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Entered CNET Catalog: 10/18/2006
SKU: 100777238
Manufacturer: Toyota
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User opinions
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User Rating: 
10/10
I love this car!
Pros: Fuel economy, of course; top-notch safety features; lots of space inside; techno-gadgets galore.
Cons: I wish I could read the odomoter or clock with the car turned off. Like many others, I fail to understand the purpose of the back-up beep.
Review:
Having compared with the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Prius wins hands down. Straight out of the dealership, we've been getting gas mileage in the mid-50's, even bumping over 60 mpg occasionally. Those who complain about poorer-than-expected gas mileage may be driving the car like a hot rod. We drive gently, and using the very helpful display screens, have no problem getting top mileage.
Before I became a serious looker, I didn't think I liked the body design, but that quickly changed. I'm amazed that somehow the car is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. The back seat is very roomy for a car that looks so compact on the outside. And I've bought Toyota's advertising line that since this car is different than all other cars, it should look different too.
I've never seen a more technologically advanced car. The constant switching between gas and electric to achieve optimum performance is pretty smart. Constant fuel economy monitoring makes it a game every time I go for a drive. The GPS, bluetooth phone, voice recogntion controls, backup camera, iPod hookups, and more, not to mention all the hybrid technology, is very impressive. I love being able to control absolutely everything from the steering wheel. The ride is smooth and very quiet--especially when you're cruising along the highway with the gasoline engine off!
It looks smart, feels smart, drives smart, and is smart. Yesterday I even got a thumbs up from a pedestrian as I drove by--that never happened to me before! I'd buy it again in a flash!
Before I became a serious looker, I didn't think I liked the body design, but that quickly changed. I'm amazed that somehow the car is bigger on the inside than it is on the outside. The back seat is very roomy for a car that looks so compact on the outside. And I've bought Toyota's advertising line that since this car is different than all other cars, it should look different too.
I've never seen a more technologically advanced car. The constant switching between gas and electric to achieve optimum performance is pretty smart. Constant fuel economy monitoring makes it a game every time I go for a drive. The GPS, bluetooth phone, voice recogntion controls, backup camera, iPod hookups, and more, not to mention all the hybrid technology, is very impressive. I love being able to control absolutely everything from the steering wheel. The ride is smooth and very quiet--especially when you're cruising along the highway with the gasoline engine off!
It looks smart, feels smart, drives smart, and is smart. Yesterday I even got a thumbs up from a pedestrian as I drove by--that never happened to me before! I'd buy it again in a flash!
User Rating: 
9/10
Quiet, Comfortable, Spirited, Gas-sipper
Pros: MPG, Smooth Ride, Interior
Cons: Fast OEM Tirewear
Review:
I love this car!! I love this car!!
For starters, let me tell you where I came from before this Prius. I drive nimble, quick, and purposefully stiff Civic. I was an aggressive driver and preferred my car to be extremely responsive. I had experience driving many other types of vehicles.
Coming from that particular background, I find the Prius to be more luxurious, quiet, and comfortable than what I've been used to. If you're coming from a BMW, Lexus, or Benz background, you'll probably find the seats too hard.
I picked the touring model because I found the steering and suspension to be more responsive than the base model's somewhat mushy handling. I also do a lot of driving where forest critters have a tendency to run out in front of me, so fog lights were a must. Turns out that the stability control and fogs gives you a better deal on the Touring than the Base.
I started off with my MPG near 42, but now I get close to 50 MPG. Once you learn how to drive it, you can get the most out of your fuel. No you don't have to drive like a granny or give in to slow, drawn out highway merges. This car has pep. You won't be racing people, but when you need to pass someone on the highway you'll get the HP that you need.
Plenty of compartments and room. The interior is rather large. I view the Prius as a midsize sedan. The interior controls are great. At first, I thought the climate control was screwed up. But after I learned how it heated and cooled the car, I'm able to find the comfort zone every time.
