Toyota Prius - 2008 Review

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid (gas + regenerative electric) vehicle that is small on the outside, roomy on the inside, and makes this driver feel good all over. It's stubby nose and abreviated back end make it easy to manuver and park. It's long wheel base (about the same as our 2005 Honda Accord) provides for a comforable ride and allows for four passenger doors plus liftback. There is ample head and leg room.

I have put 17,000 miles on my Prius in 10 months of ownership. Each of those miles has been a joy to drive. My average gasoline consumption is 46.1 mpg. Yes, I can easily cruise for about 400 miles on about 8 gallons of gas! The Prius is the most fuel-efficient car sold in the US and is among the cleanest in terms of emissions. The internal combustion engine simply turns off when it's not needed!

For more that 30 years I had driven cars with 5-speed transmissions and, although I understood the need for computer control of the Prius, I was reluctant to give up the fun and control I experienced with a 5-speed. The Prius' "continuously variable" transmission allows the car to accelorate or take hills without the surges felt when driving other automatic transmission vehicles. There is a 'brake gear' that gently slows the car and generates electrical power when going downhill. (Routine braking also generates power.) I have never felt that the car was underpowered for a specific driving situation.

My Prius came with a navigation system that I depend on heavily. I travel to see clients all over California and use the GPS to find their offices, my hotel, restaurants, gas stations (when I need one), and so much more. The stereo system is wonderful and my cell phone is recognized by the Prius' built-in Bluetooth system. The music stops automatically when I make or receive a call and the person's voice is heard via the stereo speakers. I can answer and end calls by pressing buttons on the stearing wheel. No hands and very cool. In fact, climate, stereo, cruise, front and back defoggers, and the computer display can all be controlled from the wheel. 

Other than its fuel efficiency and very low emissions, my favorite Prius feature is the keyless entry. I carry of fob (it doesn't even look like a key) on my key ring and keep it in my purse. When I approach the car, it senses the fob and unlocks as my hand grasps the door or liftback handle. A push botton starts the engine. At the car wash or valet parking I simply leave my key ring somewhere in the Prius. Lock the car (after remembering to turning off that silent electric motor and while in posession of the fob) by pressing a botton on either of the front doors or on the liftback. The Prius senses the fob inside the vehicle and will not lock until you take it out with you.

As I tell anyone who askes, "I love my Prius!"