Toyota Prius (2001-2022)
Verified84 reviews
- See all
Peeling clear coat over the body of the car with small rust spots forming, I have been told its due to stone chips and are refusing to correct it. I wish to warn people to NEVER buy a toyota because of their defective paints and refusals to correct them, I am an ex loyal TOYOTA customer and have bought 3 TOYOTAS in my lifetime. I will NEVER buy one again due to their refusal to correct my paint. Show details
A great car – I have owned this car since new (purchased in 2014). I have had zero technical issues with it and maintained it as per the guidance in the manual. I had a learning experience about the fact that it has a regular battery right next to the hybrid battery when the car wouldn't start. That was just an awareness point on my side I just thought it was… Read more
one big battery. I've hit 174000 Kilometers on the speedo now. and still believe I'm getting great fuel economy. It's starting to look a bit battered now as I have a huge dog and cart an electric scooter around a fair bit (i.e. I need to start thinking about a bigger car) but I just love it so much I'm finding it hard to consider another vehicle.
This car has driven to sydeny a number of times (from Melb) and also taken me on a couple of camping holidays in the High Country. I drive it everyday to and from work and when I was livign in the suburbs it just couldn't be faulted for it's drive-ability. Now living in a rural area I have a couple of issues around getting it up to speed to get on a freeway or overtake, but I'm still happy with it's fuel usage.
- +4
Toyota’s ‘Dirty Green’ Secret. The Definitive Guide to the Hidden Cost Reality of Hybrid Ownership. Requiem of the Prius – When new the technologically ground breaking 2006 model NHW-20R Prius petrol/electric hybrid commanded a 50% price premium over that of a comparably sized petrol only model. Despite the significant extra cost, the projected engineered design life was still the same at 15 years or 300,000Km. Nevertheless, a sympathetically maintained Toyota of old… Read more
enjoyed popular reputation to exceed this. Easily capable of furnishing economical transport for perhaps a second or even third appreciative owner. Potential daily drivers for periods often approaching up to 25 years. Sometimes even 30. But this admirable quality of longevity is becoming increasingly rare on Australian roads. While some Hybrid owners, typically Taxis, report astronomically high mileages from their vehicles, there has nonetheless developed a depressing tendency. As our technologically packed and legislatively mandated safety bloated automotive marvels age, they disturbingly give complicated trouble we tend to find all too difficult. Many prematurely ending in some scrap yard partially cannibalised for parts, awaiting the ultimate fate of the crusher. The iconic and once prolific NHW-20R Prius (2004-2009) is a good example, having in recent years all but vanished from our roads.
As well as reduction of CO₂ a NHW-20R (aka Gen2) will save around 40% at the pump in comparison to a similar size/weighted petrol only vehicle. A hybrid’s additional purchase cost and the inevitable eventual replacement of it’s high voltage main Battery are however obvious caveat to simply pocketing this windfall. But shockingly it might not be this hurdle precluding cash-strapped masses participation in planet saving ‘Green’ technology. Largely ignored is the tendency for today's high-tech to go wrong in an alarmingly expensive way.
A servicing Dealer often lacking staff skilled in particular areas of expertise, instead of detailed diagnostics of niggling faults, will increasingly call from inventory some convenient, but absurdly expensive unit assembly replacement. This is all well and good while a vehicle remains under Factory Warranty but is to the obvious detriment of some hapless owners wallet after that rather short period has expired. Worse, after factory parts and service support all too soon begins to taper off, the very nature of these diabolically complicated machines will insure the rapid demise of any remaining. An alarming waste of what is, in Toyota’s case, a perhaps otherwise reasonably well engineered vehicle.