In order to appreciate this car, you need to get to know it a bit. Don't expect roses from the bat. Great MPG starts happening when you near 10,000 miles. Researching and learning efficient driving will bring a smile to your money saving face. The climate control is incredibly comfortable after pick up on its heating a cooling techniques.
For starters, let me tell you where I came from before this Prius. I drive nimble, quick, and purposefully stiff Civic. I was an aggressive driver and preferred my car to be extremely responsive. I had experience driving many other types of vehicles.
Coming from that particular background, I find the Prius to be more luxurious, quiet, and comfortable than what I've been used to. If you're coming from a BMW, Lexus, or Benz background, you'll probably find the seats too hard.
I picked the touring model because I found the steering and suspension to be more responsive than the base model's somewhat mushy handling. I also do a lot of driving where forest critters have a tendency to run out in front of me, so fog lights were a must. Turns out that the stability control and fogs gives you a better deal on the Touring than the Base.
I started off with my MPG near 42, but now I get close to 50 MPG. Once you learn how to drive it, you can get the most out of your fuel. No you don't have to drive like a granny or give in to slow, drawn out highway merges. This car has pep. You won't be racing people, but when you need to pass someone on the highway you'll get the HP that you need.
Plenty of compartments and room. The interior is rather large. I view the Prius as a midsize sedan. The interior controls are great. At first, I thought the climate control was screwed up. But after I learned how it heated and cooled the car, I'm able to find the comfort zone every time.
In order to appreciate this car, you need to get to know it a bit. Don't expect roses from the bat. Great MPG starts happening when you near 10,000 miles. Researching and learning efficient driving will bring a smile to your money saving face. The climate control is incredibly comfortable after pick up on its heating a cooling techniques.
User Rating: 
6/10
Very disappointed with the Touring Edition. Get the regular one.
Pros: Fuel economy, roomy, quiet.
Cons: Harsh ride, annoying squeaks, creaks and rattles, poor handling, driver's seat, climate control, subpar navigation system, confusing controls.
Review:
I bought a 2007 Prius Touring Edition last April, with package #6. In short it was loaded. The first month I had it I was elated, mostly at how quiet and economical it was. Then after that, the rattles started, from the front passenger seat mostly, along with several squeaks and creaks from the dashboard, front windows and the rear cabin. It made it very unpleasant to drive. Two trips to the dealer later and the problem still continued. It would be all right for a couple of days, and then the rattles and squeaks would appear again. The ride was also a bit too stiff, at times harsh. The climate control was always blowing cold air, probably because of the expansive windshield that heated the car like an oven. The navigation system was imprecise and very difficult to operate. Toyota should take a look at Honda here, as they make the best nav system. The JBL sound system was all right. I heard better. The driver's seat is a joke. For almost $30K, the driver's seat should come with adjustments for at least height, angle and lumbar. As far as the handling goes I was expecting better from the sports tuned suspension. I almost lost control going around a curve, and I've driven many cars since I was 16. I'm 55 years young, by the way. This car is simply not meant to be driven with gusto. If you want a Prius, get the regular one. It rides better and fuel economy is also better. I was given a Prius rental while mine was in the shop. I noticed that the rental rode much smoother, and I was getting about 47 mpg, while on mine I averaged about 40 mpg. I was shocked! Nonetheless it still had the same shortcomings. I finally sold it last week. I just couldn't stand the poor handling, harsh ride, poor climate control, subpar nav system, and most of all the rattles and squeaks. I noticed that most Prius owners are fanatical about their cars. Sorry to burst your bubble, but I've heard others complain about rattles and other issues. Still, ironically I miss my Prius. It was kind of funky looking. If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten the regular Prius, no JBL stereo, nav system or leather. But I'll wait until Toyota puts in a better driver's seat and climate control, and no rattles!
