2009 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews Page 4

Why I hate my Prius

Written by: yorfutrxhsbnd on 01/21/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I am averaging about 29 mpg in city driving. Admittedly my trips tend to be quite short, but I am by no means driving with a heavy foot. I often coast for blocks when I anticipate a light changing ahead, accelerate slowly, but it seems to make little difference. The car has been tested 3 times so far and the dealerships say it is fine. Since the only reason for leasing this car as opposed to less expensive vehicles was for mileage, I am very disappointed. While the car is quite comfortable and the interior functional, the stereo is of very poor quality. And, contrary to an assertion made, adding a subwoofer improves, but does definitely NOT transform the sound.

Favorite Features

Can't think of any.

Suggested Improvements

Better mileage or better ways to find problems and make adjustments regarding fuel economy issues. A real stereo, for heaven's sake!

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

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I love it

Written by: Marie on 01/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I just got my new Prius 5 days ago, and I love it. I have 220 miles on it and I got 53.4 mpg. It is very easy to drive, and I agree you do have to learn to drive it if you want good gas mileage. The next thing is we will have to tow it back to Mi this spring. We usually towed with all four tired down, now we will be towing with a dolly. Every one says you won't know its back there. All in all I love the car appearance and all. I was driving a stick shift before so it really is different.

Favorite Features

Smart Key, interior and outer appearance and gas mileage

Suggested Improvements

Telescopic steering wheel. Adjustable up and down seats

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Cool Car

Written by: Larry on 01/15/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This car is cool because: 1) the gas mileage is great, 2) the driving experience tells you that the car uses newer and better technology (for example driving away without the gas engine running and having the gas engine shut down at red lights), 3) the display lets you know how the advanced systems are powering the car and how much kinetic energy has been captured and stored in the battery to power the car later, 4) even with all the gas saving features the car is large enough to be practical for a small family.

Favorite Features

the display

Suggested Improvements

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Has some very good traits and bad ones

Written by: Tall Dude on 01/05/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Might want to look elsewhere if over 6ft tall as I am. Ergonomics have become annoying - rear view mirror mostly in road-level line of sight and legs cramped by non-height adjustable seat. Marginal power up steep hills, and need to give lots of gas to accelerate onto freeway onramps. Otherwise, cruises flats well, very smooth ride, fairly quiet interior. You may wish the gas motor was off all the time since the electric drive is captivating. Car is well built, high quality inside and out, save the lack of seat / steering wheel adjustments. JBL audio system pretty good, not amazing though. At 6ft 3in, I would not buy this car again.

Favorite Features

Superb fuel economy - 55 MPG average during summer with trips over 20 minutes, easy on throttle. Worst case for me, 45 MPG average in 40F weather with short (5 minute) trips, accessories used. Smart key system rocks, very, very convenient.

Suggested Improvements

Driver's seat height adjuster as found in all Corollas!! Telescopic steering wheel along with tilt. Some more power for accelerating, steep hills. Take aux input out of console box, put in open.

21 out 22 people found this review helpful

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Fantastic Vehicle

Written by: Jim on 01/02/2009

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Having owned a Porsche and Nissan Pathfinder you would think the Prius would be a major step down. Not so! This car is fun to drive, feels sporty, and handles superbly. I've even come to like the unconventional appearance of my state of the art gas saver. Instead of taking the other vehicles I find myself jumping in the Prius. It's very comfortable and fun to drive. No fuss, no muss. We went with option #6 and love the features, controls, and surprising roominess. Simply press the button an go! I can't say enough about this car, it's fun, has plenty of acceleration when needed, rides quietly and smoothly. The 45 mpg is unbelievable but not the only thing impressive about this car.

Favorite Features

Not having to use a key , ride and build quality, comfort, surprisingly large cargo space and overall comfort. Overall technology. Back-up camera.

Suggested Improvements

Heated seats. Not much else to ask for!

12 out 12 people found this review helpful

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Fuel Tank Problem

Written by: ROBERT WILFORD on 12/28/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

It is almost impossible to fuel the auto due to the collapse of the fuel bladder. I understand this is a problem only in cold weather. Maybe someone will find a solution to this. Would pressurizing this tank with about 5 psi of air pressure prior to refueling expand the bladder to normal size?

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Fix the fuel bladder problem.

15 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Super car

Written by: Jack on 12/25/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We only have 500 miles on the car but could not be more pleased. Most driving has been in snow and cold and it performs as well as any other front wheel drive. This car is easier to get in and out of and has more headroom that the Chevy Impala I traded. Mileage around town is only about 35 mph to this point but it is small town, stop and go and temperatures have been near or below zero. Expect improvement when it is broken in and temperatures rise.

Favorite Features

Smart key system for starting and unlocking. Interior room and comfort.

Suggested Improvements

Heater has a hard time warming the car when it is really cold outside. Electric driver's seat would also be nice.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Problems in Winter

Written by: priusinChicago on 12/23/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Toyota Prius was pretty good, basically a 4 out of 5 in all respects except mileage, and then it was a 5 out of 5 until the very cold weather set in. Mileage went down from 46-50 mpg all the way to mid 30s mpg when it was in the 20s outside. And in the very cold (teens or near zero degrees Farhen) when you use the heater it went down to 27 to 30 mpg. This was a disappointment on all counts with winter and cold weather mileage.

Favorite Features

Smooth drive with CVT; good mileage in good weather; narrow car is good for city driving; keyless ignition; stability control in icy roads.

Suggested Improvements

Brake pedal placement higher (so it does not hit your leg.) Visibility would improve with changed design front and back. Back right window steams up near battery exhaust spot. AM/FM radio and power buttons could be in one straight line. Improve manual with accurate information about mileage in winter.

15 out 15 people found this review helpful

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Wow!

Written by: snead_c on 12/01/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We have passed 1000 miles and I could not be more satisfied with our 2009 Prius Touring. It is quiet, smooth with good driving dynamics, and the fuel economy is wonderful at 47+ mpg on regular gas. Ours has package #5 and its' convenience features (voice rec, bluetooth,, JBL etc) make ownership a joy.

Favorite Features

Integrated Bluetooth. Voice recognition controls. Excellent radio/sound system. Safety features. Build quality. Keyless entry/start/locking. Space for storing and hauling. Extended service intervals.

Suggested Improvements

Steering wheel and door switch controls need brighter lighting. Homelink switches on the mirror need to be lit for night time locating

26 out 26 people found this review helpful

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Re-learning driving a car

Written by: Jim on 11/30/2008

Vehicle

2009 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I don't have much available money so I went for the #1 car that would keep me away from the service department and the gas station. So far after only one month so good, but it's still early. Everything I could have asked for. Everyone asks me how I charge it and what kind of fuel I have to use and I almost laugh when I tell them I never have to charge it and I can use any gas I want.

Favorite Features

The steering wheel controls. The 'park' and 'start' push-buttons take a bit getting used to, but overall are convenient, after getting used to.

Suggested Improvements

The rear window and driver's side blind spots. The wiper/washer controls are a bit confusing.

6 out 6 people found this review helpful

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