But realistically even a seemingly well engineered Toyota will have its share of failings. As stated, it is the High Voltage Traction Battery generally perceived to be any EV’s Achilles’ heel. But relative value for money, its replacement will likely be the one part of Hybrid least likely to provide an owner unforeseen financial anguish. For example. Sudden failure at 16 years and 2 months (154, 903km) in one of our Gen 2’s 28 Panasonic nickel metal hydride battery modules (low 13.56v on Block 6 vs 15.2 on lowest other) forced the recommended remedy of total pack replacement. Dealer charge for this part, $2,348.30 was not excessive (G951047031 Battery Assembly, High Voltage. November 2021). That’s under $90 per 6.5 Ampere hour module. Admittedly this did not include the notably involved removal, pack disassembly/reassembly and refitting back into the vehicle. Obviously cognisant to overwhelming customer sensitivity on Battery issues, Toyota on this occasion seem to have reined in their proclivity to scalp otherwise vulnerable owners. The Dealer also subsequently refunded the ‘core’ deposit on return of the faulty Battery for recycling, crediting $550. Testament to the amount and ‘Greenness’ of the Nickel originally mined for its manufacture.
While supply of new Battery packs are currently the sole preserve of Toyota Australia, third-party refurbished offerings are generally perceived lacking, seldom going the distance in service. However it’s usually after market parts suppliers successfully providing the more traditional mechanical parts at affordable price. For example, as in the case of the Gen 2’s boot hatch cover Gas Struts. Genuine Toyota $339 per side ($678), Supercheap Auto $55.98 the pair (December 2023). However the Gen 2 employs some seriously evolved electromechanical control. Largely unsuited to backyard mechanics or dubious Chinese pattern parts suppliers. As much as any driver might think they dominate control of accelerator or brake pedal, it is microelectronic processors employing proprietary code that increasingly dictate vehicle response to any pedal movement. Regenerative braking, anti lock-brakes and vehicle traction control being just three examples. There are 18 such controllers (ECU’s) in a Gen 2 Prius, communicating with one another over a ‘Control Area Network’.
One such of these controllers comprises electronics embedded into the multi-function display (MFD), the interactive touch-screen located on the central dashboard. With use and age, sometime around the 16/17 year mark, its 7” LCD display screen will progressively develop a cataracts (see accompanying photo). An encroaching creamy coloured fog making the screen increasingly difficult to discern in bright daylight. Toyota’s fix for any problem with the MFD is to replace the complete assembly. Its individual components, notably the LCD and its digitiser are not considered, by Toyota, separately serviceable spare parts. Astonishingly replacement of the complete unit would sting any owner foolish enough, $4,853.95 (86110-47081-C0 April 2024). Ever increasing complexity is a reality in all of today's vehicle design, but seemingly too onerous a proposition on Toyota to provide cost-effective repair for. As this particular assembly was originally manufactured in Japan by Toyota subsidiary Fujitsu Ten (now Denso Ten), I contacted the Australian agent. Helpfully they connected me through to their somewhat esoteric service personal, who explaining they didn’t typicality talk or deal directly with the general public, advised instead that refurbishment of the old unit could still be undertaken. But only through the official channel of a Toyota Dealer Service department. A typical exchange basis unit fee of $2,000 was quoted. Now, a shout-out here to Southside Toyota’s Service Management (Brisbane). Who’s claim was that exchange refurbishment is not a thing with Toyota. I contacted Toyota Australia for comment who then referred me back to the Dealer concerned, who in turn failed to get back to me. A prime example of the infamous ‘Infinite loop’ of buck passing.
I then dismantled the afflicted unit myself. Easily done, carefully with just a #2 Phillips head screwdriver (see accompanying photo). The offending component is of Toshiba manufacture and is the same screen commonly used, with or without digitiser, in many small devices such as the popular single-board hobbyist computer, the Raspberry Pi. Armed with the screen’s Toshiba part number I contacted Toshiba Australia to learn they’d palmed off that division of their spare parts responsibilities to a third party, EMPR group. EMPR were particularly useless, their seemingly anaemic data base holding no reference whatsoever and having no access to any external Toshiba data base that might of. Tiring of Toshiba Australia’s indifference I finally sourced the LCD screen out of Shenzhen China. Probably paying too much, it cost $223.83 + $25 shipping (see accompanying photo). The repaired MFD is now functioning perfectly as new. Phew!
