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Tell Me What You Love About Your Prius
updated: Sep 17, 2012, 7:59 PM

By Edhat Subscriber

...Any Prius owners in Edsville have strong opinions about their cars? We cannot afford two cars, so it is one or the other. Thanks!

Comments in order of when they were received | (reverse order)

COMMENT 321252P	2012-09-17 08:07 PM
We love ours. Much roomier inside than it looks, and we normally get 45mpg. It does get affected by the wind and wander more than a heavier car with fatter tires, and a backup camera really helps with rearward visibility.
COMMENT 321255	2012-09-17 08:12 PM
They're notably under powered. There are very good all gas cars on the road these days that get the same gas mileage.
COMMENT 321257P	2012-09-17 08:14 PM
We have a 2007 Prius and absolutely love it. We get about 46 mpg around town. It's also a fun car to drive.
COMMENT 321263P	2012-09-17 08:25 PM
259: LOL! What a good post-happy hour remark!
REXOFSB	2012-09-17 08:32 PM
Just based on the much higher cost of a Prius vs. a "regular" car, I'd think you could buy an awful lot of gasoline for the price difference. My gas-powered 2010 Nissan Cube--which has keyless ignition, rear-view camera, Bluetooth, and all the bells & whistles--cost slightly over 20K and gets an honest 30 mpg in town, and up to 38 on trips. I also have trouble with the carbon footprint of a Prius regarding manufacture and eventual disposal of the batteries. And one day those batteries are going to have to be replaced at a cost of thousands (plural) of $$$. That said, everyone I know who owns a Prius loves it. I just think there are way better bargains out there.
COMMENT 321265	2012-09-17 08:34 PM
prius is ugly. i like my optima hybrid. good solid car
COMMENT 321268	2012-09-17 08:38 PM
Look at the Lexus CT200h. Same as the Prius (Toyota makes both) just a little more stylish with leather seats, seat warmers, better stereo etc and more room in the hatchback. We just bought one 7 weeks ago. 49 in city and about 41 on highway.
COMMENT 321273P	2012-09-17 08:46 PM
I totally agree with REX!
COMMENT 321278	2012-09-17 08:55 PM
I'm an owner. No, they are not the most beautiful cars on the road. Roomy enough, yes. I like that the rear seats fold down and prefer the hatchback over a traditional trunk. Love that it gives me 51 mpg when I visit family out of town. There is a power button when you need extra oomph which has worked for our needs. I like that it uses less gas. But there is no free ride....power from gas, power from batteries, power from electricity. Take your pick. No complaints so far, none that make me wish we'd purchased something else.
COMMENT 321327	2012-09-18 06:04 AM
Check out a VW Golf TDI. Interior feels like an Audi, better to drive, much more comfortable, free oil changes for three years. Drove it roundtrip SB to Yosemite on less than a tank of fuel, so like 53 MPG. Much nicer than the Prius I had before.
COMMENT 321331	2012-09-18 06:46 AM
The Prius is a lot of hype. I second the VW turbo diesel which will deliver better fuel mileage than the Prius.
COMMENT 321338	2012-09-18 06:57 AM
I have a 2004 Prius. Been happy with it. True it isn't powerful but that isn't a concern for me. It is deceptively roomy inside, Rear viewing is poor. Have had no unscheduled maintenance issues. About the expensive battery replacement: Toyota warned buyers about that pre-sale, said that at roughly 150K the very expensive service would be needed. But I have 200K on mine and haven't needed it. I have yet to meet anyone who has had it done, and two Toyota dealerships told me they have yet to perform that service.
COMMENT 321344	2012-09-18 07:10 AM
Second the TDI. Ours gets about 38-40 mpg around town and 45 on the highway (more when we drive 60-65). It's also peppy and fun to drive.
COMMENT 321346	2012-09-18 07:19 AM
We bought a used Prius a year ago, for about the same price as other used cars (making sure it had 75k or less miles on it, so that we could get at least another 75k before the $3k battery replacement). It has been rock solid and is a great car. A couple of weeks ago, I drove to Orange County and back and got over 50 mpg and 450 miles on that tank. As far as underpowered -- how much power do you need? The Prius merges on the freeway just fine and it doesn't lug around the weight of that extra power when it isn't needed. As a plus, being stuck in traffic is less annoying than it used to be -- I can watch the gas mileage go up as the traffic slows down. I used to own a Jeep, a Pathfinder and still have a Toyota truck, but the Prius is our favorite vehicle of all of those.
