2001 TOYOTA PRIUS

Not worth it

Performance: 3 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 1 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 1

To buy a new hybrid is OK if parts are under warranty. It seems that the HV battery (High Voltage batter) at a cost of $4000.00 installed dies after 8 years and around 150,000km . Just when the warranty dies. Hmmmm!! The car is nice to drive, but, so is a Elantra and the Elantra is way more reliable and coat effective to fix for the same year. Then there is the converter!!! Another $4000.00!! Please read carefully the reports about the 1 gen Prius. The HV battery will go on you and they were a poor quality. If you are buying a Prius to save the planet, forget it! The cost and consumables related to keeping it going including maintenance and repairs will far out weigh the savings.

Decent car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Bought this car at 75K miles, now have 115K miles on it. During this time, all the car has needed is gas, tires and oil changes. Only problem encountered is when I start the car, if I have the AC or Defrost on high, the gas engine sometimes conks out and I get the "triangle" warning. I turn off the car, wait a minute and then it is fine, triangle is gone.

The lIttle Prius that Could

Performance: 2 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 2 Exterior Design: 2 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 2 Interior Rating: 2 Reliability Rating: 5

My wife and I bought our 2001 Prius in December of 2009 knowing we were buying a car with 90K miles on it. It now has 130K on and it running great with few problems at all. It's far more reliable and cheaper to repair than the BMW we sold to buy it. Of course the quality of the plastics inside the car leave a lot to be desired, I guess you can't expect too much for the price of these cars. The hybrid part is really great but I hope they've improved "kicking" the engine does when it turns on at a stop. It's very abrupt.

9/10

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have had my prius for about 4 years now. When I bought it I had to fix a few problems with it but since the car has been wonderful. I read a lot of comments about catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. I am also having problems with that, but I am convinced that in the 2001 that is one of few problems with the vehicle. I now have 227,000 miles on my car and she is still runnning great! My advice is to take good car of your prius, fix the minor problems... DON'T PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to the dealer for parts, buy them online or from junk yards and the fix up won't be so pricey and your car will run for years!

Best car I have owned.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought one of the first Prius cars in the Seattle area. It has been an outstanding car, very reliable and extremely fuel efficient. I have had no serious problems with this car and have it routinely serviced at a Toyota dealership. This first generation Prius fits 4 adults easily and can take my family of 4 and their luggage on a week long road trip. Gas mileage ranges from the low 40s in stop and go traffic to the high 40s on long highway trips. This car is still going strong and I plan to give it to my now 16 yo daughter in a year or two.

At 94k, it's still like new

Performance: 4 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

We bought in 2005 with 45K when I bought several new cars for my company at a Toyota dealership. I wanted a used Prius because I did not want my wife to get a new one and dislike it. She likes it because it is easy to drive in town and averages 45 MPG. I like it because I fill it up every three weeks. Recently, we got the "Triangle of Death" after replacing the 12V battery. Had it towed to the dealer and was informed that we needed a new traction battery. Bad news, $4,698.00 for the new battery & the good news is; Toyota picked up the tab including the towing. There are many expensive components on these cars and if they go south, you could pay but right now, it's a great car to own.

Prius after 100k Miles... STAY AWAY!

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 2

I purchased a "Preowned Certified" Toyota Prius 5 years ago with 30K miles on, my car has now 115,000, the ECU went 3 times already, the ECM and the catalytic converter need to be replaced. Anyone out there with a Prius.... Good Luck! What I saved on gas all these years I'm paying on parts, I can't wait to get rid of this car.

I Adore This Car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've owned my Prius for 3.5 yrs and put 55,000 miles on it. The reason...it's a joy2drive! There is a 140 mile stretch of 2 lane highway on the way to Mom's place. I pass everything with ease and avg 45 MPG combined. Of course MPGs are highly effected by head/tail winds, temps below 30 degrees, and driver "hybridability". My son has a hybrid touch (put 126K miles on an Insight). He can make my 45mpg go straight up to 60-75mpg (city). Only problems I've had are the main warning indicator appears periodically on the screen and clears itself and the 12 volt battery drains periodically (both are mysteries). Great Car Overall!!

I love it, very dependable

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I have 147,000 miles on mine and am very happy. On trips we get 43mpg and often average 40 and up to 65 according to the road and traffic. Driving a whole day without filling up is also fun. It is EXTREMELY quiet, I didn't like the 4 cylinder vibration at idle on the other cars, there is none on this one. All issues were covered by the warranty, the gas tank, computer systems and steering were replaced under warranty (even after it was expired). I never replaced the fuel rheostat and it somehow fixed itself. Oil just never gets dirty. 7500 miles + works fine for me. I always take it to the dealer. Maintenance is less than any other car I have owned. It is just KOOL!!

