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No mechanical or electrical faults with the Prius thusfar. There are some quirky features with no obvious reason why they weren't more resembling standard features in other cars. Example: No daytime running lights which today seem to be omnipresent. Very minimal seat adjustments for a very firm seat. Changing programmed settings like beeps, GPS destinations is not user friendly, nor easy. GPS system and bluetooth are not really usable once the car is rolling.
I'm finding that the Prius gets even better than the EPA mileage. I don't understand those who comment that it doesn't come close--it does! The technology in the car is amazing for the price and size of the 'package'. The car is BIG inside, but appears small from the outside. The handling seems AOK in my book--plenty of acceleration when one needs it and nice cabin quietness, contrary to some reports. Smooth, tight ride. No squeaks or rattles. Many luxury features found mainly in autos costing $15,000 more. Nice fit and finish though materials in the car seem to mar easily.
I have owned a Prius for 2 years. The GPS and the Bluetooth work wonderfully when the car is rolling.
Sorry, but there hasn't been a Prius tested that has performed like the EPA says it does. Every car has posted significantly lower mileage.
"Sorry, but there hasn't been a Prius tested that has performed like the EPA says it does. Every car has posted significantly lower mileage."
You need to check the data from users at Priuschat.com. Though rare, and probably impractical for 99% of owners, it certainly can, and has, be done. Once you learn HOW to drive this car, your efficiency ramps up substantially. If you choose to work the techniques to the "n-th" degree, EPA or better IS doable. BTW, I achieved a steady-state 51 mpg (just over EPA), per the computer, by slowing to just over 60 mph driving on I-10 the other night. Personally, I wouldn't choose to do this for long, but again, it can be done.
I'm the same guy who made the Aug 9th comment. I just busted 51 mpg previous best, getting 53 mpg, 3 better than EPA highway, on a 45 minute, steady state highway run. The Aug 7th poster is just not correct. You can, if you're willing to apply some of the techniques for Prius driving, easily beat EPA.
I looked at this site because I was thinking of buying a Prius. We've owned two Camry's, both for 10 years each, so we love Toyota in general. I saw the one post about looking at Priuschat.com, but when I went there, the site has been hacked. I hope someone can get that fixed.
Just bought a 2006 Prius package #8. My first 55 mile commute I averaged 54 miles per gallon going 66 mph. The car is a blast to drive and you really need to use your skill to get the mpg. It is not a sports car, so don't drive it like one. Car is roomy inside, comfortable, and all features are easy to use. Don't believe any of the negative comments you read about this car. It is fantastic.
Perhaps a VW Golf diesel does get better mpg... but diesel fuel is around 20 cents or more per gallon than the regular unleaded the Prius uses...
The Golf will "kill the environment" with its emissions which last the duration of its life. And you'll have to remind me how Golfs, or any car for that matter, do not have batteries that need to be manufacturered.
As for quality, at least in America a VW is the last car you would want to buy if you don't want to be your mechanic's best friend.
That said, even in America there is no economic argument for owning a Prius over a diesel car given the purchase prices of both vehicles and their mpg.
Hmmmm, here in New Orleans, diesel is now going for at least 55 cents per gallon more than the regular on which the Prius is perfectly happy. I'm the guy who commented about my then-new Prius last August. I've put almost 20k more miles on it now, and I love it even more. On a 20 mile mixed run today, I averaged 51.6 mpg. This is a fantastic car. If someone GAVE me a VW diesel, I'd just sell it and use the cash to buy another Prius!
Did you just say that the Golf has more space? Obviously you have never been in a Prius.
I just filled up my 2007 Prius for the first time. Unfortunately, I averaged only 43.7 mpg driving about half city and half highway. Any driving tricks on improving the mpg??
I just filled up my 2007 Prius for the first time. Unfortunately, I averaged only 43.7 mpg driving about half city and half highway. Any driving tricks on improving the mpg??
Yep, buy a diesel. Quicker, cheaper to buy & run, better looking (whatever it is) & you won't have people laughing at your choice of car.
"I just filled up my 2007 Prius for the first time. Unfortunately, I averaged only 43.7 mpg driving about half city and half highway. Any driving tricks on improving the mpg??"
No not really. Unless you wanna drive about 15 mph under the speed limit at all times. It may bet a bit better as your car breaks in, but my 2006 with 20k miles on it still only manages about 45.5 MPG and actually gets worse with city driving even though toyota claims otherwise. The prius is deffinitely not all it should have been.
I think many people are missing the point here. Yes, getting awesome gas mileage is a sweet deal, and can be found in other cars that are NOT hybrid. AND yes, driving habits greatly affect your gas mileage. (I personally have gotten anywhere between 31 and 46 mpg highway on my 1988 Corolla SR5)
The point is that fossil fuels are obviously an UN-renewable resource and eventually an alternative must be found in the future. The Prius and other hybrids are a step in the right direction, choosing technology over tradition, and being proactive rather than reactive. Getting above average gas mileage is an added bonus.
I will probably be called an radical environmentalist tree hugger for saying that, but I stand with that opinion.
There's my two cents.
I agree with the persons above comment.