A quick introduction to my reviews: I am new to the area of reviewing vehicles. I will mostly do Toyota, JEEP, and Volkswagen. Please, help me help you by letting me know how my reviews meet or fail to meet your expectations.
I will not go into the details of the looks of a vehicle unless it made a lasting impression or is a dramatically different. It is my strong belief that when it comes to the looks of a vehicle that my opinion of what is ‘in’ and what is ‘out’ does not matter as much as what you feel will make your driving more pleasurable. And that if you did not like the look of the vehicle you are reading up on you would not waste your time in doing so.
The look of all vehicles is customizable or can just as easily be driven as is from the dealer lot. Also, keep in mind that a picture will always be worth a thousand words. Each manufacturer provides 3-D views of their vehicles to get an initial glimpse that will be worth much more than what any review has to say. Then you can always look, feel and drive at your local dealer.
THE VEHICLE
With a 1.5L NZ-FXE 4 cylinder 16-valve with VVT-i and the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive System I approached the vehicle with reserved expectations after reading many reviews. I did however, had a high level of excitement since I am into to all new and exciting electronics and gadgets.
FIRST CONTACT
As we all know it looks different. This vehicle is design from scratch and many things will require drivers getting used to new features and designs. For many all these new innovations will be the selling point while for many others it will be the reason not to enjoy driving the Prius.
As I approached the vehicle I was anxious to try the smart entry and smart start feature. I kept the key fob in my hand and the doors simply unlocked as I grasped the door handle and pulled the door open. Inside I placed the key fob in my pocket and simply pushed the power button. It was that simple.
Sitting in the comfortable and spacious rear passenger seats with three adjustable headrests and with more than enough legroom my expectations where starting to be surpassed.
The rear cargo area is very large and sure to meet many needs and functions. Up front the passenger side is equipped with a double glove compartment and other nukes and crannies for all the necessities.
Both the driver and passenger have ample legroom in the very comfortable 6 way adjustable bucket seats. The large front windshield might give you the impression of being behind the wheel of a caravan but that feeling will not last very long. Looking out the rear view mirror I was not certain of what I was looking at and had to turn my head to confirm. The design of the rear windshield allows for an excellent view but it might be something you will also have to do some adjusting too.
The multi-information center display grabs your attention immediately. The driver easily reaches the instrument panel and the convenient steering wheel-mounted controls provide added convenience. From this panel you control everything from ambient temperature to the radio or your cellular phone call to the navigation system.
THE DRIVE
After pressing the power button I was expecting a laud little engine but nothing of the sort happened. I glimpsed at the multi-information center and noticed that both engines where powering the vehicle.
Driving this was a pleasure. It was a smooth ride. The vehicle responded to my acceleration and breaking with easy and accuracy. I drive a manual transmission and the one thing that did concern me for a brief period was the, although not laud, constant RMPs while modifying my speed. This was the one thing driving the Prius that took the longest for me to become accustom and comfortable with. The transition between the two motors was not very noticeable unlike many reviews I have read led me to believe and felt much smoother than a manual or automatic transmission vehicle shifting its transmission.
In the highway the wind noise is minimal. The engine noise is extremely quieter than most other 4-cylinder vehicles I have driven. The road noise and other noises combined will not keep you from having a normal tone conversation and enjoying long distance drives in this comfortable hybrid.
FINAL WORDS
I think I am going to make this my next car! If you are into new and exciting technology this is a vehicle to consider.
The one thing I would be concerned with is resell value in the years to come as the technology improves. But, there will always be a tekie interested in what once was.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 21,329.00
Condition: New Model Year: 2004 Model and Options: 4-Door Hybrid, CVT-E
Epinions.com periodically updates pricing and product information from third-party sources, so some information may be slightly out-of-date. You should confirm all information before relying on it.
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.