User Rating: 9/10
A Fuel-Sipping Clean & Green Wunderkind Wagon
Pros: Stellar Fuel Economy, Spacious Cockpit & Cabin, Stealthily Quiet, Great Sound System
Cons: Has An Information Handling & Management Learning Curve, Information Over-load Tendencies
Review:
I purchased my new 2007 Prius a week ago, and am quite pleased with it and its performance. It is a personal transportation vehicle only a Techno-Geek like me can truly appreciate, love, enjoy and optimally operate.
Once I started driving the Prius, I was drawn to hypermiling like the proverbial moth is drawn to a flame. I am now a hypermiler true-believer who works (plays?) hard at driving my Prius to optimally manage the Hybrid Synergy Drive to get it to deliver and surpass the promised 51/55/60 EPA Fuel Economy numbers.
With the over 30 operating status and advisory indicator symbols plus other additional graphics and numerics that may be displayed on the electronic instrument cluster and multi-information display monitor, there is a bit of an Information Handling and Management Learning Curve for the novice hybrid driver.
For combat-hardened aviators, avid computer gamers and gadget mastering ueber techno-geeks, digesting and responding to these is a piece of cake. However, it may be a lot of information for non-tech savvy John and Jane Q. average drivers to efficiently absorb and manage if they want to attain and maintain optimal and maximal MPG by applying the myriad of fuel-sipping driving techniques.
I would like to see a Heads-Up Display incorporated into the windshield to help alleviate and manage this "information over-load" problem. It would be a big driver safety enhancement that would cut down on a driver being distracted away from keeping his or her eyes on the road as they try to monitor the electronic instrument cluster and multi-information display monitor and drive too.
It is clear to me that if one drives a Prius like a conventional car they will likely not achieve the 51/55/60 EPA Fuel Economy miles per gallon posted on the window sticker.
Driving the Prius to MAX MPG PERFECTION requires a bit of Hybrid Zen Mastery to reach MAX MPG NIRVANA. The driver must Become-One-With-The-Hybrid-System. If not, only the basic MPG available from the 1.5L. 4-Cylinder gasoline engine will likely be delivered.
Once I started driving the Prius, I was drawn to hypermiling like the proverbial moth is drawn to a flame. I am now a hypermiler true-believer who works (plays?) hard at driving my Prius to optimally manage the Hybrid Synergy Drive to get it to deliver and surpass the promised 51/55/60 EPA Fuel Economy numbers.
With the over 30 operating status and advisory indicator symbols plus other additional graphics and numerics that may be displayed on the electronic instrument cluster and multi-information display monitor, there is a bit of an Information Handling and Management Learning Curve for the novice hybrid driver.
For combat-hardened aviators, avid computer gamers and gadget mastering ueber techno-geeks, digesting and responding to these is a piece of cake. However, it may be a lot of information for non-tech savvy John and Jane Q. average drivers to efficiently absorb and manage if they want to attain and maintain optimal and maximal MPG by applying the myriad of fuel-sipping driving techniques.
I would like to see a Heads-Up Display incorporated into the windshield to help alleviate and manage this "information over-load" problem. It would be a big driver safety enhancement that would cut down on a driver being distracted away from keeping his or her eyes on the road as they try to monitor the electronic instrument cluster and multi-information display monitor and drive too.
It is clear to me that if one drives a Prius like a conventional car they will likely not achieve the 51/55/60 EPA Fuel Economy miles per gallon posted on the window sticker.
Driving the Prius to MAX MPG PERFECTION requires a bit of Hybrid Zen Mastery to reach MAX MPG NIRVANA. The driver must Become-One-With-The-Hybrid-System. If not, only the basic MPG available from the 1.5L. 4-Cylinder gasoline engine will likely be delivered.
User Rating: 
8/10
Great Car!
Pros: mileage, quiet ride, better-than-expected audio
Cons: difficult GPS and Bluetooth setup
Review:
I've owned this car for 2 weeks now and am getting 40 mpg in the city with stop-and-go traffic. It is much quieter than I expected with quite a nice audio system. I opted for pkg. 6 (leather, navigation system, etc.) and I had the XM radio added. It sounds great. The seats are not as 'cushy' as a luxury car and one can 'feel' the bumps in the road as one drives, but for commuting to and from work, it is fantastic!
