TOYOTA PRIUS 2013

TOYOTA PRIOUS 2013

TOYOTA PRIUS REVIEW 2013:As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius (from the Latin "to go before") has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers' hybrid models are still in their nascent stages, Toyota's Prius is already on its third generation. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.

Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. So far, it seems Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. Early concerns about long-term durability have turned out to be mostly unfounded. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

Current Toyota Prius

In its first decade of production, the Prius hatchback was the sole body style available, but now, a larger Prius V wagon, a compact Prius C and a plug-in variant are offered (and covered in separate reviews). With the introduction of these newer models, the standard Prius is referred to as the Prius liftback. Despite the name change, it remains a four-door hatchback that seats five people.

The Toyota Prius' hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that produces 98 horsepower and 105 pound-feet of torque that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a special planetary gearset that functions as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power is 134 hp. Of course the Prius' real bright spot is its impressive fuel economy, which comes in at an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city/48 highway and 50 mpg combined.

Shoppers have a choice of four Prius trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five. Standard feature highlights for the Prius Two include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Prius Three adds a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune system and a navigation system. The Prius Four gains a power driver seat, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery and an upgraded stereo. The Prius Five has larger alloy wheels and advanced LED headlamps. Options vary depending on trim level, but include a solar-powered ventilation system, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, a head-up display, an upgraded navigation system, adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system.

Under full acceleration, both gasoline and electric power sources work together to provide maximum propulsion. In stop-and-go traffic, the Prius alternates between the two, often running on battery power alone. This maximizes the car's fuel economy potential. Under deceleration, the electric motors switch to generator mode, recharging the car's batteries. With such a focus on fuel economy, performance is far short of exciting, but power is adequate for merging onto highways. On the inside, the Prius' hatchback body style allows for an impressive amount of cargo to be lugged around, while a surprisingly commodious backseat makes it a plausible replacement for a family sedan or compact SUV. The main downsides to the Prius are an uncomfortable driving position for taller drivers and disappointing interior material quality.

Used Toyota Prius Models

The current third-generation Toyota Prius debuted in the 2010 model year. Compared to the earlier Prius, its general shape remained largely unchanged, but the sheet metal took on a more sculpted character. The interior was given a more radical overhaul, with a more conventional center control stack and the hybrid system display residing high on the dash. It's also a bit more comfortable for taller drivers, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a telescoping steering wheel, though still not great. Not much has changed for the third-generation Prius since, though 2010 and '11 models lack a few features offered on the current model, such as power front seats and the Entune smartphone integration system.

The second-generation Toyota Prius was produced for the 2004-'09 model years. It sat five people in a four-door hatchback body that provided extra versatility in terms of carrying items. This Prius' hybrid powertrain was the same in concept as the current third-generation model, but it featured a smaller, 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produced 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque. With the electric motor spinning out power, peak net hp was 110.

Aside from its hybrid system upgrades, most buyers will find the interior to be the biggest area of difference between the second-generation model and the current Prius. The dashboard and controls were unconventional and futuristic, with stereo, climate, vehicle system and optional navigation controls residing in a touchscreen interface. There were steering wheel buttons for frequently used items, but ultimately, too much was put under the jurisdiction of the touchscreen (which could wash out in sunlight). The odd gear-selector action of today's Prius was carried over from this generation, but then it was mounted on the dash. Another important difference to note is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and height adjustment, making for an even more awkward driving position for taller people.

During its successful tenure in Toyota's lineup, this second-generation Prius received minor changes. For 2006, a back-up camera, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack were added to the options list. A Prius Touring model was added the following year with a slightly firmer "sport" suspension, different 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear lip spoiler and several optional items. Side and side curtain airbags also became standard across the board. A "standard" trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange had a significantly lower base price, was added for 2008.

In reviews of the Toyota Prius, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s.

The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable.

