Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2006 Toyota Prius Full Review
Date Published: 8/27/08
Also in the 2006 Toyota Prius Review:
2006 Toyota Prius Review
A rearview camera is a new option for this gas/electric hybrid car. Prius also gets minor styling changes for 2006. This five-passenger 4-dr hatchback teams a 4-cyl gasoline engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 110 hp. Toyota's hybrid system automatically runs on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required. Prius has a continuously variable transmission (CVT). ABS and traction control are standard. Options include an antiskid system, front side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Also available are a wireless cell phone link and a navigation system.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise the smallest passengers cars. These vehicles range from tiny economy models to slightly larger, popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
Our Best Buys include Chrysler PT Cruiser, Honda Civic, Mazda 3, and Pontiac Vibe/Toyota Matrix twins. Our Recommended picks include Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, Hyundai Elantra, Kia Spectra, and Toyota Corolla.
New or significantly redesigned models include Chevrolet HHR, Hyundai Accent, Kia Rio, and Volkswagen Golf and Jetta.
News
Prius evidently won't be redesigned for another 3-4 years. When a replacement does appear, it could cost much less than today's model, thanks to a new third-generation hybrid powertrain that Toyota says will be smaller, lighter and much cheaper to produce. Though timing is unclear, the new system could find its way into the current Prius before decade's end. Regardless, Hollywood's favorite hybrid should remain hard to get even at full sticker or above, especially now that record gas prices have fueled demand for most all high-mpg wheels.
2006 Toyota Prius Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Fuel economy | Acceleration |
| Maneuverability | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Slow movement away from a stop accounts for middling 10.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. But Prius picks up speed nicely, copes ably with traffic. Throttle response best between 25-55 mph. Hybrid system usually shuts down gas engine at stoplights to save fuel, makes near-instant restarts on applying the throttle. There's a slight shudder as engine cuts in or out, and powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 3 | 4.4 |
Slow movement away from a stop accounts for middling 10.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. But Prius picks up speed nicely, copes ably with traffic. Throttle response best between 25-55 mph. Hybrid system usually shuts down gas engine at stoplights to save fuel, makes near-instant restarts on applying the throttle. There's a slight shudder as engine cuts in or out, and powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
Fuel Economy
Prius test cars averaged 42.6-45.2 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving, 41.7 with mostly highway use, and 36.7 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. Prius uses regular-grade fuel.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 9 | 6.7 |
Prius test cars averaged 42.6-45.2 mpg in even mix of city/highway driving, 41.7 with mostly highway use, and 36.7 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. Prius uses regular-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Favors control and stability over cushy comfort. Relatively long wheelbase, supple suspension cope easily with most bumps, though some big moguls induce a bit of bounce.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 4.9 |
Favors control and stability over cushy comfort. Relatively long wheelbase, supple suspension cope easily with most bumps, though some big moguls induce a bit of bounce.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Front-drive predictable, but soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-biased tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Prius is also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional compact cars. Tight turning circle a help in close quarters. Electric steering has pleasingly consistent effort, but feels a bit light and artificial to some testers. Good stopping power, though some testers dislike brake pedal action.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.6 |
Front-drive predictable, but soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-biased tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Prius is also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional compact cars. Tight turning circle a help in close quarters. Electric steering has pleasingly consistent effort, but feels a bit light and artificial to some testers. Good stopping power, though some testers dislike brake pedal action.
Quietness
Modest road and wind noise for the class. Gas engine revs smoothly but is more gruff than Civic Hybrid's, especially at full throttle.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 4.2 |
Modest road and wind noise for the class. Gas engine revs smoothly but is more gruff than Civic Hybrid's, especially at full throttle.
Controls
Digital speedometer and fuel gauge group with transmission-position indicator rather far ahead of driver, but are easy enough to read. Multifunction touch screen in center of dashboard easy to use, integrates navigation, climate, and some audio controls. Power flow readout is interesting, but can distract. Alas, screen legibility diminished by fingerprints, direct sunlight. Available keyless entry with engine on/off button takes acclamation. So does the odd action of the small shift lever sprouting from dash. Shrill back-up warning chime annoys. Cabin has its own hi-tech look and while materials are not extravagant, nothing feels remotely cut-rate.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 5 | 5.9 |
Digital speedometer and fuel gauge group with transmission-position indicator rather far ahead of driver, but are easy enough to read. Multifunction touch screen in center of dashboard easy to use, integrates navigation, climate, and some audio controls. Power flow readout is interesting, but can distract. Alas, screen legibility diminished by fingerprints, direct sunlight. Available keyless entry with engine on/off button takes acclamation. So does the odd action of the small shift lever sprouting from dash. Shrill back-up warning chime annoys. Cabin has its own hi-tech look and while materials are not extravagant, nothing feels remotely cut-rate.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Generous head room, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Seats nothing special for shape or support, yet most testers find them set-and-forget comfortable. Front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.5 |
Generous head room, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Seats nothing special for shape or support, yet most testers find them set-and-forget comfortable. Front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Bench seat just economy-class comfortable. Prius rivals Toyota's roomy midsize Camry sedan for leg and toe space, but sloped roofline crimps head clearance for six-footers. No-strain entry/exit, as in front.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 6 | 3.9 |
Bench seat just economy-class comfortable. Prius rivals Toyota's roomy midsize Camry sedan for leg and toe space, but sloped roofline crimps head clearance for six-footers. No-strain entry/exit, as in front.