Mixed bag - I would still buy another one

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 3 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 3 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 3 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 3 Reliability Rating: 3

I have had relatively few problems and the trouble with the car is that after 100K the service departments do not care about the car and have thrice given me careless and wrong diagnosis of the troubles I have had with the battery depleting while I am driving. It will simply stop in the middle of a journey. It's worse in city traffic. The other issue to my mind is that the mileage is no great shakes. I get maximum 50 miles per gallon. I remember in the 70's that many cars were small and getting gas mileage that was over 40mpg. So young people- don't be taken in by the hype. Get a smaller car.

Sell at 100K!!!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

Our Prius drove fairly well for the first 100K+ miles. Then trouble started. Recently, the warning triangle came on, and as instructed in the manual, we took it to the dealer repair shop. They didn't know what to do based on the computer scan and Toyota HQ told them to clear the codes and test drive it. They did, but a few miles later on the way home, the warning came on again! I quickly returned to the shop. Then I was told the part I needed would be $4K+ with many hrs of labor. I said no and am driving the car with the warning still on. They'd only give me $2K trade in, so we kept it and bought a Chevy Cobalt. Had I to do it again, I'd sell it at 100K miles!

A great car

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I own one of the first Priuses delivered in the USA, and at 178,000 miles it is still a joy to drive. I am continually amazed at its reliability, gas mileage, emissions control, regenerative braking, power, and handling. Toyota "hit a home run" with this model. I do keep up the maintenance with 7,500 mile synthetic oil changes, and parts replacements when necessary. I expect 300,000 miles from this car.

My 2001 California Prius

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

At 110K miles, I am impressed with my classic Prius even before buying it. It is more fun to drive since I replaced the tires (52k miles, 2 sets) with a stiffer brand (67k miles one set). Brakes (still at 60%) should last 200,000 miles. Early on needed computer replaced, no problems now. Have taken two 4,000 plus mile trips with mpg at 44 each. I can sit in the back seat with head clearance. Fully expect the car and battery to last 300k. We like this model better than the 2004 version but am waiting for the 94mpg version due next year.

2001 Prius

Performance: 3 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 2 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

This model of car has some major issues which will become increasingly apparent as it ages. Advice: don't give a review on this car until you have owned it for more than six months. Toyota does not stand behind the warranties on this model of car and tries to weasel out of repairs--this is from a 30+ year Toyota owner. It should have been recalled for defective rack and pinion steering (same as in the later models), inverter and computer problems and accelerator pedal assembly--all very expensive problems to repair. After having owned this car for one year, with two months spent in the repair shop, negotiating with Toyota, I cwill not purchase another Toyota car. Advice: stay away!

2001 prius

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my baby prius. It is fun to drive, fun to play with the computer screen, and it is fun to pass up the gas stations. It had some major problems when I first got it, but the dealership was very good at fixing the issues. My next car will be a prius.

Disposable Vehicle

Performance: 1 Comfort: 3 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 3 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 1 Reliability: 1 Comfort Rating: 3 Performance Rating: 1 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 1

I have not had good experience with this vehicle. I had intial problems with this vehicle that were minor but irritating. It took two years for a service tech to figure them out. I had the inverter replaced at 92K miles. It was covered undered warranty but I was quoted 7K for the repair had I have to do it myself. At 122K miles I had the main computer replaced at $1,250 and it is in the shop now for a trans axle and another inverter replacement. Total repair costs are $12,000 and I was advised to junk the car. I was also told that it had $0 trade-in value and now I have no car and nothing to sell. What I think happend is that something was wrong and further research indicated motor windings and thats what burned out parts. What they did was replace the burned out parts without fixing the real problem. Now they tell me to junk the car because it is out of warranty. I don't believe in Toyota.

Great car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is just great. Fuel consumption is excellent. The car has enough power for everyday use. All our friends are very positive about this car. Only bad thing is that you can't tow anything.

Driving on Empty

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

What more can I say, I got this car to save gas and thats what it's doing! And it has the Toyota name to back up the reliability! I've owned 4 Toyota's now (still have 3 of them). I did trade my Matrix in for the 2001 Prius.

Outstanding Car

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this car used with 15,000 miles and have put 5,000 miles on it in 2 months. This is an outstanding car. It rides like a much larger vehicle and is "substantial" in it feel. I'm averaging between 46-52 miles/gallon on mostly highway driving. I recommend this car highly!