To demonstrate yet another example on the same vehicle, the dash Meter ECU module directly behind the steering wheel. Giving speed, fuel and other information in the form of a mirrored electro fluorescent display. During the Gen 2’s design gestation, its designers apparently cocked up the electrical specification of a particular electrolytic capacitor. Board assignment ‘C3’ should anybody be interested. The result over time as other associated electronic components drifted slightly off spec, was intermittent but progressive failure of the display. This affected some but not all Gen 2’s, but becomes increasingly likely with age. As well as not knowing what speed your doing, neither does the car’s computers. Resulting in a hard shutdown having to be preformed when powering off the vehicle. Midway through 2009 Toyota (USA) issued T-SB-0172-09 acknowledging problems and providing solution to affected owners by way of an ‘updated’ ECU. Here in Australia Toyota employs a market specific ECU so this translates to the fitting of a 83291-47272 ‘Combination Meter Computer’. Current retail price (May 2024) is $538.90 plus the necessary extensive disassembly/reassembly of the vehicle dashboard. In truth the burden of this expense is not necessary. By removing the offending 100µF surface mount electrolytic capacitor, the most tricky part, then soldering in a replacement 220µF , the original Meter has seen full functionality returned. Permanently (see accompanying photos). The cost of this component? Around 40 cents.
But annoyingly, with the required MFD and the Meter module dashboard disassembly, there involves tricky removal of either two (MFD) or four (Meter module) ‘registers’. These are respectively 420mm and 530mm curved vertical light grey coloured ABS plastic trim panels supporting switches and four air vents. The two longer of these are especially, extremely susceptible to damage on any attempt at removal. Increasingly so with age. With any serviceable replacements in breakers yards virtually non-existent just one new one from a Dealers, for example the particularly vulnerable 55670-47050 ‘Register Assy. No3’ , will set you back an astounding $381.13 (April 2024). Worse these parts are handed, so opportunistic Chinese knockoffs for a more realistic $80 a set on eBay, but made only to suit left hand steer, will not fit. I remain cynical Toyota’s design inadequacy of these obnoxious pieces of plastic junk was mere incompetency. I would suspect instead conspiracy to discourage the long term service viability of elements behind the dashboard. A clever and deliberate designed in booby trap, and a sabotage of sorts.
Obviously the above cost-effective remedies are not practical for a typical owner. The Gen 2's Factory Service Manual alone runs to some 4,800 pages and only the obsessed might attempt such intimate repair themselves. I present the above as illustrative and certainly not definitive of the many faults of a Gen 2 Prius. But it clearly does demonstrate a disturbingly common trend in the evolution of motor vehicle design. And it would certainly be naïve to believe Toyota would not behave in similar manner with their current Hybrid offerings, indeed across the entire labyrinth of their automotive products. Consequently my limited example likely illuminate only the small tip of a very large iceberg.
I have owned and driven Toyota passenger car vehicles as daily drivers almost continually since 1990. Which might imply I consider them best. But they are only best of a depressingly mediocre lot. The many outstanding accolades these vehicles receive here on product review and other places seems to reflect only the giddy euphoria of the new or near new car buyer. Seldom reviewed is the burden of real life cycle ownership cost as these supposedly ’Green’ vehicles complicated engineering and electronics starts to falter from around the ten year mark. Dictating ever more expensive trouble from the sinkhole of anemic Dealer and aftermarket product support. Encouraging the throw-away mentality that inevitably leads to the premature vehicle write-off to some scrap yard by an increasingly frustrated and cash strapped owner. Toyota and their dealerships are no doubt in delight of this situation, as gormless repeat new car buyers continue to queue dealerships for more of the same. Although the rich amongst us will always prefer to uphold their superior ‘Green’ credentials by quickly discarding an aging purchase, it is increasing numbers of the less well off in society that are obligated to suffer the running expense of these traded in hand-me-down money pits. Legislators, Toyota, Greenies, you or anyone else who think this expensive ‘disposable’ concept is in any way sustainable or planet saving are delusional. Toyota and their dealership allies are ultimately in the profit making business. And it is this ethos, along with recent alarming escalating costs, that will thaw any remaining ambitions the multitudes might hold, for the future and continued personal ownership of that much treasured private conveyance, the automobile. R.I.P Hybrid car ownership for the masses.