COMMENT 321350	2012-09-18 07:23 AM
My 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid that I bought used with 9K miles on it for less than what a new Prius would cost with my recording every gas purchase continues to get 35+ mpg city and highway. Nice to go 450 miles between gas stops. I wanted more metal around me than a Prius. And like most newer cars these days I also wish I had a backup camera.
COMMENT 321358	2012-09-18 07:37 AM
I bought a Prius C a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. It's getting 51 MPG, drives great, and comes with free service for 2 years... love it!
FLICKA	2012-09-18 07:54 AM
I've never had a new car; I think it is special, and a joy, for anyone to get one. My last 4 were given to me by family, when they bought new ones. Cars, to me, are only to get from point A to point B, as long as they run it's all I ask for. However, if I won the lottery my dream car would be a restored '67 VW Bug with a sunroof (had one I loved). It's responsible for people to start getting away from gas-guzzlers, less pollution and to stretch out what little oil we have left on the planet. Prius owners I know are very happy with them.
MESAJIM	2012-09-18 08:12 AM
I don't trust any car that starts with the push of a button, or that I can't hear when it's rolling up right next to me. Please make sure you get a playing card to stick in the spokes. Those dang things are just too quiet when you're a pedestrian in a parking lot.
COMMENT 321374	2012-09-18 08:16 AM
If you want to have a green, fuel efficient car, get a used economy car like a civic, corolla, sentra, etc. If you want something newer, the fit gets great mileage and is surprisingly big inside. The mpg estimate was actually a bit short in the estimation as well, as I've seen it average about 35 city/freeway. The biggest problem with the modern car industry is the vehicle turnover. When you trade in a car every few years, the company will tell you it gets "recycled" but thats hardly the case. They don't care, as long as they meet their bottom line. Hybrids are especially bad, look at the price of a used one at 5 years old, when those batteries need to be replaced. The resale value is gone. Not trying to say you are guilty of this, but if you are going to get an efficient/green car, plan on it being a car you will keep for a while. I'm tired of seeing people trade in a perfectly good car after 2 years because the new one has something trivial like facebook updates.
COMMENT 321375	2012-09-18 08:19 AM
We rented one for a week and it was a real eye opener. It may be viable for a around-the-town commuter car, but it is certainly not well suited to highway cruising. Hills are a challenge and the engine is working very hard to maintain highway speeds. If you have another car for trips, it would probably be okay. I certainly wouldn't recommend it as your only car though.
COMMENT 321380	2012-09-18 08:25 AM
Keep the Jeep and go to the beach.
COMMENT 321391	2012-09-18 08:45 AM
Studies have shown that people are much less likely to purchase a "stealth" hybrid, i.e. a normal looking car that just happens to have a hybrid engine. The Prius is designed specifically for people to show the world how much better they are than everyone else. Get the Golf TDI...all of Europe laughs at our stupid little toy cars from their 60MPG diesels.
FANGIRL	2012-09-18 09:04 AM
I bought a 2008 Prius new off the lot and it is the best car I have ever owned. Fun to drive, lots of get-up-and-go, incredibly roomy inside (it supported me through two moves), fantastic mileage, and I think they are great looking. For some reason they remind me of the old model VW bugs that were so popular. I don't do a lot of long distance driving so I only get about 40 mpg around town. The upside is that I only have to fill it up once a month!
COMMENT 321410P	2012-09-18 09:20 AM
We have a 2001. No problems. Even though we are 'way past due to put in a new main battery (which would give us optimal mileage), we still get 47 miles per gallon steadily, even though 25 miles a day is on the freeway - that fast, slightly uphill driving uses the gas motor instead of electric motor. But the thing I like best about the Prius is that in stop and go traffic (like traffic lines going into LA, or at rush hour) and at long stop lights, everything shuts off -- using no energy.
PEACESTRIVER	2012-09-18 09:30 AM
@268: I'm thinking of buying a CT200h and wondered how it is for power? When you go up hills, does it have enough? I see #375 does not think Prius has enough.
