Service Cars

2006 Toyota Prius

The fuel economy numbers are out from the federal government, and the midsize car thats most thrifty with gasoline is the 2004 Toyota Prius.

Thats right, the Prius gasoline-electric hybrid is a midsize auto now and no longer a compact. And even with its roomier interior, bigger cargo space and improved get up and go over last years model, the new Prius is rated at an impressive 60 miles a gallon in city driving and 51 mpg on the highway.

A rearview TV camera is a new option for this gas/electric hybrid car. Prius also gets minor styling changes for 2006. This 5-passenger 4-dr hatchback teams a 4-cyl gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 110 hp. Toyotas hybrid system automatically runs on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required.



A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) provides near-infinite drive ratios. ABS and traction control are standard and are joined for 06 by a tire-pressure monitor. An antiskid system is available. So are front torso side airbags and head-protecting curtain side airbags. Also optional is a voice-controlled navigation system integrated with a standard multifunction touch screen. New for 06 is an available TV camera that uses the screen to show whats behind when backing up. Other options include xenon headlamps and keyless entry/starting system. Prius carries additional warranty coverage of 3-years/36,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper, 5/60,000 powertrain, and 8/100,000 for the electric motor, battery pack, and other hybrid-related components.

New Body Design

The new Prius is a 4-door hatchback, whereas its predecessor had a regular trunk. The first version looked boxy, but the new 2,890-pound Prius is far more streamlined. Its exceptionally aerodynamic body has a super-low .26 coefficient of drag (CD) to help minimize interior noise and enhance fuel economy.

(The lower the CD, the less wind resistance a vehicle has. Even a 0.30 coefficient of drag is good.)

Hybrid power not noticeable

My first impression of the new Prius came from the electric steering, which gave a feeling of steering a scooter as I moved out of a parking space and made a quick U-turn. The quiet of the car, using only electric power during this initial acceleration, added to the sensation that I wasnt in a real car.

Once the Prius was up and running on the road, the impression changed to a car whose power delivery feels a lot like that of a regular gasoline-powered auto.

Power—modulated between electric motor and gasoline engine—was smooth and seamless in the test vehicle, which, like all Priuses, had an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.

I merged into city traffic without a hiccup, and I got up to speed with other cars on the highway without fuss.

The engine has the usual, four-cylinder buzzy sounds when pressed hard, and the Prius still is oh-so-quiet when only the electric motor is operating, such as when the car is backing up.
Overall, the driving sensation, itself, doesnt hint at a mix-and-match powertrain system.
In fact, the new Prius feels much zippier than its predecessor in pedal-to-the-metal startups, and Toyota officials say acceleration is 15 percent better than in the previous Prius.

Helping this performance is the new electric motor thats more capable than the 33-kilowatt previous motor. Torque from the motor now is 295 lb-ft from standstill all the way to 1200 rpm. This compares with 258 lb-ft from standstill to 400 rpm in the previous Prius.
The nickel-metal hydride battery is upgraded, too, to a 500-volt maximum, up from 273.6 volts. Toyota officials also said they bench-tested this battery pack to 150,000 miles "without degradation" and added there is an eight-year/100,000-mile warranty on the powertrain battery.

The four-cylinder engine is much the same as in the previous Prius, but horsepower is boosted some from last years 70.

Limited Service Outlets

The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is a technical wonder, but its insanely complicated. Those taking long trips in the Prius thus best check locations of Toyota dealers along their routes because nobody else will want to touch a car with a badge that declares it has "Hybrid Synergy Drive."

The new Prius is an especially good car for urban dwellers because its designed to use mostly electric power during stop-and-go driving in congested areas.

Big Cargo

AreaThe large hatch opens smoothly to reveal a low, wide, large cargo area. Flipping the rear seatbacks forward increases cargo room.

The Prius is an exotic car, although not in the same way a Ferrari or Lamborghini is exotic. Unlike those sports cars, it feels much like an appliance, with no soul. What else is to be expected from a car mainly designed to provide high fuel economy?

"AWESOME PRIUS"

Pros:

I love the style, comfort, handling and the fact that it doesnt emit dangerous emissions. It gets great gas milage. This is a very comfortable ride and really looks good when you tint the windows! I LOVE IT!

Cons:

Engine power could be improved although it is more than sufficient for day to day driving and even highway commuting. The gas mileage is over-rated, I have gotten somewhere around 41 to 43 MPG, nowhere near 51 to 60 MPG that is published.

The only things I dont like about the vehicle is that the middle storage space is fabic covered. It will get dirty and wear off from arms on it and handling. AND that the bluetooth phone system in the car is a bit hard to work at times. It seems to not want to go to my phonebook in the car so I have to use my cell phone to dial people. This may just be a user error and one I need to figure out. I also think that it would be nice if the car mats had a clear plastic cover over them as well, they will get dirty fast. So, I purchased ones to save the standard mats that come with the car. Other than that, I think there is more Pros than cons.

Overall Review:

Excellent, excellent car. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking to take advantage of great mileage while not giving up on comfort and technology features.