Written Mount Gravatt East, Revised June 2024
In-depth reviews
Not very good – My Prius is 2007 model and today 383 thousand kilometres. My humble opinion: - The vehicle is very light and trucks overtaking me the car moves away and in significantly . Can be scary. -Too much tyres background noise and driving on the freeway can cause tinnitus. - Air conditioning is good. -The engine consumes a lot of oil since from the… Read more
beginning. - Gear box very good - Front lights a total disaster! They blew easily and from the drivers side is extremely difficult to replace the bulb without scratching your fingers or braking nails or damaging the socket. - In regards of coolant system no issues but April 2021 new water pump $900.00 including Labour. - Hybrid baterries still ok - Fuel consumption? In the city around 7liters per hundred KMs. Free way? 5,3 Litres per hundred KMs. -Not a single problem of electronics! -Sensor wipes, good!
So, this was my honest review and is a 2007 model. If anyone is thinking of buying a Prius and asking for a drive test don't forget to check tyres background noise on the freeway. The Prius is very light so you should confirm the Ancap stars.
2015 Prius C with 278,000 km – This car is amazing! Firstly, it isn’t an i-tech model. That’s good. Why? Mainly on account of the wheels and tyres. The i-tech has larger wheels (ie rims) and lower profile tyres. Great if you want to go racing, but on a small, lightweight car the ride becomes rock hard. On top of that, they are noisier, more prone to damage, (as are… Read more
the rims), wear out faster, more costly to replace and sometimes hard to find. Also, the i-tech badge adds an extra 2 metres to the turning circle and uses 5% more fuel. No of this is outweighed by a fancy gear knob and leather seats.
But this car has been 278,000 kms!!! Yes it has (and probably a bit more by time you read this). The first 22,000 came in the first year and the rest Ubering in Sydney.
Sounds like a lot and you’d think it would be worn out? Consider this - most cars of 5 years old might be in the 80,000 to 100,000 range, typically doing a typical commute or short trips around town. The engine spends much of its time running below its optimum temperature. ‘Cliffy’ by contrast would typically warm up on flat terrain in pre-dawn traffic and remain running at its optimal temperature. This is great for oil life and performance and means much less wear on important parts than a commuter/short trip role and running cold much more often.
But what proof do I have that it’s been reliable? ‘Cliffy’ has been serviced exclusively by Clintons Toyota at Gregory Hills, every 10,000 km since new. (That’s 27 services!) Naturally I have all these records.
I have also driven ‘Cliffy’ as carefully as I’ve had him serviced. Yes, I can prove that too! The Toyota service guys know the car well. At the last service they told me ‘Cliffy’ still had 65% of his front brake pads and 50% of his rears. Disbelieving, my mechanic neighbour confirmed Toyota Service's findings. This rate of pad wear is only possible by careful lane selection, using the least amount of accelerator, getting off the gas ASAP. I coast up to traffic lights as much as possible, always using the brakes as little and as lightly as possible.
Tyre wear history further supports my claim of careful driving. ‘Cliffy’ came with OEM Bridgestones. They lasted 55,000 km. I was urged to replace them with Michelins. They were noticeably quieter. The first set had done 90,000 when replaced with more Michelins. The second set gave me just over 100,000. That was with around the 245,000 ‘on the clock’. Now at 278,000, I reckon there’s still two thirds of life left.
That translates to a car that is driven extremely carefully.
Apart from the regular servicing, I’ve also had the Toyota guys replace the transmission fluid twice. Toyota doesn’t specify a service interval for the CVT so I created my own of 130,000.
At $450 the CVT service isn’t cheap, but apart from the $800 / 120,000 service, the rest have been in the $250 - $350 range. Still pricey for what is little more than an oil change, but it’s way cheaper than just about anything else on the road.
Something else that’s cheaper than the pack is fuel. Contrary to Toyota’s claim of 3.8 l/100km, in the real world ‘Cliffy’ still delivers the same 4.5 since new.
Interior is all very tidy too!
