| See: Most Positive | Most Negative | Most Recent |
|
by mkaresh  in Cars & Motorsports,  - Top 10
Oct 07 '00 - Updated Oct 14 '05
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: Yes 
Pros: Technology, efficiency, passenger room
Cons: Must know how to drive it for best results, weak performance, strange feel, tinny doors
The Bottom Line: A noteworthy pioneer, but more recent hybrids drive more like normal cars.
Purely electric cars have not worked. They must be recharged too often, and recharging takes too long. The battery packs are so large and heavy that they severely harm the performance and functionality of the vehicle. For these reasons, auto makers ...
Read the full review
|
|
by believeme1
Dec 29 '00
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: Yes
Pros: Excellent for the environment
Cons: Takes 3 months to build
The Prius is the beginning of a new wave of cars. This car is great in all aspects, specifically for people that environmentally conscious. The Prius will save you money and you don't have to charge up this electric/gas aoutomobile.
...
Read the full review
|
|
by andrevm - Top 1000
Sep 13 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Cleaner and more fuel efficient
Cons: Slow acceleration and small cargo volume
After reading much about the new green vehicles on the road today and how the EPA is considering changes to current regulations emphasizing a 10% production of electric-only vehicles by 2003, I went out to check out the vehicles currently available for...
Read the full review
|
|
by mfjj
Sep 13 '00 - Updated Nov 10 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: good for environment, your wallet, and you
Cons: control layout; interior trim; limited options
The bottom line is, after driving my Prius for over 2000 miles, I can’t imagine any car under $50K that would excite me this much, and I’m not even an environmentalist.
This gas-electric hybrid car is a breakthrough in technology, packaging...
Read the full review
|
|
by GoodDad
Sep 07 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: High gas mileage, Toyota quality, high tech cachet
Cons: Lack of Style, Non-linear braking, Unknown market acceptance (resale)
I took an extended test drive of the new 2001 Toyota Prius, a hybrid gas/electric car engineered as an ultra low emissions/high fuel economy automobile. The Prius is rated at 52 mpg city, 45 highway--inverted from the usual pattern of highway mileage...
Read the full review
|
|
by benjaminyoung
Mar 21 '01 - Updated Feb 15 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Good interior design, great cornering capacity, outstanding warranty
Cons: Disappointing mileage, lack of front leg room for tall people, steering problems, SECURITY CONCERNS
The Bottom Line: As an owner of both cars, I would recommend the Prius over the Honda Insight for most people. Along with its technological and environmental benefits, it is very practical.
UPDATE: After 2 years of ownership, I still marvel at the technology behind this car and enjoy driving my Prius more than ever. I also now own a Honda Insight -- another hybrid marvel and a FANTASTIC car, if only for specific lifestyles.
This...
Read the full review
|
|
by maestro2010
Jul 26 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: It's the Economy, Stupid!
Cons: Not exactly "Eye Candy"
The Bottom Line: I think the Prius will be a smash hit if enough people try it. I also think the oil companies know that. That sure would explain gas prices.
I took advantage of my local Toyota dealership's over-the-weekend test drive program and really put this little booger through its paces. I was not surprised by the great economy, I expected that. I was shocked at its performance in the mountains and...
Read the full review
|
|
by coastal_dave
Jun 30 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Environmentally-friendly;Least emissions of any other car;fewer oil changes;better gas mileage;Great Fun to Drive
Cons: No cruise control;no armrest;no remote trunk opener;no sunroof
The Bottom Line: The Toyota Prius is a technologically advanced automobile that is one of the most environmentally-friendly that we have today. It is a joy to drive. Very cool...
The Toyota Prius is an amazing car. The cutting edge technology leaves you excited for the future with a promise of a better place for everyone to live; cleaner air; less dependence on gas products and fossil fuels. So, everyone is able to benefit from...
Read the full review
|
|
by cglassey
Jan 30 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Great for the environment, futuristic fun!
Cons: Acceleration is not impressive, braking is odd, console design in places
The Bottom Line: This car makes me feel like I'm living in the 21st century. For an environmentalist, technophile with a family, there is nothing better.
