driving Priuses. Is that ozone I smell coming out of your tailpipies?
With all this extra time you have spent being holier than those around you, I’m sure you have already made plans as to how to dispose of all the non-recyclable batteries you are all slowly draining. Keeping it eco-friendly, of course.
To me the Prius is more of a “statement” car…it’s telling the world that you believe in not wastng a limited resource, not putting out more co2 than you need to and also that you’re a frugal sensible person. The Prius is a rolling marquis to that effect…BUT the gas savings over a regular civic can’t substantiate the extra cost of the car because you have to drine 100k miles to make it pay, but that’s all the batteries are supposed to be good for…good luck on resale values over 80K! And 5-8 mpg savings does almost nothing to slow global warming. While your efforts to spare the planet of pollution is noble, there’s that sticky problem of disposing of that old battery…so if statements are what you are all about then go for it! Unfortunately, some of us know how hollow that statement is! Sorry to hurt your feelings.
The cost for a Prius in the article is for a fully loaded touring edition without mention of tax credits and sales incentives. I bought my 2006 prius brand new for $18,000 (including about $2,200 in options) after tax credits (Federal and State). Sure the federal credit is phasing out, but sales incentives are replacing the credit. In my State, the State tax credit (not a deduction, credits are like money in your pocket) is still about $3,300 and will be for a few more years. When citics run out of reasons to vilify the Prius, they always turn to “it costs too much.” But that is not necessarily correct.
just don’t clog up that freeway especially the carpool lane going 50 mph !!!! my bike gets 55 mpg going 80 mph!! plus i look much cooler… suckas!