I call it 'The World's Greatest Car....in the world'
Amazingly roomy economical family car! – We chose the Prius V as our daily family car as we live in the city and the majority of our trips are very short. Despite this the Prius v gets 5.5L/100km on average since we bought it! This car is pretty compact on the outside and fits in almost any carpark spaces, but it’s got plenty of space inside. It fits 3 car seats easily in the second… Read more
row, and they fit very easily as the car has 3 individual full size seats in the middle row which can be independently adjusted. Child seat anchorages are easily accessed on the seat backs and the seats can be slid for third row access with a child seat attached. The third row has no anchorage points but can fit me in relative comfort at 183cm! There is descent cusion height so it’s not as knees up as some.
Boot space is pretty good and better than it looks but the floor is quite high so there’s not as much depth as some cars. There’s room for a stroller and a couple of bags of all 7 seats are in use, but I feel it could be a bit larger. The storage area under the boot floor has a bulky polystyrene liner taking up far too much of the available space too.
The car has adequate if not exhilarating power, but honestly it’s got plenty of oomph to get in front at the lights and to overtake sensibly on the highway. You can spin the wheels from a standing start if you try hard enough! The 4 drive modes (normal, eco, power and ev) are fun but ultimately we leave it in normal and hit power only if we think about it before attempting overtaking. The “B” setting in the transmission provides good smooth engine and regenerative braking and makes for a fun time on twisty roads considering it’s a hybrid family wagon! Steering is nice when on the move but can be a bit heavy if you turn the wheel to fast when stationary.
Unfortunately you can’t fit a tow bar which is fair enough for a hybrid.
We love the safety features of this car. Airbags that include the 3rd row, fully automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection and adaptive cruise control, and even lane keep assist which helps steer you back into your lane. The system doesn’t seem to be easily fooled and when it does trip, it’s easy to override with the accelerator. The adaptive cruise control is great but it cuts out at 40kph rather than taking the car to a standstill like some other systems. It does let you know about this though with a gentle beep. Also it defaults to the maximum distance setting each time you restart the car rather than remembering your preference.
The stereo is a jbl with very good audio quality and even digital radio! The satnav however has a lock out so you can’t enter an address whilst on the move which can be frustrating at times. Overall quality is very high and the ambiance inside is lovely with simple but pleasant trim choices and durable materials that stand up to kids well.
There are little features that are well thought out like the pull up blinds for the rear windows making window socks unnecessary! The standard window tint helps here too! Aircon is fantastic, powerful and cold, with good climate control, but there are no face level rear vents.
Servicing is capped price and only $150 each time which seems like a bargain! The fuel economy is amazing as expected- 5.5L/100km over 10,000km mostly very short city driving. We get roughly 650-700km from the little 40L tank! No matter how hard you drive the economy barely seems to change! The car does insist on premium unleaded
Overall it’s a great car and perfect for our needs. I’d like a tad more boot space and a little more power to make it perfect, but as it is, it is the most economical 7seater available and fits the bill as a great flexible and economical family car!!
Positive reviews
Toyota quality that lasts – These cars are so bloody good no wonder taxi companies love them. I've had mine for 10 years and done 180,000. Nothing wears out,Toyota have done a fantastic job with their hybrids. Show details
Smooth, reliable and changed our approach to driving – Never had an issue with this car. Serviced regularly and just over 800000 kms travelled. It seems to have every gadget you might need, from heated seats to pre-entry cooling and car body touch-to-unlock. Despite negative reports about hybrids and their batteries, we are till getting 5.5L around town and 4.8 on our drives to Canberra. Still looks… Read more
good and cheap to service. I have had Fords and Audis ... would not go back. Too many issues, too costly to run compared to the Prius. The Prius changes the way you think about driving. And for Sydney traffic that eases the strain on you and you're wallet. The only complaint is even when we bought it the nav/entertainment system seemed a bit clunky. And now it is pretty dated. But there is an AUX input, and we connect our mobiles.
