Toyota Prius Test Drive

I took a test drive of the Toyota Prius this weekend. While it wasn’t my first test drive of the Prius hybrid, it was my first test drive in a loaded Prius. So, let me just get this out of the way – this is a bloody awesome vehicle! Forget the fact that this auto is a hybrid car - it’s a revolutionary piece of technology

But, first, let’s get into some pricing issues.

$22,000 is the basic package price in my area, which includes a $3000.00 dealer fee, otherwise this car would sell for $19,000, and that is a steal. The hybrid I drove, was a Package 6, or the fully loaded Prius, plus leather, U.V paint protection and every accessory imaginable. It was listed at $32,000. Again, this price included a $3000.00 dealer fee.

There are about 6 different Prius Packages offered for the 2005 Prius Model. Of course you can always custom order one – but that will definitely cost extra, especially with supply still trying to catch up to demand.

Now remember, packages are not the same at each dealership, and different accessories are automatically loaded as a package in some areas. Obviously, pricing is probably the reason for this variance - providing dealers the ability to control a certain aspect of pricing – aside from the $3000.00 dealer fee that I find offensive. (Click here to read more about Prius features, specifications and packages).

Let me reiterate one more time; however, the base car is an awesome car. You don’t need to go above the base to get a loaded car. Of course Toyota does offer very tempting add-ons.

The outside of this auto looks different, sleek and high-tech.

Using the Smart Key System to open the doors I sat down in the driver’s seat, which is like being 16 again – it’s a brand new, revolutionary driving experience.

The Smart Key is like a mini-dvd that slides into a slot and with the push of a button, the car starts.

At first you hear the engine idle, but then silence, as the hybrid synergy drive remains ‘powered’ using just stored electric power, or almost free energy.

The dashboard is a unique digital dash that features a multifunction screen. In the loaded version, the multifunction screen includes a voice-activated DVD navigation system with hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth technology. The steering wheel also incorporates phone options; rear and front defrost, aside from all the standards.

This car is elegantly and efficiently designed right down to the glove-box. Or, excuse me, dual glove-boxes.

Driving is nice and smooth, and this car provides a great drive, but the most notable aspect of driving this machine is driving in slow traffic.

The car almost seems to float above the road as you watch regenerative energy fill your hybrid battery pack on your multi-screen monitor.

If you live in an urban area and commute in stop-and-go traffic, this IS the car for you. In fact the Prius actually achieves its best fuel-efficiency and greatest pollution reduction during high traffic, when standard autos achieve just the opposite.

The Prius also performs well on the highway, achieving an EPA estimated 51 mpg – though EPA estimates are out-dated for all cars, standard or hybrid. The EPA, for example, estimates that the top speed limit cars will drive is 55 mph on the highway. Still, your Prius will still utilize much less gas than standard cars, while significantly reducing pollution as well during highway, or freeway driving.

Pulling back into the lot, I checked out the hatchback, which is an extremely nice add-on to this vehicle. With the backdoor open, and the seats folded down, and the Prius hybrid offers an extensive amount of room for transporting large and bulky items.

Additionally, when the seats are back in position, the car easily accommodates four adults, or two adults and three children.

Because the Prius is one of the most aerodynamically advanced production vehicles, sun roofs are not an option for this vehicle.

In Conclusion

I am hybrid vehicle advocate because of pollution, global warming, environment, terrorism, and oil wars – not to mention simple automotive evolution.

But even if these issues are not on your radar, this car is still worth your consideration.

Coming Soon

I have been in contact with several Ford dealers in my area, and am therefore going to be taking a test drive of a Ford Escape hybrid either later this week, or over the weekend.

Additionally, there should be some advanced deliveries of the new Honda Accord hybrid before the end of this month, so check back regularly and frequently.

Or join Soultek’s hybrid car club.