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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2007 Toyota Prius

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Toyota Prius

Overview

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2007 Toyota Prius Review

By KBB.com Editors

At the cutting edge of automotive design and technology, the Prius is propelled by a hybrid powerplant consisting of a battery-powered electric motor teamed to a gasoline engine. The two units can work in tandem or individually, allowing the Prius to earn uncommonly good fuel economy figures while producing extremely low (and, under certain conditions, zero of currently regulated) emissions. Unlike many fuel-efficient sub-compacts (in fact, the roomy Prius actually qualifies as a midsize sedan), the Prius can comfortably accommodate four adults, has a surprisingly smooth ride and can be loaded with such high-tech features as a rearview monitor and DVD navigation. For environmentally savvy families seeking to conserve both fuel and the great outdoors, the Prius is second to none.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're concerned about the environment, this car produces next-to-zero greenhouse emissions in stop-and-go driving. Speeds below 30-miles per hour are handled by the electric motor—the gasoline engine comes on only when you need more power or are driving at highway speeds. Nothing says "I'm Green" like a Prius parked in your driveway.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Test drives have not achieved the claimed 60-miles per gallon city figure (our best numbers were around 45 miles per gallon). Long-term ownership costs are an unknown, as is the life of the battery pack and the cost to replace it.

What's Significant About This Car?

For 2007 the Prius receives front seat-mounted side-impact airbags and front and rear side-curtain airbags. A new Touring trim debuts and includes a firmer suspension, 16-inch wheels, integrated fog lights and xenon headlamps.

Driving the Prius

Driving Impressions The Prius is a very technologically advanced machine that employs a 1.5-liter gasoline engine rated at 76 horsepower and a battery-powered electric motor that generates 50 kilowatts (67 horsepower). The...

Prius emits no sound when started. One simply pushes the start button, selects D from the dash-mounted shifter and depresses the accelerator. The Prius moves forward in utter silence because initially the electric motor is doing all the work.

As the Prius gets up to speed, the car's computer brain signals the gasoline engine to switch on, at which point the electric motor surrenders control in a seamless operation that is virtually undetectable. The differences between driving the Prius and a conventional gasoline-engine car are very subtle—silent acceleration from rest and gasoline-engine shutdown at stops.

Favorite Features

Push-Button Starter
The Prius's push-button starter is just one of the many futuristic features found inside the car.

Graphic Power Display
The graphic power display lets the driver monitor the interaction between the gasoline engine and electric motor, even when you can't feel it.

2007 Toyota Prius Details

Interior

The Prius's long wheelbase provides 112-cubic feet of interior space, nearly matching the mid-size Camry. However, with its rear 60/40 split bench seat folded down, the hatchback Prius can undoubtedly carry far more cargo than Toyota's bread-and-butter sedan. The center dash houses a large LCD screen that shows the power transfer map between the gasoline engine and electric motor, as well as the display for the climate, rear backup camera and navigation system. There is even an optional remote key fob transponder that tells the Prius you are its owner, allowing the doors to be unlocked and the car to be started without the use of a key.

Exterior

The Prius' design is still unconventional, but somehow palatable to the everyday consumer. Compared to the first Prius, the 2007 model is much larger, with a fastback rear hatch design, bigger wheels and tires and a wider stance. A generous serving of side glass makes for good visibility, and the big rear hatch opening can swallow a 25-inch TV with no problem.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Every Prius features a 76-horsepower 1.5-liter gasoline engine teamed to a 50-kilowatt (67-horsepower) electric motor. Also along for the ride is a CVT automatic transmission, anti-lock brake system (ABS), air conditioning, rear defroster, power locks, power windows, heated power mirrors, illuminated remote keyless entry, AM/FM stereo with CD, front side-impact airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, tilt-wheel with touch controls, rear wiper/washer, traction control, a tire pressure monitoring system and alloy wheels. The Touring trim adds 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear spoiler, xenon headlamps and fog lights.

Optional Equipment

Options include DVD navigation, JBL audio, xenon headlights, leather seats, satellite radio, six-disc CD/MP3 changer, garage door opener, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), rear backup camera, Smart entry and starting system and an auto-dimming rearview mirror.

Under the Hood

It may look nice and simple, but beneath the Prius' hood is a complex array of computers, wiring and mechanics. Do-it-yourselfers will be lost. The engine itself is a basic Toyota four-cylinder internal combustion unit, aided by the electric motor that delivers its power in the form of impressive torque. Power to accelerate and pass is surprisingly strong, and the Prius rarely feels bogged down, even with a full crew onboard.

1.5-liter in-line 4 with 50-kilowatt Permanent Magnetic Synchronous Electric Motor
76 horsepower @ 5000 rpm/67 horsepower @ 1200-1540 rpm (110 net horsepower)
82 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm/295 lb.-ft. of torque @ 0-1200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 60/51

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2007 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 686 Ratings for the 2004 - 2009 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.1/10
Comfort

9.1/10

Styling

9.1/10

Love both my Ptius's

By Mcskamp (MI) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 7/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Great mileage and nice ride"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Seems like the 2009 is not as peppy as our 2005. Still will get another soon. Amazed us for headroom for my husband and we pack a lot of stuff in it for Florida trips."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Not just saying this but it has to be the best.

By Bob B (CA) on Tuesday, June 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Best value on the road."

Cons: "I really cant think of any."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I will purchase the next model without a doubt. This car is reliable, cost friendly and a pleasure to drive."

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The only car I would own

By Ziggy (NC) on Friday, May 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 98,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fuel economy, style and quality"

Cons: "Not available in AWD"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The best of all worlds; Great gas milage (I average 50 mpg), plenty of room, controls are easy to operate, handles very well and plenty of power. Visibility is superb, especially with optional back up cam. Hatchback makes life easier. Needs more undercarriage insulation as road noise is higher than usual."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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My favorite car taken away

By Pen (MI) on Wednesday, May 22, 2013

I don't own this car

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "good gas mileage, sleek styling, low maintenance."

Cons: "What's not to love?"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I owned this car and loved every second of it. Unfortunately, I got in an accident and the insurance company decided to total my car. i loved driving it, loved the gas mileage, even in the winter. Snow tires made it drive very well in snow and ice, almost comparable to an SUV. Apparently, even back in 2008, they had crumpling sections built in to the car to take the damage instead of the passenger. I suppose I should feel lucky that I wasn't hurt, but I want my Prius back! I am trying to find a replacement Prius now because all the other small "economical" cars I've tried in the last 2 weeks gulped gas like crazy."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Most reliable I've owned

By george (IL) on Saturday, May 18, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 293,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 6/10

Pros: "Great gas mileage, great reliability"

Cons: "Little ground clearance, uncomfortable seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"Getting close to 294,000 miles,and Toyota service dept. says original brake pads have only another 20,000 miles left before they need to be replaced. It still averages 44 to 48 m.p.g. When the weather moderates the mileage goes up. The front seats could be more comfortable, and the interior materials were more durable in my 1997 Camry. I installed captain's chairs from a van in my Prius, and it is much more comfortable now, especially on long road trips. I hope to get several more years of reliable service from this car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Most dependable and economical car I ever owned

By BillyBob (VA) on Tuesday, May 14, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 183,100

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Great value, very comfortable and reliable."

Cons: "Not pretty or sexy."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car due to a long commute and high gas prices, and it hasn't disappointed me. The only repairs I have had to make are due to body damage from hitting two deer. Routine maintenance and new tires are the only maintenance expenses I have incurred. Still gets 47 MPG with mostly highway driving."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

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See all 686 reviews