I've been very interested in the technology ever since it was first announced in mid-1997. I've wanted to do my part to help air quality in the place where I live. I'm a technophile. I have a family and I sometimes need to drive three children around....
Read the full review
|
|
by shannonk97
Mar 20 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Fun to drive;great acceleration;great gas mileage;environmentally friendly-very low emissions.
Cons: No armrest;NO CRUISE CONTROL;steering wheel is set too high;few interior options.
The Bottom Line: I recommend the Prius. It is fun to drive and once you have the cruise control its great on trips. Its cool technology and good for the environment. What else?!
Purchase Experience:
We bought our Prius in August of 2000. It arrived in January of 2001. This can be problematic if you are financing your car with a trade-in. We were not, but if we had, the trade-in would have been a year older and worth less...
Read the full review
|
|
by mgaston
Feb 20 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Environmentally friendly, economical, peppy, extremely quiet ("stealth mode"), cool display panel
Cons: No cruise control on base model; squirrels can't hear it approaching
The Bottom Line: Finally, each individual has an opportunity to make a difference by choosing to tread a bit lighter on our planet, in a car designed for real people. Buy a Prius!
I had been following with anticipation the development of hybrid electric/gas technology for years, anxiously awaiting its arrival on the consumer market. When it finally became "orderable" in July 2000, I made sure I was the first on my block (probably...
Read the full review
|
|
by alanr01
May 17 '01 - Updated Jul 06 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Great mileage & low emissions in a real car!
Cons: Lack of certain options and amenities
The Bottom Line: I would recommend the Prius to anyone who wants comfortable, dependable transportation that isn't too environmentally cruel.
Well, I finally got tired of fixing my '97 Camry, and when the warranty expired so did my patience with the thing. So, I went to my local Toyota dealer and test drove a Prius.
I was in for a surprise; this thing was as big inside as my Camry...
Read the full review
|
|
by msfleck
Jul 22 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: 40+ mpg, super ultra low emission vehicle, very spacious, high wow factor, well-made, affordable
Cons: No cruise control, no fold-down backseat, dashlight reflection, awkward braking
The Bottom Line: A geek's kind of car, and the environmentalist's kind of car, but not a macho or speed-demon's kind of car.
My first desire to get a hybrid car was purely based on the concept. I just wanted to have one of the first cars which (hopefully) would replace the modern gas-only engines. While I realize now that the hybrid really isn't the future of the auto...
Read the full review
|
|
by nad_masters - Top 100
Jul 02 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Great gas mileage
Cons: Everything else
The Bottom Line: For the green people, for the cheap if all you have to do is pay for gas.
Disclaimer
I test driven this car with the MR2 (please read about it on my other ePinions). As such, I did not spend a great deal with it, so please keep this in mind.
A Hybrid for Every Tom, Dick, and Joan
At last, a...
Read the full review
|
|
by melrowsey
May 26 '06
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Smooth ride, tight breaks, great deal, powerful punch in a little car.
Cons: Front seats don't slide back very far.
The Bottom Line: I would recommend this car to anyone and everyone, without discrimination.
I love my car. That's about all I can say. I bought my car gently used. It's a 2001 model, but I got it in 03. I have taken it from about 23,000 miles to about 69,000 miles in three years with no major hiccups. I bought the car because I attend a small ...
Read the full review
|
|
by imgr82day
Aug 16 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Superior mpg and roomy cabin
Cons: Small trunk space and no CD player
It's not even 2001 yet, but Toyota's newest hybrid electric/gasoline 4 door sedan priced at $19,995 (plus destinations charges) hits the road today.
I recently had the opportunity to test drive "Prius" after reading current...
Read the full review
|
|
by jppennypacker
Oct 23 '05
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Excellent acceleration from stoplights (0-30), Excellent gas mileage, Interesting Technology stimulating innovation industrywide
Cons: original factory tires sucked, batteries can drain, acceleration above 60 is slow
The Bottom Line: I recommend this car for reliability and innovative hybrid technology. I hope the premium paid for hybrid technology drops and the technology evolves over time so that gasoline is conserved.