It is very confusing to operate and set up the Bluetooth connectivity for the cell phone and the GPS. Even with the dealer's help, I still don't understand it. I've had a navigation system before but this will take some getting-used-to! I'm also disappointed that the AM/FM radio and normal CD's don't display the name of the artist or track. Apparently, only CD's that are burned in the MP3 or WMA format will display that information. Store-bought CD's will not display any information at all! XM radio does display the name of the artist and the song title.
I think Toyota should include a video or CD on how to program the various accessories and options. The manual is confusing.
It is simple to control functions of the a/c, audio, GPS,and phone all on the steering wheel BUT the little knobs barely light up at night so the user has to memorize the feel of them if it's dark.
Overall, I'm very happy with the car.
It is very confusing to operate and set up the Bluetooth connectivity for the cell phone and the GPS. Even with the dealer's help, I still don't understand it. I've had a navigation system before but this will take some getting-used-to! I'm also disappointed that the AM/FM radio and normal CD's don't display the name of the artist or track. Apparently, only CD's that are burned in the MP3 or WMA format will display that information. Store-bought CD's will not display any information at all! XM radio does display the name of the artist and the song title.
I think Toyota should include a video or CD on how to program the various accessories and options. The manual is confusing.
It is simple to control functions of the a/c, audio, GPS,and phone all on the steering wheel BUT the little knobs barely light up at night so the user has to memorize the feel of them if it's dark.
Overall, I'm very happy with the car.
User Rating: 8/10
Great fun car
Pros: spacious, quite, a green car
Cons: GPS confusing, annoying beep on reverse
Review:
Took delivery of a Prius last week. Great car. Many have already written about the good features so I am not going to repeat them. Following are things that are least goods:
(1) The car beeps when you reverse. The beeping happens INSIDE the car and is not really audible outside (which could be useful to alert people around you). That is very annoying and distracting when one is trying to back out of tight space. It is like having someone shutting at you. Good thing there is an non-intrusive way to disable it but you have to get the instruction off the web since the dealer will not do it.
(2) I use the passenger seat often for stuff like grocery. It beeps when the seat belt is not fastern. I do not like that even though more people seems to be OK with that than the reverse beep. There is also way to disable it (and the driver seat too) from the web.
(3) Compare with my Garmin GPS, the built in GPS seems to do more but the screen and menu are a lot more confusing. I rarely read manual with most high tech toys but I have to do that with this GPS. The GPS manual was not that well written and it does not even have an index. I actually have to take the car back to the deale rto have them show me how to do the simplest thing: enter an address and ask it to take me there. This is a real come down for someone in the computing industry for over 30 years and a member of the toy of the week club. Oh well ....
But agin, inspite of the above, great car, great experience so far. I like it and my dog like the hatchback too.
(1) The car beeps when you reverse. The beeping happens INSIDE the car and is not really audible outside (which could be useful to alert people around you). That is very annoying and distracting when one is trying to back out of tight space. It is like having someone shutting at you. Good thing there is an non-intrusive way to disable it but you have to get the instruction off the web since the dealer will not do it.
(2) I use the passenger seat often for stuff like grocery. It beeps when the seat belt is not fastern. I do not like that even though more people seems to be OK with that than the reverse beep. There is also way to disable it (and the driver seat too) from the web.
(3) Compare with my Garmin GPS, the built in GPS seems to do more but the screen and menu are a lot more confusing. I rarely read manual with most high tech toys but I have to do that with this GPS. The GPS manual was not that well written and it does not even have an index. I actually have to take the car back to the deale rto have them show me how to do the simplest thing: enter an address and ask it to take me there. This is a real come down for someone in the computing industry for over 30 years and a member of the toy of the week club. Oh well ....
But agin, inspite of the above, great car, great experience so far. I like it and my dog like the hatchback too.
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