2009 Toyota Prius Review

Specifications

Prius: Latin for “to go before”

The Prius has the best fuel economy of any car on the road today. At 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway, the hybrid averages 44 mpg in real life daily driving. It is a full hybrid meaning at slow speeds or when no under load, the Prius is able to run on the electric motors alone.

Toyota first introduced the Prius in Japan in 1997, four years before hitting North American shores. Honda beat Toyota by a model year for introducing a hybrid to the continent but the Prius soon overtook the Insight in sales and popularity. This first generation of the Prius was slower, smaller and less powerful but it was still revolutionary and propelled Toyota to the front of the hybrid race.

There are two Prius models available for 2009 - the base and the Touring edition. Both have the 1.5-Liter aluminum DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cycliner gasoline-fuelled engine that works in conjunction with the two electric motors. The engine produces 76 hp and 82 lb-ft of torque while the electric motors add a further 67 mp and 295 lb-ft torque under maximum load. The Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) offers a quiet, smooth shift.

Suspension on the base model uses an independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer in the front and a torsion beam with stabilizer bar in the rear. It offers stable handling although the steering feels disconnected from the road. The Touring model beefs up the suspension by adding a tuned stabilizer bar to the front as well as tuned shock absorbers, springs and stabilizer bar to the rear. The handling is far superior and anyone who is concerned about the typical boring ride of a hybrid should consider the higher end model.

The safety ratings on the 2009 Toyota Prius are above average for its class but do fall way behind in comparison to the Honda Civic Hybrid. We recommend the optional Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) to aid in accident avoidance.

There is some controversy over whether the Prius is a sedan with a hatchback or a hatchback with the looks of a sedan. In all honesty, it is both and performs each function well.

The interior is spacious with easy access to cargo and seats. The liftgate hatchback opens the rear cargo space up nicely and the 60/40 split rear folding seats allow for a lot of gear to be loaded into this small car. There is a hidden well under the back cargo floor that can keep things hidden and the rear cargo net and cargo cover help keep the load secure.

The dash-mounted shifter frees up the space between the two front seats although the extra long and high center console puts a definite space between the driver and passenger. The central dash mounted display with digital speedometer, fuel gauge, shift-lever indicator and odometer with twin trip meters and warning lights is easy to understand. There are six option packages for the Prius:

• Optional in the base model and standard in Touring model is Package #1 that includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover and seatback pockets

• Package #2 includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover, seatback pockets, AM/FM CD with six speakers, auxiliary audio jack and MP3/WMA playback capability, Smart Key System, backup camera and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC)

• Package #3 includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover, seatback pockets, Smart Key System, backup camera, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-theft system and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®universal transceiver, and JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers in seven locations, auxiliary audio jack, MP3/WMAWMA playback capability, satellite radio capability and hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology

• Package #4 includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover, seatback pockets, Smart Key System, backup camera, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-theft system and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers in seven locations, auxiliary audio jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio capability and hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps

• Package #5 includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover, seatback pockets, Smart Key System, backup camera, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-theft system and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink® universal transceiver, JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers in seven locations, auxiliary audio jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio capability and hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps, and voice-activated DVD navigation system

• Package #6 includes cruise control, heated outside mirrors, 15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with trim rings, tonneau cover, seatback pockets, Smart Key System, backup camera, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), anti-theft system and auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink®universal transceiver, JBL AM/FM 6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers in seven locations, auxiliary audio jack, MP3/WMA playback capability, satellite radio technology and hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth wireless technology, High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps, voice-activated DVD navigation system and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel

With this many option packages, you can customize and load your Prius as you much as you like although at the very least, you should consider Package #2 that includes the higher level safety features.

The Toyota Prius is the leader in small car hybrid technology and advancement. It is our top pick for hybrids in this price range and recommend this vehicle for anyone looking at buying a used hybrid.