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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Toyota Prius

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

Overview

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2009 Toyota Prius Review

By KBB.com Editors

At the cutting edge of automotive design and technology, the 2009 Toyota 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. Offering as much head and legroom as a mid-sized Camry 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 minimal 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 2009 Toyota Prius parked in your driveway.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If saving money is as important as saving the planet, you can buy a Toyota Corolla for a lot less money and still get pretty good fuel economy and low emissions. The Prius' long-term ownership costs are an unknown, as is the life of the battery pack and the cost to replace it.

What's New for 2009

There are no major changes for the 2009 Toyota Prius. An all-new model is due out in 2010.

Driving the Prius

Driving Impressions The 2009 Toyota 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 Start
Although offered on more and more vehicles at all price levels, push-button start still qualifies as one of our favorite features.

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.

2009 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 systems. 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 2009 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, 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 with Bluetooth hands-free communications, xenon headlights, leather seats, satellite radio, six-disc CD/MP3 changer, auxiliary audio input jack, 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 mechanical intricacy. 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: 48/45

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Toyota Prius vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 682 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

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."

1 person out of 1 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."

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

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Reliable, Cost Effective, Attractive, Responsible

By Green Driver (FL) on Tuesday, May 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 97,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "environmentally responsible, reliable, great ongas"

Cons: "blind spot very bad, little pep"

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

"This car is 8 years old. I have been blessed to never have had a repair other than recalls. I have been careful to have regular maintenance done such as tire rotation, oil changes, etc. This car has been wonderful and it drives and looks nearly as good at 100K miles as it did new. It feels good to drive green and responsible. It is comfortable enough for local and some highway driving and roomy enough for five. The trunk and storage spaces are especially nice. What I do not like about the car is the design of the windows to the right front corner of the car and the curve of the car. The blind spot is very bad so that one has to be very careful in my opinion of knowing what is coming up to the right. Other than then, this car is about perfect. Oh, and gas - I do not go to the station often. Even at this mileage, and on the second set of tire, I still average about 52mpg. The car is not peppy, so don't look for that, but passing is not a problem, and going about 80mph is comfortable too as long as there are no strong winds or 18 wheelers passing - then the car feels too light. This is one of the best financial choices I have ever made. I purchased all of the warranties, but have never used them. They gave me peace of mind."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Awesome and reliable

By LP (CO) on Sunday, April 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Reliable, easy to drive, comfortable, safe"

Cons: "shaky in severely cold weather, loud on highway."

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

"I purchased my cousin's 2006 Prius a year ago, and I couldn't love it more! It has around 87,000 miles on it and it's reliable, and amazing in the Colorado weather. My cousin lived in a mountain/college town and used it in the snow, and I live in a bigger city here where they rarely plow the streets and I have had no problems in the snow (and I need new tires.) My only complaint is that when it gets really cold it sometimes needs a jump (which can be a pain) but that has only happened twice when it got below 0 degrees at night. It's reliable, easy to drive, has an awesome sound system, is great in any kind of weather and has a fantastic turning radius; it's also comfortable (but a little loud) on the highway and gets excellent gas mileage in the city. Typically in a Prius, in order to get the best mileage, you want to drive where there is very little stop and go (but not quite highway driving) and I was able to get it up to 65 mpg when I was commuting to work. However, I now drive a short distance in a completely stop and go route, and I still get over 50 mpg. It's had no problems and has never needed more than basic service. I would recommend this car to anyone who doesn't want an SUV, and wants a reliable and trusted vehicle that is eco friendly (not completely eco friendly, but at least making a difference.) It also holds its value extremely well because it's a Toyota (mine is still worth $11,500) Good luck!!"

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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I would highly recommend it!

By JW (NC) on Tuesday, March 26, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 140,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Mileage"

Cons: "None"

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

"This car is very reliable. In warm weather I easily get 55 mpg. Cooler weather, 48 mpg. Every other Prius owner I have spoken also really likes theirs. Built in Japan... Perhaps part of reason for exceptional quality."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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