2010 Toyota Prius test drive

About.com Rating 3.5 Star Rating

User Rating 3.5 Star Rating (2 Reviews) Write a review

By Aaron Gold, About.com Guide

See More About:

Improved hybrid powertrain delivers better real-world fuel economy than the old Prius

Photo © Aaron Gold

(Continued from Page 1)

What I liked about the Toyota Prius:

Sleek new shape adds some much-needed style
Gets better fuel economy than the old Prius
"Eco" mode is a boon to novice hypermilers

What I didn't like:

Intrusive center console
Cheap-looking dash display
Does it have to be so boring to drive?

Who should buy the Toyota Prius:
Those who want a family car that gets the best possible fuel economy, but still want the convenience of gasoline power

Who should not buy the Toyota Prius:
Eco-minded folks who want to end our country's reliance on oil -- the Prius still relies on non-renewable resources

Details and specs:

Body style: 5-door hatchback
Seating capacity: 5
Trim levels: Prius II, Prius III, Prius IV, Prius V
Price range (including options): $23,510 - $33,820
Model/price as tested: Prius IV, $31,430
Base engine: 1.8 liter inline 4-cylinder, 98 hp @ 5,200, 105 lb-ft @ 4,000 RPM + electric motor, 80 hp/153 lb-ft; total net power 137 hp
Optional engine: None
Premium fuel required? No
Transmission: Continuously-variable automatic
Driveline: Front engine, front-wheel-drive
EPA fuel economy estimates: 51 MPG city/48 MPG highway
Observed fuel economy: 48.9 MPG
Where built:Japan
Standard safety equipment: Front airbags, front-seat-mounted side airbags, two-row side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, electronic stability control
Optional safety equipment: Rear seat-mounted side airbags (4-door only)
Major standard features: Power windows, mirrors, and locks, remote keyless entry and ignition, alloy wheels, automatic climate control, 6-disc CD changer, alloy wheels
Major options: Upgraded stereo, navigation, sunroof, solar-powered ventilator fan, satellite ratio, leather upholstery, LED headlights
Warranty: 3 years/36,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 5 years/60,000 miles powertrain, 8 years/100,000 miles hybrid components, 5 years/unlimited mileage outer body rust-through
Roadside assistance/free maintenance: None

Best rivals:

Honda Insight
Volkswagen Jetta TDI
Ford Fusion Hybrid

The vehicle for this test drive was provided by Toyota.

User Reviews

5 out of 5

2010 Toyota Prius, Member trbizwiz

I'll start by saying I am a Honda guy. We have purchased 4 Honda's in a row, and all from the same dealership. They have been great cars (except for the pax system, and the fraud on the Odyssey fuel mileage), so I fully intended to buy the new 2010 Honda insight. But in the end I found the Prius more roomy, and comfortable, as well as more powerful, and efficient. On a recent trip we averaged 44 mpg's at 80 MPH, in freezing temperatures (which apparently effect mpg's in hybrids) Same trip we averaged 49.5 mpgs at 60 MPH. This is with a brand new car and we are new to hybrids and don't really know how to perfectly drive one yet. I must say I am very impressed. The car kind of grows on you. I would even go as far as to say it is kind of cute. It's fun factor comes from knowing you can travel 500 to 600 miles and only use 12 gallons of fuel. This car just makes you feel good when driving it. Also it has plenty of room for my 6'1"" 250 pound frame as well as my 2 children in the back seats both in car seats. And the storage in the hatch area was sufficient to pack all the Christmas gifts my children received from their grand parents. As to the middle storage area, I find it very convenient for my phone, and wallet. We don't have leather so seat heat isn't an issue. WE bought the III and it cost us $23349 out the door. It had the port added floor mats, and trunk organizer, which add about $500 to the MSRP. I wish the port would not add that stuff, as you could buy those items from a parts store for under $50. In fact we covered up the $200 floor mats with $20 all weather mats from Sam's club. They work wonderfully for wet feet and protect every inch of the floor area in the front. Also they do not seem to interfere with the accelerator pedal. My car also came free with the lifetime power train warranty, which is a nice added value. We bought this car to save money over the long haul. It will be cheaper for fuel, maint., insurance, and have excellent resale. I think these cars are worth a look, but if you plan on getting a really loaded car, you wont really ever appreciate the savings this car can provide.

Write a review

18 out of 19 people found this helpful.
Was this review helpful to you? Yes | No

See all 2 reviews