I purchased my Prius in October 2001 and it is now October 2005 and I have been very pleased so far. It took about a week of driving time to become accustomed to the feel and layout of the car. I have now put on 56,000 miles in the span of those 4 ...
Read the full review
|
|
by hopelynn
Sep 02 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Great gas mileage, comfortable ride
Cons: none
The car of the future has arrived. The Toyota Prius is a hybrid car, running on both electricity and gasoline. With the price of gasoline skyrocketing, this car has been released at the perfect time.
In comparison to other Toyotas, the Prius...
Read the full review
|
|
by amartinezfonts
Sep 14 '00
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: No 
Pros: Gas Mileage, Styling, Price
Cons: Badly designed controls, Missing basic features
I recently test-drove the Toyota Prius after placing an order with my local Toyota dealer. The dealer was very helpful in setting me up with a 24-hour test drive so that I could get a good feeling for the car and drive it around quite a bit. I mention...
Read the full review
|
|
by waltr
Dec 17 '06 - Updated Dec 18 '06
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Solid, quiet, comfortable, very good fuel economy, cleanest gas powered car of its day
Cons: OEM tires wear out early at manufacturer's recommended pressure.
The Bottom Line: Highly recommended for anyone looking for a solid, comfortable car that is reliable, gets excellent gas mileage and is fun to drive
When the 2001 Prius was announced, I wasted little time putting in my order. My previous two cars, Chevy Sprint and Geo Metro, both got 50 MPG, so I was excited when Toyota announced the Prius. Finally a solid 4 door sedan that broke the 50 MPG barrier. ...
Read the full review
|
|
by nedhop
Mar 27 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Economy. Economy. Economy. Also: relatively comfortable with nice features.
Cons: A bit slow. Virtually no upgrades.
The Bottom Line: If you're looking above all for economy, the Prius is a first-class choice. As a bonus, it's also quiet and comfortable.
Nine months after buying my 2001 Prius I am less enthusiastic about the car than I was in the beginning. Despite careful driving -- my eyes often glancing at the mpg display -- I average 'only' about 43mpg around town. Contrary to EPA estimates, I get a...
Read the full review
|
|
by jtmcculloch
Jul 26 '08
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Gas Mileage, Dependability, WOW Factor, Overall cost of ownership.
Cons: Seat comfort - fixed with adding a seat cushion
The Bottom Line: every one should own one, It also has the highest customer satifaction rating by a large margin over any other car.
I am A ASE Certified Master Auto Technican and the Toyota Prius is the most technologically advanced automobile I have ever seen. I is a true marvel. I got mine in Feb 2001 and as of july 2008 I have about 48,000 miles on it. It is low milaeage due to ...
Read the full review
|
|
by pete_b
Jul 20 '02 - Updated Oct 06 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Smooth, quiet, comfortable, 'green', fuel economy
Cons: Lack of cruise control, side air bag and daytime lights options (in UK)
The Bottom Line: Just try it!
These are the views of a British Prius fan.
I have been interested in the Prius since it appeared on a technology TV programme around 1997 (when it was launched in Japan). I had long thought someone ought to make a car based along similar...
Read the full review
|
|
by rspitz
Sep 06 '00 - Updated Sep 21 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: quick, quiet, comfortable, great visibility, and so many more
Cons: not many choices for options, but most everything you could want is included
Had mine for close to a month. I wondered what if I was going to hate or love it by this point. I am coming from a V-6, and I absolutely look forward to getting behind the wheel. Has suprising pickup, great handling in a car that gets around 50 MPG....
Read the full review
|
|
by NoRiCe4u
Nov 25 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Roomy, quiet ride, efficient and money saving
Cons: Some may find steering stiff
With the dawning of the 21st century at hand, car companies are seeking to diversify their selections. And the environment-friendly vehicles lead the fad. The Toyota Prius is one of them, as well as one of the best; so here we go...!
