2006 Toyota Prius User Reviews

Big Goofy Efficient Handy Car — I can see why it was the Consumer Reports top pick for '07. It got us through the Skyrocketing Gas Prices and paying for gas now isn't a barrel of monkeys either, of course. I can see performance potential with hybrids. Sometimes, it seems people want to race, and while suddenly their car slips behind as their transmission shifts up, and I laugh as the electric motor constantly peels off the torque, while the gas motor makes its monotone whine, still never very loud, maybe Priuses (Prii?) should get louder pipes, though thanks to the continuously variable transmission, the exhaust note is mind numbingly boring. But, oh yeah, I was mocking you all for your cool sounding revving motor, you slave to the Otto-cycle chumps. Oh, you step on your brake, and all that potential energy goes to waste as friction heating up the brakes? S-s-s-s-s-s-sucker!!!!!! Somewhere Satan laughs at thee! Anyway, thick A-pillars are definitely the top negative. Awkward overhead airbags may cause accidents. Fits more than your average pickup, once brought home a table, 4 chairs, and enough room for a cooler or two. Toyota traction control sucks, it basically decides not to move the wheels if it detect the slightest slip. Makes Minnesota winters seem longer. On dry roads, though, it's great.

Why The American Addiction To Performance? — Part of the problem of these kind of reviews is the value placed on performance and even appearance. The performance is terrific for what the car is-- namely a gas saver. Same for its appearance. The design is for it to be aerodynamic-- hence why Prius do not offer sunroofs.

Awesome Gas Milage. — This Prius is just the right size with more open space in the front than the newer models. Lots of storage compartments for glasses, CD's, etc. Great visibility, easy parking with back-up camera, has navigation system. Enjoy your ride with comfortable leather seats, hands free bluetooth phone, great sound system. Spend less time and money at the pump with this hybrid car. Plenty of power for acceleration onto the highway. Love the Smart Key, never have to use a key, just press the button and go.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

Love It! — The Prius was everything we were hoping for when we bought it six years ago. The mileage was excellent, and the bluetooth keys and in-dash GPS were great features uncommon in the sub<$30,000 pricepoint at the time. We also have a 2011 Outback which still doesn't have as many "fun" features as our 5-years-older Prius. We've also been very happy with the repair record on the car; it has been extremely reliable. The two downsides of the Prius for us have been: size is tight for a family of four (though still manageable), and the lack of 4WD has made snow driving difficult at times, particularly on hills.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

My Prius Rocks My Socks Off! — This car is amazing. If we ride it hard, and gun it at every light, we still get 40mpg. It's got plenty of pep and has a really nice ride. We've had it for a little over 2 years now and have absolutely no complaints. I think everyone should have one! We were looking at the Mazda 3 hatchback and the Kia Spectra5 and this has the best build, most useful features, and by far the largest cabin. Plus Toyota's are known to be reliable and have great resale value (although I don't think we'd ever sell this!)