COMMENT 321427	2012-09-18 09:39 AM
@410P and 338: We still have our first generation Prius and love it despite having to replace the $3k hybrid battery (at 65k miles - age matters more than mileage). Long-term ownership will ultimately ding you big time; trade it in after a few years and most likely no issues. Ours gets great gas mileage and handles well - very tight turning radius, for example. That said, ask yourself if yours is a working Jeep or just a trendy one you bought for Santa Barbara show-and-tell to sit above the crowd - e.g., you've only engaged 4x4 once or twice. A Jeep can go places a Prius shouldn't and can't, and carry dirty loads. But if you're like the vast majority of Jeep owners who never take it off the road or rarely tool along rocky dirt tracks, go for the Prius and enjoy the mileage and a cleaner environment.
COMMENT 321454	2012-09-18 10:33 AM
Peacestriver: I've heard the ct200h is less than impressive with the power. I really like the look of the car, but I will not buy a hybrid.
COMMENT 321479	2012-09-18 11:45 AM
Buy American. There are a lot of Hybrids out there now. How about Buying American at this point in our economy? Detroit is trying really hard. They are losing their homes so many are going to work and putting in a full day knowing if they don't perform that someone else is ready to swoop in and take their job. The quality is definitely up! The Ford Taurus, the Ford Fusion and the Chevy Cruze are awfully cute. Not to mention the Chevy Volt is as green as you get. All of the Volt buyers that I've spoken to about it are happy, happy, happy. At least test drive an American car before you run right out and support Japan/China/Korea. Thank you.
COMMENT 321484	2012-09-18 11:57 AM
For what it's worth, some cars sold by Japanese/Korean manufacturers are actually built in the US. That only makes the decision harder though.
COMMENT 321499P	2012-09-18 12:26 PM
I'm on my 2nd Prius (2012) and needless to say I love it. Get up to 60 mpg in town, 45-50 highway. I guess people love them or hate them. NEVER had any repairs for the 8 years I've owned one.
COMMENT 321518	2012-09-18 01:02 PM
Tow truck driver here...my industry deeply appreciates the Prius for the job security it provides us. We tow them daily - mainly the older ones (05, 06 etc. for bad fuel pumps, main battery fails and other electrical problems) or bring out gas because many of their owners think they run on air and happiness and then there's the jump starts (never ever use a Prius to jump another car). They have a lot of quirks and they are expensive for what they actually are. They are not hearty road beasts - if it's windy in Gaviota, you'll be involuntarily changing lanes. And they do not come through accidents well - any type of significant damage that would be repairable in a Chevy is a total loss for the Prius. It's just what I see every day - you can take it for what it's worth. Hope you get something that you like driving.
COMMENT 321529	2012-09-18 01:19 PM
479: The only thing American about american cars is the plants. Its still a corporate entity who doesn't care where their parts/cars are produced. Look it up, most Toyotas and Hondas destined for the US are made here, and they aren't completely terrible. Even Cadillacs are completely plasticy and throw away. I'd really love to support an American car company. But the fact that for the past 30 years, they basically just rolled over and produced junk doesn't put my mind at ease. Ford is the minor exception now that they are utilizing many of their European market cars, but its almost too little too late.
COMMENT 321537	2012-09-18 01:34 PM
Best kept secret is the environmental cost to produce the batteries for the Prius. Their shining image suddenly becomes quite tarnished- they're anything but green when it comes to that. Do your research... you'll be both astonished and disappointed. Oh... and later on, are you ready for a replacement battery for $4,000? No free lunch, folks.
COMMENT 321538	2012-09-18 01:37 PM
Ford Hybrids are great. Extremely reliable, good looking, well accessorized and nice handling. Made in the USA by a US corporation that didn't take bail-outs.
COMMENT 321542	2012-09-18 01:51 PM
To add to 518's comments (427 here again), another weakness of Prii is the dual battery setup: a big expensive high voltage one for the hybrid power and a little 12v one for the electronics (twice replaced at >$200 for a glorified motorcycle battery). That one drains if you don't use the car for a couple of weeks, so you must either trickle charge or disconnect it if parking at the airport for a lengthy trip; otherwise, prepare to pay 518 for a jump start. If you use it regularly, no problem cheap driving. So if you're going to de-Jeep, look carefully at all the fuel-efficient, environmentally friendly options and ask how long you plan to keep the vehicle before choosing a hybrid...simplicity has its advantages, too.