I love this car.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I am 56 years old and this is the first car I have ever loved. I am proud to be driving it. My average mileage over 86,000 miles is 49.2 and I have not had to replace the battery. Keeping the right tire pressure makes a difference of 2-3 mpg. It has plenty of pep on the highway, feels solid in the wind and on wet pavement, and will cruise at 70 mph. It is maneuverable in traffic and parking. It is bigger inside that it looks. Four ride comfortably. I have had almost no trouble with it. The warranty was generous and Toyota's service has been superb before and after the warranty expired. The 2005 has some nice features and a bit better mileage but I do not want a hatchback.

Still Love It

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Other than the radio control button being too small and tires that are not up to the braking and corning ability of this vehicle, it is still awesome. I have averaged 51.4 mpg since taking ownership.

Park Your Prius

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A great city car. Extremely quiet. Incredibly easy to park with its short length and tight turning radius. Also fine on the highway.

My Toyota Prius

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Even though I've only had my Prius for a relatively short term, I know already that I made the right choice.

Very Cool Car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I felt good buying this car because of all of the environmental stuff but I really just wanted something that was reliable and had good gas mileage. What I got was much much more. Thanks Toyota for such a great experiance.

Best Car I have owned

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

The Prius is an experience. I had been gett blaise about cars. This one I love. But it isn't about performance or interior comfort. It is about doing the right thing for our lungs, our country and the planet. Cut smog, reduce use of non-renewable resources, save money, and enjoy it.

One of first ones bought.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The car has done great and we average 46 to 48 mpg overall mileage. The only problem we have had is with tires. They have not held up well at all however Toyoto has replaced them twice at no charge trying to find the problem.

Problematic

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 3 Build Quality: 3 Reliability: 2 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 2

We've owned lots of Toyotas and usually expect high reliability from the company. The 2001 Prius hasn't met that expectation. Our car has been the shop every couple of months with lots of problems including: tires wearing out, steering column noise, battery dying, mysterious engine stalls, electrical problems that disabled the radio and assorted other nagging things. We've been quite surprise by the severity of the problems and the inability of Toyota to diagnose and fix them. Presumably, the newer version of the Prius have worked through the problems. But the 2001 was been a disappointment.

Excellent vehicle!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Super car! Fun to own and drive. Averages 50-55 mpg in warm weather and around 40 in winter(in the northeast). Starts well in frigid weather and handles well on snow and ice. Comfortable on long trips--easy on the back. Easy for handicapped individuals to enter and exit.

Sparky

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This car is a wonder! I have not had one single problem with this vehicle. The quality of the fit and finish is second to none. The economy and ecology are more advanced than most cars on the road today. Once you drive it you begin to drive wonder why this technology hasn't become common with more vehicles on the road today. When in stop and go traffic with only the electric motor on, you understand just how wasteful gas only cars are. I have 75000+ miles on this car and will buy the 2004 Prius with every option I can get.

Prius Fan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A well built Sedan (as usual from Toyota. The gas milage is great, exceleration for passing is more than enough, and handling in the city is perfect. On the highway you have to stay alert because the steering is quick and the vehicle is light so the wind effects. A great car to drive on the back roads. My MPG average is 42.5 mixed city and highway.

Yahooo!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is a great car to own. Not only is it fun to drive with suprisingly good pick-up on freeways, it's gas mileage makes me smile as I see all of the hefty SUV's filling up at the station. If you are a commuter, this is the perfect vehicle. And you will waste no fuel when sitting in stopped traffic! This car requires the same maintenance as any other non-hybrid.

Car of the Future Now

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Our 2001 Prius was a pleasant surprise on our initial test drive when it was a loaner while our Lexus was being serviced. Now my wife leaves the Lexus in the garage and we argue over who gets to drive the Prius. Day in and day out we average about 48 mpg, but occasionally get up to 54 mpg. Love the headroom, comfortable seats, quiet running and the CD sound system. At the Sonoma 4th of July parade in 2002 the 12 Prius cars won first place for the motorized division. In 2003 the 14 Prius cars took 2nd in the theme division, which was Pro-Environment.

Wonderful 2001 Toyota Prius

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Why more people are not buying these is beyond me. A wonderful, reliable car. Nice to pass by the gas pumps and laugh.

