2007 Toyota Prius Review
2007 Toyota Prius Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Outstanding gas mileage, low emissions, generous amount of interior room, easy to maneuver in tight spaces, excellent build quality, reasonable price.
Cons
- Less powerful and agile than other midsize sedans, real-world fuel economy doesn't live up to EPA estimates.
What’s new
The 2007 Toyota Prius lineup gets a little racier, as Toyota adds the Prius Touring model, which has a sport-tuned suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, foglamps, xenon headlights and a larger rear lip spoiler. The other notable change for 2007 is that the original Toyota hybrid car now comes standard with front-seat side airbags and full-length head curtain airbags.
Edmunds says
The 2007 Toyota Prius is a full-featured midsize car that just so happens to be the most fuel-efficient car on the market. The fact that this hybrid starts at $22K makes it all the more attractive.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2007 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$90/mo for Prius Base
Prius Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Few cars of the last decade have had the impact of the Toyota Prius hybrid. It wasn't the first hybrid vehicle to enter the U.S. market, and the first-generation Prius had a quiet reception here, as it was too small, too slow and too conservatively styled to get much attention outside the hard-core environmentalist community. In contrast, the current-generation Prius, introduced in 2004, has attained celebrity status. It's not just that it's roomier, more fuel-efficient and cleaner-burning than the original, although these are all good reasons to consider buying one. It's that this midsize hybrid hatchback looks like no other car on the market and thus allows its driver to make a personal and political statement. Add in the ability to drive a Prius solo in the carpool lane in California, its biggest market, and it's clear the 2007 Toyota Prius will continue to sell in brisk numbers.
The heart of the original Toyota hybrid car is a gas-electric drivetrain the company calls Hybrid Synergy Drive. In the Toyota Prius, the setup consists of a 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine paired with an electric-drive motor that draws power from a nickel-metal hydride battery pack (mounted under the car's rear hatch area) -- together they make 110 hp. A second electric motor functions solely as a generator, recharging the batteries. The primary electric-drive motor can also rejuice the batteries, using energy recaptured during braking. It sounds complicated, but a simplified continuously variable transmission (CVT) deftly shuffles power between the sources, providing smooth, seamless operation from the Prius driver's point of view. The Prius' claim to fame is its ability to operate under electric power alone at low speeds, which contributes to its low fuel consumption. With a combined EPA rating of 55 mpg, this is the most fuel-efficient car on sale in the U.S. for 2007.
As technologically sophisticated as the Toyota Prius is, it's a remarkably practical car to drive on a day-to-day basis. Its interior is spacious enough to accommodate a family of four in comfort, and a tight turning radius combined with light, electric-assist steering makes it extremely easy to maneuver in crowded urban areas. The one thing the Prius doesn't offer is excitement, as its frugal drivetrain and modest handling capability make it one of the most tepid midsize cars on the road. This likely explains the introduction of the '07 Prius Touring model, which should provide slightly crisper handling along with a sportier look. If you're shopping for a Prius, you should also consider the similarly priced Honda Civic Hybrid. Its acceleration is equally pokey but it has better road manners and more mainstream styling. For those who can spend a bit more, Toyota's own Camry Hybrid offers a larger interior and all the comforts of a regular Camry. If you want to wear your green commitment on your sleeve, though, there's no better choice for a hybrid car than the 2007 Toyota Prius.
Performance & mpg
There is only one engine and transmission combination available on the Toyota Prius. Called Hybrid Synergy Drive, the drivetrain consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, one of which drives the front wheels and the other of which functions solely as a generator (recharging the car's battery pack). The gas engine produces 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, while the electric-drive motor produces the equivalent of 67 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. Net peak hp is 110, mainly because the two power sources hit their peak at different times. Regardless, power delivery is smooth and consistent from rest all the way to top speed. The Prius features an elegantly simple continuously variable "transmission" of sorts. Toyota calls it a "power split device." It provides the ease of a conventional automatic transmission, but there are no gears to shift, drive belts, torque converter or clutch. The electric-drive motor works in concert with the gas engine and through a planetary gearset to provide seamless power and maximum efficiency at all times. Fuel mileage is rated at 60 city and 51 highway, though real-world mileage is typically in the mid 40s.
Safety
Every 2007 Toyota Prius comes standard with antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Stability control is a package option. In NHTSA crash tests, Toyota's hybrid car earned four stars out of five for driver and front-passenger protection in frontal impacts. In side-impact testing, it earned five stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for the rear. In IIHS testing, the Prius earned the top rating of "Good" for its protection in frontal-offset and side-impact crashes.