I...
Read the full review
|
|
by diffferent1
Jan 16 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: WOW Factor, Smoothness, Quiet, Quality
Cons: No fold down seat or pass through to trunk
The Bottom Line: Highly Recommended. Best vehicle I've ever owned.
Rather than repeat all the praise, I wanted to pass along that this has been the most enjoyable car I have owned in my 31 years of driving. It's a small car that feels quite close to a luxury car in fit, finish, smoothness and quiet. Sure, it's no...
Read the full review
|
|
by chalstea
Nov 17 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Quietness, Fuel Economy, Emissions, Comfort
Cons: No sunroof or cruise control available.
Wow! Cool! Quiet! Those are just a few of the words I've used to describe my dark green 2001 Toyota Prius Hybrid! It is a truly amazing vehicle. If you're reading this review, then I'm sure you already know it is a hybrid gas/electric car!
...
Read the full review
|
|
by raroach
Jul 26 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Cool technology, low emissions
Cons: Few options and accessories, poor controls, plain interior, increased mileage not cost-justified
The Bottom Line: Buy a Prius because you feel that either it is cool technology or it is good for the environment, but not to save money on fuel.
I test drove a 2001 Toyota Prius at the local dealership. It was different from the many other test drives I have been taking recently. They only had one and the car was owned by Toyota, Inc. I had to sign a form to drive it. They told me that if I...
Read the full review
|
|
by natsmada
Dec 10 '01 - Updated Dec 11 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: LCD color display (touch screen), roadside assistance and free scheduled maintenance for 3 years/36,000 miles!
Cons: Paint chips easily, must wait 4-5 months for delivery
The Bottom Line: Toyota has a winner with this car and I hope that my review will create some interest on your part and persuade you to check out this marvelous car!
I have owned my Prius since September '01 and have enjoyed all of the miles that I have put on this wonderful car! I have not had any problems with it so far and I feel that it is the finest vehicle that I have ever owned! It is the only 4 door SULEV...
Read the full review
|
|
by erikoliver
Apr 14 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Fuel Efficient; Surprisingly good handling and response
Cons: Awkward gear control; bizzare dash layout;
The Bottom Line: I would say wait for the 2002 model year if you can BUT if you need a good fuel efficient car that can comfortably seat four, buy the Prius now.
Ok. I live in California, more specifically, Northern California so gas prices are a rather sensitive issue for me with a gallon of unleaded reaching for $2.10 already. So, I'm looking for a fuel efficient and dare I say environmentally friendly car....
Read the full review
|
|
by tdonoughue
May 27 '02
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Quiet; a "real" car; seats 5; big trunk; high gas mileage; very green
Cons: Tires; only adequate power
The Bottom Line: Buy one. It is a real car, full of features, a bargain at the price. Very quiet, great mileage. Worth the wait of ordering it.
I had a Maxima, so I thought that I would not be impressed by any little, environmentally-friendly, hybrid car. After all, the engine had to be comparable to a rubber band, right? And it was so small. I was very wrong.
The first test drive...
Read the full review
|
|
by mr152
Oct 24 '00 - Updated Jan 04 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Mileage, Quietness, Price, Quality
Cons: None
I've been following the Prius development for years. I was able to get one from the first shipment to California. I have 7,000 miles on it, so far. It has been a real joy to drive.
It becomes a game to maximize your mileage. I changed my...
Read the full review
|
|
by 311Bud
Oct 26 '00
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Could possibly save the world
Cons: uhhh, doesn't do fast, reminds me of Communism
Here in America, we love our cars. And just recently, we have come to love our trucks and SUVs. While the styles of the automobiles are quite different, there are a few things that we cherish in our "wheels." We want HORSEPOWER. Tons and tons...
Read the full review
|
|
by wildlifesavr1
Sep 02 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: awesome mileage environmentally-friendly!
Cons: none
The Bottom Line: I recommend the Prius for its many Pros for both mankind, nature, and your purse.