I love it!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

When you are sit at a red light, the internal combustion engine stops and you run just on electricity! It's like a golf cart. The car gives the feeling that it has stalled out, but it is fully functional! I LOVE that! I also love that if you run the car in Los Angeles, the exhaust is cleaner than the ambient air!!!! Not a month goes by that some stranger stops me and asks how I love it. And I do. It's a brilliant concept. They do it very well. Oil changes are every 7500 miles, and Toyota has paid for every one of mine. The only thing I have ever paid for is a new set of tires.

Wow, is this a great car!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I have owned this car for nearly 3 years now, and I just love it. A mini Lexus in its interior styling. Well- engineered and runs like a top. The acceleration is impressive (it has two engines, after all). Floor it, and leave the other cars in the dust. As for the eco-side of this, all I can say is this: once you sit at a stop light, with your car being dead quiet, you notice all the other cars around you still belching out exhaust. All cars should be this way. I wouldn't recommend it as a first car, but it has made a great second car.

A great little car

Performance: 3 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 3 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

Nothing but good vibes from owning and operating this car. It handles very nicely and draws a lot of attention from other drives. Both my wife and I love it.

Everyone should drive a Prius!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I love my Prius. I average 49 mpg and can zip anywhere (and no, I never have to "plug in"... this must be the biggest misconception about hybrid cards). And it's FAST! I once got a ticket for going 90+. Not that I endorse that... but it proves the Prius is peppy. Not to mention, Toyota pays for ALL regular maintenence. I haven't had to put an extra dime into my car. Do one for the planet. Buy a Prius!!

A great car for the enthusiast

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

In many ways this is just a nice family car, in spite of its novel design. It uses mostly stock components, so maintenance is less of an issue that you would think. On the other hand, it really is a car for the next century -- a hybrid gasoline/electric design that has great accelleration for a 48 mpg car (but not to be compared with a 360 ci V8, of course). After 2 years I'm out $0 other than car payments, gasoline and one set of tires.

Drives just like a normal 5 person sedan

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

You never have to plug it in. This car is fast, safe, reliable and fun to drive. It seats five persons. It handles just like a normal five person sedan but it get about 45 mpg. I tend to drive around 75 - 80 mph on California freeways to keep up in the fast lane, so my mpg is a bit less than some people get. I've taken the Prius to Tahoe, Mt. Hood, Death Valley, Mt. Shasta, Joshua Tree, LA, San Diego, San Francisco. It's great in the snow, desert and everything inbetween. SUV's must hate it when I take 'em at stop signs and red lights, or pass them on the highway uphill.

Full Warranty Coverage Hedges Risk

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

01' vehicle purchased was manufactured 05/00 and presently has 34,000 miles. Toyota servicing of vehicle is good and everything is covered, including tires and oil changes. About 1/2 the fuel efficiency in first 5 minutes of driving. In longer commutes fuel economy increases significantly. Excellant acceleration due to extra 70 horsepower electric engine that will simmultaneously engage with 1.5 liter gas engine. Car will run over 100 mph even on an uphill incline. Best tank of gas went 630 miles or about 57mpg. The extra weight of car due to hybrid technology makes car ride like a larger car and has good manuverability even at faster speeds.

After 3 months

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I've driven around town, 250 miles uphill to Reno, 485 miles down I-5. It's fun to drive all the time. The Sierra mountain range did not phase it. The grapevine? No biggie. It's even fun to see if I can hit 50 miles per gallon average on a full tank. The cruise control is perfectly integrated with the control computer. It can smootly handle driving at exactly 25 or exactly 65. I'd buy one again.

Fabulous

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Incredible! I waited 4 months to get this vehicle and it's worth every moment. Huge interior, seats 5 comfortably! A touch screen panel! Huge trunk! Compact car! Great turn radius! I'm so enthusiastic about this car, I LOVE to drive it! It has taken me up and down a mountain pass, it's all the car I've ever wanted! I'm in love. :)

Prius performance

Performance: 5 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

This is a fun car to drive and the mileage it gets is great: 52mpg on the freeway,45mpg average up & down hills. It goes up mountains passing cars with no problem. Its acceleration is steady -- not sudden like a V8 but acceptable. the screen display is usefull to provide the feedback that allows one to become a more efficient driver -- example: take your foot off the accelerator long before comming to a stop sign and you save a lot of gas as well as the brake lining. It's also more roomier in the inside than one would think just looking at the exterior.

Hi-Tech Wonder

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The Prius is a gas to drive, but doesn't need much gas. It has deceptively good pickup for such a small car. During the spring and fall I've been getting over 50mpg, that drops down to about 48 when I have to use the AC in the summer or when I make short trips in the winter and require long warmups.