Though less advanced than those in the newer generations, the older Prius' powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Power and Performance

1.8L I-4 98 HP engine 2-spd CVT transmission w/OD Hybrid electric motor alternator Battery with run down protection Axle Ratio 4.11 axle ratio Fuel Tank 11.9 gal. fuel tank Stainless steel exhaust

Fuel Economy

Fuel Economy City 51.0 mpg city fuel economy Fuel Economy Hwy 48.0 mpg hwy fuel economyHandling and Control

Front-wheel drive ABS & driveline traction control Electronic stability Front strut suspension Front anti-roll bar Coil front springs Gas-pressurized front shocks Torsion beam beam rear suspension Coil rear springs Gas-pressurized rear shocks Rack & pinion steering 4-wheel disc brakes Front vented disc brakes Compact steel spare wheel/tireDesign and Dimensions

Body-colored front and rear bumpers Black grille Clearcoat monotone paint Exterior Length 176.4 " exterior length Exterior Width 68.7 " exterior body width Exterior Height 58.7 " exterior height Wheelbase 106 " wheelbase Front Tread 60 " front tread Gross Vehicle Weight Rating 3,979 lbs. GVWR Curb Weight 3,042 lbs. curb weight Payload 825 lbs. payload Drag Coefficient .25 drag coefficient Front Legroom 42.5 " front legroom Rear Legroom 36.0 " rear legroom Front Headroom 38.6 " front headroom Rear Headroom 37.6 " rear headroom Front Hiproom 52.7 " front hiproom Rear Hiproom 51.2 " rear hiproom Front Shoulder Room 54.9 " front shoulder room Rear Shoulder Room 53.1 " rear shoulder room Passenger Volume 94 cu.ft. passenger volume Interior Cargo Volume 21.6 cu.ft. interior cargo volume

Standard Warranties and Ownership Benefits

Basic (mths/miles) 36/36,000 Powertrain (mths/miles) 60/60,000 Corrosion Perforation (mths/miles) 60/unlimited Roadside Assistance (mths/miles) 24/25,000 Maintenance (mths/miles) 24/25,000 Accessories (mths/miles) 36/36,000 Hybrid Electrical Components (mths/miles) 96/100,000

Active and Passive Safety

Side impact beams 2 door curb lights Illuminated entry Oil pressure warning Engine temperature Battery warning Lights on warning Key warning Low fuel warning Door ajar warning Trunk/liftgate ajar warning Service interval warning Brake fluid warning Low tire pressure warning 4-wheel anti-lock brakes (ABS) Daytime running lights Center high mounted stop light Driver and passenger airbags Driver side impact airbags Passenger side impact airbags Curtain 1st and 2nd row overhead airbags Occupancy sensor Driver knee Front seatbelt pretensioners Immobilizer Panic alarm

Comfort and Convenience

4 doors Dual power remote heated mirrors Dual illuminated visor vanity mirrors Seating capacity of 5 Front bucket seats Adjustable front head restraints Center front armrest w/storage 4-way front passenger seat Rear 60-40 bench seats Adjustable rear head restraints Center rear armrests Full cloth headliner Carpet floor trim Metal-look instrument panel insert Metal-look gear shift knob Lighted glove box Dome light w/fade Front reading lights Full floor console Mini overhead console with storage Front and rear cupholders Covered bin instrument panel storage Dual door bins Cargo concealed storage Carpeted cargo floor trim Plastic trunk lid/rear cargo door trim Roll-up cargo cover Cargo tie downs Cargo light Automatic air conditioning Air filter Underseat ducts Radio steering wheel controls Single in-dash mounted CD MP3 decoder Window grid antenna Cruise control with steering wheel controls Power with 2 stage unlock door locks Keyfob (all doors) remote keyless entry Mechanical remote fuel flap release Rear child safety door locks 2 12V DC power outlets Driver foot rest Retained accessory power Wireless phone connectivity Digital display In-dash clock Exterior temperature Systems monitor Trip computer Trip odometer 1 1st row LCD monitor Telescopic tilt steering wheel Power front windows Power rear windows Power rearmost windows Front and rear 1-touch down Light tinted windows Variable intermittent front windshield wipers Fixed interval rear windshield wiper Rear defroster