There is a myth that cynically environmentally-responsible, electric-drive vehicles, which generate only a fraction of the pollution and CO2 of conventional, fossil-fueled vehicles, are somehow inferior in performance or comfort or safety. That is only...
Read the full review
|
|
by nachi26
Apr 25 '03
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Fuel Efficient
Almost no maintenance
Gets a lot of attention
Cons: Not very powerful
The Bottom Line: This is the beginning of our future and this car works for 80% of people out there. It looks great, drives great, is high tech, and "user friendly".
This is a great great car for our times. No questions. There is no reason everyone should not own a hybrid of some sort. It looks great, works like a normal car, maintenance is included and for most "normal" people (unless you are a race car driver) this...
Read the full review
|
|
by believeme1
Nov 22 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Great gas mileage, saves thousands over the years
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: The Prius along with other Super ultra low emission vehicles are the wave of the future.
The 2002 Prius is now available with more options. The Prius has added afew new colors for 2002 also. The body hasn't changed, only the availability of options.
The 2002 hybrid is now available with day time running lights, side airbags,...
Read the full review
|
|
by gsteshen
Jan 11 '02
Author's Product Rating:  Recommended: No
Pros: None
Cons: Extremely poorly designed and made car that falls apart
The Bottom Line: Dreadfully made car that starts to fall apart within a couple of months. Equally dreadful service...
This is one of the most troublesome cars I've ever owned.
Over the year I own it I had to take it to the dealership over 10 times for major repairs. The service was dreadful.
The same problem needed to be repaired over, and over and over......
Read the full review
|
|
by lessachs
Jun 15 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Comfortable, efficient, fun to drive
Cons: A little light on the highway
The Bottom Line: Buy it. Great car.
When people ask me about my "economy" car..I tell them to drive it first. Its roomy, drives great and is spirited.
They've all left as Prius converts. I was lucky enough to get a used one from Canada that had a cruise control. The US versions...
Read the full review
|
|
by Fastfrog
Jan 04 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: LOTS!
Cons: minimal
What a great car for the commuter! We bought this car to support the notion (apparently abandoned by US auto makers) that a better car can also be kind to the environment. LOVE the fuel efficiency, instrument panel, touch screen controls, roominess (it...
Read the full review
|
|
by Praedium
Jan 05 '01
Author's Product Rating: Recommended: Yes
Pros: Price-obviously being subsidized by manufacturer. Super quiet, good pick-up, almost no options.
Cons: Dealer sales practices, getting used to shift lever, displays and braking. 6 months for delivery wait.
Test drove the Prius January 3, 2001. I am 6'2" big framed. Found the car comfortable, very tight and had no trouble in traffic or on the tollroad. It takes some getting used to with the gear lever on the dash and you move it towards you and down...
Read the full review
|
| Epinions Express Reviews |
Less Dirty Than the Others
by saha6818
Jul 15 '05
Author's Product Rating:
Recommended: Yes
Pros: Hybrid technology, reasonable performance, agility, climate control, etc.
Cons: Will never win a tractor pull contest or drive up a flight of stairs.
Remembering that a "green" car still dumps the exhaust in the back where the driver, at least, can't smell it, my Prius keeps it to a minimum. The electric system provides some extra power when necessary, and Toyota filled it well with extras. I like the high-tech enjoyment, and the feeling I get when sitting next to a gas-guzzling 4X4 grocery-runner in a silent Prius.
Read more
|
Beware of Transmission Failures
by pkamm
Sep 13 '07
Author's Product Rating:
Recommended: No
Pros: For me, it's been a great car up to 91K
Cons: After 91K be prepared to take a $5K hit.
Up until now (91K) I have had no problems. I have kept my 2001 Prius well-maintained. However, last week I noticed a humming coming from the engine area. I brought it to a dealer in my area and it was diagnosed as a transmission failure. The cost: $5192.00 for a replaced transaxle.
I got online and have been monitoring several Prius forums. Apparently, for Prius 2001 to 2003, this is not an uncommon problem. And, if you have more than 60K on the car, Toyota will not cover this failure.
Read more
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.