2007 Toyota Prius: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

This gas/electric hybrid car adds a sport-themed Touring model and more standard safety features for 2007. Prius is a five-passenger 4-dr hatchback that 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. Newly standard are front side airbags and curtain side airbags; they had been optional. An antiskid system is optional. Touring models have a sport suspension, fog lights, and alloy wheels. A wireless cell phone link and navigation system are available on all.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Compact Cars comprise popularly priced sedans, hatchbacks, and wagons with wheelbases 100 inches or longer.

Our Best Buys include the Honda Civic and Mazda 3. Our Recommended picks are the Chevrolet Cobalt, Ford Focus, and Mazda 5.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Nissan Versa, and Pontiac G5.