Prius: Best Car Ever Made

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

This is absolutely the most wonderful, technically advanced car ever built. I've had two cases so far that required me to take evasive action and avoid animals on the road (at fairly high speeds), and the car handled with nimble perfection. The center LCD display is fun to watch (keep those eyes on the road!) -- you can see fuel economy details as well as numerous other functions. The optional navigation system works perfectly. The A/C system cools the car rapidly. This car is also one of the few SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions) vehicles on the road today.

Absolutely Fabulous Mileage!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 4 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

My highest MPG was 58.7! I drive to LA regularly and the two-hour commute is zippy in this little car. I've had no trouble out running an 18-wheeler with 5 people in the car and the A/C on full blast. The only trouble I've had was the rack-and-pinion, which needed to be replaced at 16K. The interior seems to be taking a lot of wear also.

This hybrid is a Real Car.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Rides nice and high; driver's eyes are above most passenger cars and only a couple inches below most minivans. Interior is very, very quiet. Ideal for folks who must use cellphones (don't forget your handsfree device). More roomy than a Corolla. Easily fits 5 full-size men for a trip to the local lunch spot. Family of 4 is comfortable for multi-hour drives. This car weighs over 3200 pounds. You will not be blown around on the road, no matter how close that semi-truck gets.

Priorities in order

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 5

I bought this vehicle primarily because of the Great Gas Milage and the Super-Ultra-Low Emmisions for of the car. The ride and other items on the car were a secondary thing. I have nothing but good things to say for the car. It has met all my needs. I do wish it had more in-town range on batteries though so it ran on NO gas around town!

Don't miss my Cadillac!

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 4 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

More than a year now and the Prius goes humming along. Great seats,comfortable ride and quiet interior are joined by excellent mileage (44 at 70 mph on the highway, and 46 mpg overall).The trunk is plenty big and all useable. The sound system is surprisingly good. Can't believe how much room there is; I'm 6'2"/260 lbs, and I am comfortable in either the front or the rear. !

2001 Prius - Drive it! Love it!

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

Other than the initial sale (which was right when the Prius was released for sale in the US), this has been the most amazing automobile experience I have ever had. I've had it for 18 months without a complaint. I have put on about 18K miles so far, and am averaging about 47.7 mpg. I am re-assured by the quality of the vehicle. Not the cheesy tin can that I was expecting from buying an import. It's got a steel body (which takes away from performance/mpg, but adds to the solid feel). It's no slouch when you need acceleration, but that's not why I bought it. I love "hearing the light change" as the Toyota commercial so succinctly put it. Lots of interior room and a comfortable ride.

2001 Toyota Prius

Performance: 4 Comfort: 4 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 4 Interior Design: 4 Exterior Design: 4 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 4 Comfort Rating: 4 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 4 Reliability Rating: 4

What first hooked me on this vehicle is when the salesman moved the car forward and backward with no engine sound. The 2nd thing is the car's ability to go up into the mountains on I-70 from Denver to the Eisentower Tunnel while maintaining the speed limit and carrying 4 people. I had one problem, a faulty accelerator sensor. Have had no problems since. Gas mileage is below the quoted amount - Overall mileage averaging @ 41 mph.

One great car.

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

I picked up my Prius on Sept. 30, 2000. I have a one way drive to work of 60 miles and currently have just over 52,000 miles. I drive 74 mph back and forth to work every day and even at that speed have plenty of acceleration when I want it. The gas milage is great. I have saved about 490 gallons of gas compared to a car that gets 28 miles per gallon. I drive almost exclusively on the highway and I get right at 38 mpg @ 74 mph. The only bad thing I can say about this car is that the front end is so short that I get alot of chips on the hood from road debris. That is the only bad thing this car has to offer.

Great Little Tardus

Performance: 4 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 4 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

The first thing that amazed me was getting inside--very roomy, though it looks small from the outside. It's a very light car, so performance depends upon the weight in the vehicle. But even with 4 people, it has plenty of getup and go. Full of gadgets. Great car. The fact that it is a hybrid just makes it that much better

THE FUTURE

Performance: 5 Comfort: 5 Fuel Economy: 5 Fun To Drive: 5 Interior Design: 5 Exterior Design: 5 Build Quality: 5 Reliability: 5 Comfort Rating: 5 Performance Rating: 5 Interior Rating: 5 Reliability Rating: 5

A wonderful car.It has 27000 miles on it now ,MPG 45-50 all the time.Had one recall,handled right away.We use it on the interstate quite often,will do 70-80 MPH all day.Plenty of power for passing.