ABSOLUTELY Love It!! – This car has got me a best of 1280km to 1 tank, with only 32.5 litres to fill I can 'easily do 2.5- 3weeks(1 tank) every day to work and driving around. These are highly Reliable cars as you can expect from Toyota, managed as low as 2.1 LPH! My Mechanic has one exactly the same and he has done now 338,000km! Without anything going wrong. Simply amazing and cannot More highly Recommend 11/10 for Value and Fuel costs. Best car I've owned. Show details
Negative reviews
I never thought I would like it – Since the 1950th Citroen DS, there was not much of a serious design change in personal vehicles until the Toyota Prius was designed with some updates and successfully sold worldwide. After my beloved top of the range 8 cyl. Lexus, I remembered my Citroen DS home in France and purchased in 2019 a late Toyota Prius. This to polish up my renowned… Read more
environmental image and to be independent of the petrol prices. I am known to be a rather critical customer. Toyota has never let me down. t's a gutsy car and just what I always wanted. The service and especially the written guarantee make a decision easier to purchase from a Toyota dealer than from a private seller without any guarantee. It may be a little more expensive, but you have far better purchase security.
Read the comment below! – We bought one of these second-hand, but in good condition. We also have a 2004 model (still going) so I guess I know enough to compare. The pros - Slightly more economical than the older model; seems to sit around 4.9 l/100 km in real-world driving, which is pretty good.. To my eye, a better looking car inside and out than previous Prius'. … Read more
Plenty of zip in the PWR mode
A very good stereo is standard - better than the 'Prestige' brand stereo in another car we have
HUD display (Head Up Display) of speed. Surprisingly useful.
They're very popular as taxis, which is a good sign re. their longevity
The cons-
Definitely lighter built than older models; the doors particularly sound cheap and flimsy when you close them.
Some of the buttons and switchgear is not as well laid out. The dashboard generally is a little fiddly, confusing and plasticky.
Not as comfortable (to me) as the older model. Thinner seats.
Not a peep of sound – The only drawbacks of our car is when you have someone else try and start it its so funny because like us when we first got the car had to almost get our lift the bonet up and try and hear if the car had started. The last issue is a huge one and that's re battery really sucks only getting us on short trips and probably going to die days or months… Read more
out side of warranty. The dealer won't accept its faulty too until it's dead so have complained to acc and then got a replacement 8 days before warranty but I expect the battery to go again in a few years time.
Recent reviews
Best vehicle we have ever owned – We love our 2013 Prius V, whilst it may not have as much power as a Camry (which 2.5lt engine would be nice) the fact that it is such a brilliant vehicle space wise just blows everything out of the water for us. It has space easily for 3 child restraints or two adults and a child restraint, whilst not having passengers completely cramped. Rear… Read more
cargo space is simply unrivalled, we have done many Ikea trips in this vehicle and have had nothing left behind with even huge loads. The trifold middle row is simply brilliant!
A car that really is under rated and we adore it so much that after 6 years of ownership we are now looking to upgrade to the new version so we have have the car for another 10 or so years.
Hands down a winner, don’t even waste energy and time on a Rav if you have a family because thw rear seat is a horrible size and shape. Try the Prius V and walk away a very happy family.
Find out how Toyota Prius compares to other Cars
Know better, choose better.
Good reliable family car. Not fun to drive with – I drive the 2014 Prius V more than a year: Pros: - great fuel consumption (5-6L/100km, always power mode) - reliable. no minor fault - heavy car feel stable for passengers Cons: - sluggish and boring drive, even with the power mode on - once you fold up the 3rd row seats, no much boot space left - the anchor for booster at 3rd row are not at the same chair. which mean if you put booster on you have lesser boot space - heavy car Show details
Love it – We have been Toyota Prius owners since 2010. Throughout that time it has been great. We have to fill the car up with petrol far less than with our previous car. Very fuel efficient. Show details
No regrets! Only gets better everyday! – I used the car everyday for work and family of 5. The best ever! Got 2018 base model. Awesome interior with leather linings. The middle is well spaced even with 2 child seats unlike other 5 seater car. 3 chairs are movable. The 6 and 7 seats are more like bonus I prefer to use it for my luggage like pram. Fuel economy is 40lts to 800kms. I mostly… Read more
use pwr mode. Eco and normal is a struggle. Great design. It’s a car that leaves no worries and makes you proud. The stereo is less special. Good comfort, great for saving money, and excellent reliability.