Cargo Room
Hatchback versatility, with 60/40 split folding rear seatback and 16.1 cu ft of space with four aboard. But sloped tail and high floor preclude toting tall items with hatch closed, despite large opening. Useful under-floor storage, plus roomy console bin and twin dashboard gloveboxes.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 4 | 4.7 |
Hatchback versatility, with 60/40 split folding rear seatback and 16.1 cu ft of space with four aboard. But sloped tail and high floor preclude toting tall items with hatch closed, despite large opening. Useful under-floor storage, plus roomy console bin and twin dashboard gloveboxes.
Value within Class
Prius costs more than most other fuel-efficient cars, a price premium that may take years to offset in fuel savings. And demand outstrips supply, so don't count on a price break. But Prius trumps other hybrid compact cars for acceleration and handling, and beats all compact cars for interior room. Any discussion of its overall value also must take into account the benefits of its hybrid system's low emissions, plus Toyota's well-earned reputation for reliability and resale value. By any standard, this is a pleasant, practical, and sophisticated car.
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.2 |
Prius costs more than most other fuel-efficient cars, a price premium that may take years to offset in fuel savings. And demand outstrips supply, so don't count on a price break. But Prius trumps other hybrid compact cars for acceleration and handling, and beats all compact cars for interior room. Any discussion of its overall value also must take into account the benefits of its hybrid system's low emissions, plus Toyota's well-earned reputation for reliability and resale value. By any standard, this is a pleasant, practical, and sophisticated car.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 57 | 52 |
Scores for all Compact Cars
| Low Score | 37 | |
| Average Score | 52 | |
| High Score | 64 |
2006 Toyota Prius Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Base 4-door hatchback | $21,725 | $20,006 | $580 |
Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Base
Powertrain
1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable transmission (CVT), traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, outside-temperature indicator, trip computer, variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, intermittent rear wiper.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 185/65R15 tires, alloy wheels.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Pkg. 1
|
||
|
Base
|
$650
|
$559
|
|
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags.
|
||
|
Pkg. 2
|
||
|
Base
|
$825
|
$659
|
|
Keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rearview camera.
|
||
|
Pkg. 3
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,475
|
$1,218
|
|
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, keyless access and starting, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, rearview camera.
|
||
|
Pkg. 4
|
||
|
Base
|
$1,825
|
$1,519
|
|
Pkg. 3 plus antiskid system.
|
||
|
Pkg. 5
|
||
|
Base
|
$3,205
|
$2,577
|
|
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, keyless access and starting, JBL AM/FM w/6-disc CD/MP3 changer, wireless cell phone link, rearview camera, universal garage door opener, alarm.
|
||
|
Pkg. 6
|
||
|
Base
|
$3,830
|
$3,077
|
|
Pkg. 5 plus xenon headlights, fog lights.
|
||
|
Pkg. 7
|
||
|
Base
|
$5,730
|
$4,692
|
|
Pkg. 6 plus navigation system w/voice recognition.
|
||
|
Pkg. 8
|
||
|
Base
|
$6,890
|
$5,620
|
|
Pkg. 7 plus leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel.
|
||
|
|
||
2006 Toyota Prius Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Toyota Prius 4-door hatchback |
| Wheelbase, in. | 106.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 175.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 67.9 |
| Overall Height, in. | 58.1 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2890 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 16.1 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 39.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.9 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 38.6 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc I4/electric | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 1.5 /91 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 110 @ 5000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 82 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|
| CVT automatic | 60/51 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Toyota Prius 4-door hatchback |
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
| Rollover Resistance | 4 |
| Side Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Side Impact, Rear Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | For Highlander Hybrid, Prius: 5/60,000 on powertrain, 8/100,000 on hybrid components. |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | None/-- | Prius gets 3/36,000 Roadside Assistance. |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Japan
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
|
Tester's Comments
|
|||
 |
|||
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
Major Options: Package #8 (leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel, voice-activated DVD GPS navigation system, JBL AM/FM 6-disc CD changer w/9 speakers, aux. audio jack, MP3/WMA playback capability and hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth, rear backup camera, vehicle stability control, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side curtain airbags, smart key system, anti-theft system, auto-dimming rearview mirror with HomeLink, high intensity discharge headlamps, integrated fog lamps) Carpet Floor Mats and Cargo Mat, Cargo Net. Consumer Guide® Fuel Economy: 41.74 mpg (what's this?) Problems During Test: None From The Back Seat Ed Piotrowski It's well noted that one has to drive for years in order to see the hybrid price premium offset by fuel savings. It's made more drastic with Priuses like our test car that sticker for nearly $30,000. Even so, Prius is a competent, roomy, comfortable car that makes you feel like you're doing something positive for Mother Earth. It's no wonder Toyota has sold, and probably will contine to sell, every one it can build. |
|||
|
|
Also in the 2006 Toyota Prius Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Acura
Aston Martin
Audi
Bentley
BMW
Buick
Cadillac
Chevrolet
Chrysler
Dodge
Ferrari
Ford
GMC
Honda
Hummer
Hyundai
Infiniti
Isuzu
Jaguar
Jeep
Kia
Lamborghini
Land Rover
Lexus
Lincoln
Lotus
Maserati
Mazda
Mercedes-Benz
Mercury
Mini
Mitsubishi
Nissan
Pontiac
Porsche
Rolls-Royce
Roush
Saab
Saturn
Scion
Smart
Subaru
Suzuki
Toyota
Volkswagen
Volvo
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
