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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 692 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

9.0/10

i love my prius

By jak (TX) on Saturday, July 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 89,000

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: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "best gas saver car you can find."

Cons: "none"

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

"i owned my 06 prius for 2 years, never have any problem,car is design and drive very easy and comfortable.and gas milage very good 45-50 mpg. the best car i every have. strong recomened to anyone looking for hybrid car. avoid civic,insight or another hybrid!!!!!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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most reliable vehicle I've had

By Geo (IL) on Monday, July 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 295,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "gas mileage, reliability"

Cons: "average quality interior"

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

"I've never had a car that had 295,000 miles on it and still has the original brake pads and spark plugs, as well as no other repairs except for two recalls. It's also great to go 500 miles on just over 10 gallons of gas."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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good mpg, nice ride

By anucha (OH) on Saturday, July 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 80,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "smooth ride"

Cons: "expensive"

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

"i love this car. it drives smoothly even after 5 years still drives like day 1. never have to fix anything on it yet. not good for big family with 3 kids or more because the body is narrow not enough space for car seats same go with newer model 2010-2013. it would fit with the Camry. due to it's high sticker price, i dont think the mpg should be a reason to buy this car. you can do calculation.(15,000 miles/year, average $4/gallons, 50 mpg prius/ 30 mpg traditional car, sticker prices + finance fee, and keep the car average of 10-12 years) it just shows that the cheaper traditional car is cheaper even with not as good mpg."

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most economical people hauler.

By brutus (AZ) on Friday, July 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 55,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great to show real estate , fun to drive"

Cons: "Not the best looking car in the world"

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

"Super reliable people hauler ( I sell real estate ) Very economical. Very roomy for its outside dimensions. Has been 100% trust worthy. Handles well,and all options work great. Back up camera is a great asset and I could not live and work without the navigation system. All in all zero complaints!"

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Great car save on gas.

By Rmaultz (AZ) on Monday, July 08, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 135,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 5/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Gas mileage"

Cons: "Turns like a go cart"

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

"I fill up my Prius once every two weeks. And it is great . Plus in some states hybrids get tax credit for clean air vehicles up to 3000 a year. Consider this as one benefit of Prius ownership when looking at the numbers on this car ."

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