Relaxing and economical – If you want a relaxing, easy to park, ecomomical and no fuss car this is it. The outstanding feature is how quiet it is in stop start traffic which is where this car is most at home. Mechanically excellent and reliable. Real word ecoonomy can reach 3.9lites per 100km and averages around 4.9litrs per 100km. The digital display is fun. Highly recommended for city dwellers. Show details
Excellent first car for our daughter – We wanted to make sure our daughter had a car to drive that was first easy for her to pass her tests in but also safe. She passed her learners and as a gift we then have her the car. It drives very well and got it for a great price second hand dealers. The only issue we had was a scratch that cost a lot to get fixed Show details
great with kids – had prius v for 5 years. good interior. cheap to run. average 4.5l/100ks serviced with toyota which is a bit steap. about $400, but was only once per year. no mechanical issues. build quality good. not a lot of power. rubbery, laboured handling but never felt dangerous. plenty of warning with understeer for cornering limits. basically car feels… Read more
heavy.
great car if you have kids. huge interior for a smaller footprint than a van.
easy to park.
sun glare on centre touch screen was annoying. much better for passenger to use.
long trips seats can get a bit uncomfortable
overall, car for the money was great. just wont blow your mind.
The test drive made us buy this car! – We were looking for a new family car with loads of room for the kids in the back but also looking for confront. This car ticked all the boxes for us so we bought it. It handles very well on the road. The only small issue we had was where the fual release button was but we found that as it has no icons on it. Show details
Great family car! – We picked this car up from the toyota used car yard having only one half year since it was made with just under 100k. Today we have just over 200k and enjoyed how much space our car has when taking the family on holiday. The only issue is we tried getting it converted to gas but the deler said be cheaper cashing the car in and buying a new one but we love this car so much we won't be doing that Show details
Amazing to drive, silent and reliable. GPS is the only poor feature – Everything in the car works great. Oh man, it's so smooth to drive. Each trip fuel cost is so helpful. It assist you in becoming a more greener driver by driving on eco mode. Not great on pickup from 0-100, if that's your thing then it's porbably not a good fit. Auto temperature control, classy steering wheel. We got the green colour one which… Read more
can't be missed on the road even during those misty and rainy days. Steering is so responsive but tight and so is breaking.
Only downside for us is how crap the GPS works and voice control works. We still use our mobile phone as GPS. If this worked better then it will be 5 star ratings.
Can't fault anything in the interior or exterior. I feel like driving it all the time so definitely looking to make some long distance trips on it.
3 year normal warranty and 8 year on the battery really offers that peace of mind
Find out how Toyota Prius compares to other Cars
Know better, choose better.
capable, efficient, smooth, quiet and surprisingly fun – Great car, fun to see how the regen and battery storage work as you're driving along. Always gets 5l/100 for us. Actually my favourite car to drive so far, and more powerful than you think once both the petrol and electric motors come on together. Smart efficient driving, what more could you want. And with regen braking, you get better stopping force and hardly ever have to change a brake pad. Show details
Still going strong- 20 series Prius – Very few drawbacks owning this car. I can start with those, because afterwards the overall ownership has been really great. Negative -if it doesn't get driven daily the main (hybrid) battery can fail. Ours did about a month out of warranty and Toyota wouldn't help. This said their price for replacement was more than twice what the independent… Read more
service repairer was, an that's not including labour.
Negative - so quiet it takes some getting used to. Reversing in a carpark pedestrians ignore it.
Negative - no towing/ CVT Trans so give up on that concept. If you need to tow buy a utility.
That's about all the negatives I can give.
Positive- great fuel economy. Coming to a stop in traffic and watching consumption drop to zero- a good thing.
Positive - Extremely roomy, front and back. Spacious in the hatch. Practical, fold down seats accommodating.
Positive - Service costs are reasonable but - forget the dealer. Get a good independent mechanic, they're worth it.
Positive -easy driving in traffic.
