2001-2003 Toyota Prius: Road Test

Acceleration is not a strong point. In fact, a test Prius required a leisurely 12.3 seconds to reach 60 mph, but the CVT-equipped Honda Civic Hybrid isn't noticeably quicker. Still, the Prius does not feel lazy around town, and shows decent pep in the vital 55-70 mph range. The powertrain does have its quirks: a slight nudge as the gas engine cuts in or out, plus an annoying sag in momentum as the motor switches in and out of battery-recharge mode during braking or when descending long grades. One test Prius averaged 44.1 mpg in city/highway driving. Another, driven mostly on the highway in somewhat hilly terrain, returned 38.3 mpg. As a comparison, a manual-shift Civic Hybrid managed 47.6 mpg in mixed driving. Soft damping gives the Prius a capably absorbent ride, with little of the expected small-car choppiness on rippled freeways. Steering/handling is safe and predictable. On the other hand, with its tall body and skinny tires, the Prius is sensitive to crosswinds, tracks road grooves too easily and corners with marked lean and limited grip. Brakes can produce stable and fairly short emergency stops. Wind and tire noise are small-car normal, but expect considerable engine ruckus in full-throttle driving. A Civic Hybrid is quieter overall, and its gas engine is smoother and sweeter-sounding. The Prius gearshift sprouts from the dashboard, and moves vertically but works well. A video-type screen can display power sources in use, fuel economy, and radio presets. Distraction occurs easily, but the display can be turned off. Central dashtop digi-graphic gauges are large and legible. Adult-size front-seat space is matched by easy entry/exit. However, budget-grade seats grow tiring after a couple of hours, despite comfortably high positioning. Body styling slightly impedes aft visibility. The backseat is too narrow for three adults, but two have ample head clearance and decent leg room even with a front seat pushed well back. Toe space also satisfies. Cargo space is good for the Prius's exterior size, but the trunk is taller than it is long, only average in width, with a fairly small opening. The battery-pack location precludes a folding rear seat.

Value for the Money
Like Honda's Insight and subsequent Civic Hybrid, the Prius serves mainly as a high-tech alternative to a traditional economy car. Toyota's own Echo delivers similarly appealing fuel mileage, and Volkswagen's Jetta/Golf diesel engine can achieve 40 mpg. Prius is roomier, more pleasant daily transport than an Insight, but less conventional in appearance than Honda's Civic Hybrid sedan--which beats the first-generation Prius in refinement and driving feel. Still, as a "green machine," Prius delivers pleasant, practical daily transportation, though you might want to consider the second-generation version instead. In short supply when new, the Prius is also scarce on used-car lots.