2002 Toyota Prius

Summary:

Best car I have owned in 40 years

Faults:

Original tires wore rapidly.

Windshield cracked from stone impact.

Intermittent rattle under the dash.

General Comments:

By far the most economical and reliable car I have ever had. It has needed only wear items (tires, wipers, windshield (very common here in Arizona, the Land of Rocks)) and scheduled maintenance in the 8 years we have owned it.

The brakes are original and less than 50% worn.

Fuel economy has dropped into the lower 40s in town, indicating I need to replace the upstream O2 sensor, but otherwise it has been a very faithful and economical car.

The front seat comfort could be better, though. This model has only the basic seat adjustments and no lumbar adjustment. It's fine around town, but after 8 hours on the road, it is not so much.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 15th August, 2010

2002 Toyota Prius 1.5L gasoline/electric

Summary:

High mileage without losing comfort

Faults:

One computer hiccup, has not surfaced again. The dealerships I have been working with have really attempted to make this a positive driving experience.

General Comments:

The Hybrid Gas/Electric is just what I was looking for. The car has all the comfort and styling that I needed, all the performance that I wanted, and best of all, it has averaged 47.5 mpg for the whole time I have owned the vehicle.

Technologically, this car is the leader, similar to the Honda Civic electric and the Insight. The car is a 4 door, about the size of a Corolla, and will pass anything on the road while still getting 4 to 5 times the mileage than others get. Do not underestimate this car and design, it is the car of the future. I have made 3 long trips (over 2000 miles) and have been pleasantly surprised with the operation of the gas/electric combination.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 2nd April, 2003

11th Feb 2005, 18:26

I own a Geo Metro and I removed the catalytic converter and now getting about 70 miles per gallon.

24th May 2005, 21:46

Your Geo is also spewing out tons of emissions whenever you drive it, especially with the converter removed!

17th Jun 2005, 19:44

This is a review of a car that saves the environment and you post about how you remove your cat converter to save money yet dirty the environment. What a shame.