Driving
As you'd expect, the Toyota Prius is no speed demon (zero to 60 mph in about 10.4 seconds), but when it comes to the kind of daily driving that most drivers encounter, there's more than enough power to get around. Driving a Prius takes some getting used to since it doesn't have a conventional transmission that shifts gears, but most owners grow to like the car's smooth power delivery. Cabin noise is minimal, and the suspension provides an acceptably smooth ride despite the car's weight-saving chassis components. Although the 2007 Toyota Prius would make a fine highway companion, the car really shines when driven in the city, where its light steering, tight turning radius and excellent visibility make it easy to park and maneuver through traffic. Additionally, the Prius often returns its best gas mileage in freeway gridlock, as it's able to spend more time in full-electric mode.
Interior
Materials quality is solid in the Toyota Prius and the overall look is upscale, an impression aided by the car's tight fit and finish. The gauge cluster is positioned toward the center of the dashboard, but the display is clear and easy to see. The optional touchscreen navigation system features a backup camera display and can be voice-operated. Although the front seats are relatively roomy, the driving position in the Prius is somewhat awkward, as the driver seat is not height-adjustable and the steering wheel does not telescope. The backseat offers ample room for adults and rear-facing infant seats, while the 14.4-cubic-foot rear hatch can accommodate a week's worth of groceries or a double stroller.
2007 Toyota Prius models
A midsize four-door hatchback, the 2007 Toyota Prius hybrid is available in two trim levels: base and Touring. The base car comes with 15-inch aluminum wheels, automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD stereo, cruise control, a trip computer and steering-wheel-mounted audio and climate controls. The Prius Touring model adds 16-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, xenon HID headlights and foglamps.
Options are grouped in packages and include leather seating, an MP3 player input jack and a nine-speaker JBL audio system with an in-dash CD changer, a DVD-based navigation system, a rear backup camera and Bluetooth wireless technology. The available Smart Key system allows you to lock/unlock the doors and start the car with the key safely in your pocket or purse. Any Prius equipped with the nav system has a voice-command system that covers everything from temperature adjustment to Bluetooth cell phone dialing.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2007 Toyota Prius.
5 star(76%)
4 star(14%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(3%)
1 star(1%)
221 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Driving the future
juz8up, 11/22/2006
2007 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Hybrid works for me. Love the silence on stop lights and parking. Drives smooth like I am in an airplane... no need to put keys in, just push the button and drive. The satellite radio also is good in long driving to vegas for uninterupted songs unlike fm radio where it gets cut at certain areas when signal fades. I also noticed the car charges when my foot is off the gas, not necessarily … when i am braking. Cool. One of the best part is the camera on the back. It comes in handy when I am backing up knowing exactly what is behind me.
5 out of 5 stars
I LOVE my Prius!!
Cindy Holman, 12/19/2015
2007 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Don't hesitate getting a Prius - we were non-believers and then test drove one and ended up buying a used 2007 loaded and have fallen in love with everything Prius! I'm still learning how to make a phone call from the voice commands, but one I do I will have learned how to do everything. Test drive one and don't be afraid to buy used because the mileage and durability of these vehicles … is off the chart! A Toyota experience will spoil you for other cars - their service department in our small town is pretty state of the art and they really know how to treat their loyal Toyota drivers. You won't believe how far you can go on a tank of gas - it will blow your mind!
3.75 out of 5 stars
Whats wrong with my brakes?
Jayr, 10/07/2010
2007 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I purchased my car in May of this year as a used vehicle. I loved it until last week. I was sitting in my car, which was off, when i turned the car on it asked me to get to a level ground and take the e-brake off. I would have except I was on level ground, the e-brake was off and my car wouldn't start. My dashboard had all my brake lights on. 4 hours of assistance and towing and they … told me it was my battery. Exactly one week later, I was driving down the highway, less than a mile from my exit when my car started making a beep noise, and again ALL my brake lights came on. This time my car was in motion and the brake pedal would not work, it was rock stiff as I went 60 mph on an exit ramp.
4.75 out of 5 stars
great for normal people!
dafish3, 08/28/2011
2007 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
I puchased my current prius used with 20k on it, now I have over 100k. I am still getting 46mgs driving everything from in city to 85 on the highway, and not easy through winding roads. For on road use I think there is no real car that can compare. I can fit a 8' surfboard inside or bring it to the snow, the car is really flexible with the seats taking no time at all to fold down and the … under floor storage in the back there is a ton of room. I have taken this car for 14 hour car trips, with no compants coming from my wallet or the car! Being 6' tall I fit great into the drivers seat and can even fit in the back...
2007 Prius Highlights
Base
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $22,175 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Hybrid |
Combined MPG | 46 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $90/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.4 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Prius include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintMarginal
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