COMMENT 321563	2012-09-18 03:12 PM
Just got a CT200 hybrid after having my BMW 525 for 10+ years. Don't compare the two, but the CT is zippy compared to the Prius I think and more stable, more like a sports car than the Prius. Power is adequate. Mileage is great averaging 39 since I bought it using it in town and hwy and hoping it increases to advertised 40/43 ish. Actually the fuel consumption gage shows 60 mpg and up at times! Loving the economy and definitely the feel. Prius is total economy, CT is luxury and economy.
COMMENT 321604	2012-09-18 04:47 PM
I can't wait for the next gen prius with lithium ion batteries. They are for sale in other countries already. 65 mpg woohoo. Bring it here please.
COMMENT 321609P	2012-09-18 04:57 PM
I've owned two VW's that were maintenance nightmares. Someone would practically have to give me one to make me try another one.
HAROLDM	2012-09-18 05:09 PM
I have a 2006 Prius. It's been up the Camarillo grade many times, Mt. Lassen, around Tahoe fully loaded, never a problem with power. The battery issue is a canard introduced to try to discredit hybrids, indeed, do the research and see where the "information" originates. But why shouldn't those with 90 year old technology and not wanting to innovate try to argue their case? Tow truck driver may have a point, but that is anecdotal only. My car insurance rate for the Prius is very low--lower than for a volvo I used to have, which I think is more indicative of the crash record of the entire fleet. I love going to LA and back on 4 gals of gas, but I love my bicycle even more.
COMMENT 321622	2012-09-18 05:18 PM
I'd keep the Jeep. But if you're selling it, what kind is it?
COMMENT 321634	2012-09-18 06:20 PM
OP here. @622, it is a 2004 Wrangler that I bought used. The previous owner had outfitted it with a roof rack, front guard, lights, big tires...etc. It is a thing of beauty, yet I must swallow my ego and let it go. @ all the others: Thanks to all who posted on this thread. I suspect my wife and I will still try to find a nearly-new Prius and take our chances. Wish my aging knees could still pedal a bike, bummer!
COMMENT 321641	2012-09-18 06:50 PM
Haroldm, I'd hardly call any modern day import gasoline engine 100 year old technology. The decades old technology of diesel electric trains is primitive, but a far better execution of a hybrid driveline than any current automobile. Direct drive electric = no powertrain loss. And no, the battery thing is not a "made up problem". Toyotas especially are worrisome considering they deal with higher voltage than other hybrids. If you talk to techs, the guidelines as far as safety regarding the batteries are much more strict compared to gas burning vehicles. I love the environment, which is why I have a 200k mile civic that didn't get reserved for the landfill. In all honesty, cars themselves are a completely inefficient machine, considering most times they are moving 3000 pounds of steel to transport a 200 pound person. Generally why I choose the bike when I can.
COMMENT 321661	2012-09-18 07:30 PM
I have two.They are not underpowered. They have plenty of acceleration for merging and passing. More than enough. They are much more spacious than might meet the eye. I get 50+ mpg on trips to LA. 45ish for normal driving in the area. REXOFSB makes some good points. You're essentially paying a $2-3k premium for a hybrid over a regular gas engine. That is money that could be spent for fuel. The battery pack is designed to last the life of the car (about 15 years). It's warrantied for 10 years/150k miles. Should you need to replace it out of warranty, the cost is about $3k. The VW Jetta SportsWagon TDI is a possible alternative. However the base model costs $2600 more. It get's about
SIMPLESIMON	2012-09-18 08:41 PM
I am a Prius owner and I use it for in-town driving. I am disappointed in the mpg (I expected more) but I'm told it is because I drive long enough. The biggest problem I have with it is the low clearance--so if you use your Jeep for off-road the Prius is not a good replacement.
MESARATS	2012-09-18 11:20 PM
I have asked myself the same question. I guess it depends on your needs and usage. I drive a 1997 2x jeep grand that I bought new. The gas mileage is not good, but it runs well I need the utility and like the high clearance. It has cost very little in repairs, plus no car payments for over 10 years is nice, plus registration and insurance is low. Not having debt also helped me qualify for a mortgage. I drive new rentals almost weekly for work and considered the Pirus which was nice, but if there if was a wagon type eco or hybrid that had a decent flat roof for a rack I would consider it. If I dump it someone else will be driving it so no green brownie points there.the bottom line is that nothing yet has wowed me like my Jeep. Rates are low now so If you crunch the numbers and the Pirus wows you then you should go for it and enjoy.

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