Positive - surprising power
Positive - Engine brake - shift it to B going downhill and save your brakes.
Positive - Smart car. Unlocks without clicking remote if you open the door or hatch in proximity of the remote.
Positive - Night time, approach the car in a dark garage the interior light comes on automatically.
Positive - good sound system - JBL speakers sound good for a factory stereo. 6 disc stacker a plus.
Positive - Quiet interior on the road,
Positive -comfortable seating
Positive - Superior Reliability as with all Toyota products. Can't fault the brand.
Final opinion
There are probably 50 more positives - for an older car, 6 years old when bought and now 6 years owning one, I'd do it again. I would say that buying a low km car had one issue that was the Hybrid battery failure. Still, I've seen taxis with over 700.000 km and the original battery. Bad luck for me, but still worth it.
Great. Little. Car. Toyota does not disappoint.
An Fantistic Driving Experience – I find little or nothing to fault in the Toyota Prius Hybrid. Quiet, smooth and fuel efficient running. Plenty of leg room front and rear and a joy to handle on the road. I blown away with the classy interior, comfortable seating and the additional features incorporated on the dashboard and steering wheel combine to make this vehicle a ‘dream’ to own and drive. Show details
Silent, reliable and safe – I really love my car! I amazed time and time again how fuel efficient it is. I also like the look of it the Prius-C has a similar look to the Corolla. I am short, so I don't need much leg room but if you are 6 ft and above the leg room may be an issue for you. I have given some tall friends a lift (although they did not make a complaint) look a… Read more
little bit uncomfortable.
If you want a small car with low cost on fuel and is reliable, this is a great car!
Amazing car! – few years ago i was quite skeptical about priuses as i thought they don't have enough power or their looks and etc, but they have upgraded quite a bit from the beginning! the I-tech version of prius has all the bells and whistles of the top luxury car, leather heated seats, sunroof, solar panels, led lights, radar system and so on with plenty of… Read more
power!
the car handles very nice and smooth and its super economical , average uses 4.8 or 4.6 if you buy brand new it will be under 3.8 ltr per 100k
everything about the inside is good just one thing that im not a huge fan is they've used very dry and boring plastic for the dash therefore its squeaky and it just doesn't look that good for a top of the range model i think. although they have change that in the brand new 2018 models.
Toyota is known for their reliability so don't worry about that and running costs could be high or low depending who you choose as your mechanic cause a lot of mechanics charge arm and legs for hybrids just for sake of it!
Great car – The performance of Toyota prius is great. It is quiet and efficient. All the features of the car are great. There are lots of space in front of the seats and in the boot too. There is a lot foot room in the front and rear. It is a very fuel efficient vehicle. Best car! Show details
Toyota Prius – Great ride, smooth and trouble free. Really enjoy driving this quiet, efficient and fuel efficient vehicle. Roomy interior with ample foot room in both front and rear. Panel has all you need to ensure a drama free and hassle free drive. Radio controls very simple to use. Lots of storage space as well Show details
A Twitchers Car, if you love HO model railways and like to sneak up on pedestrians or cyclists – Hello, I guess if you spend a lot of money on a thing and you like to review stuff then there is a natural tendency to be self justifying of your purchase. So when I had the chance of a go in a Prius recently and then logged on to PR to see what others said, I was horrified at their level of satisfaction. Talk about smug, well I am glad you… Read more
are happy.
But it's not a very good car, sorry, nor is it green at all.
and it looks odd.
and you can't see out the back window.
The basic drive train under the odd skin, is a similar one from the late 1990's and that's a long time ago. That's 10 years before the first I Phone. Toyota has made it lighter and given it a bigger petrol engine, for what reason I can only guess. Petrol electric battery gave great fuel economy for its time, but its time has past and much more conventional modern cars, those are the ones whizzing past you as you do your best to get better economy, are getting the same or better economy. Best my electric gizmo could give me for the day was 5.3 k's per 100, my normal car gets 5.1 for the same type of usage.
The old fashioned Nickle battery weighs a lot and has to be pulled around everywhere you go, oh and then there's a thing called Nickle mining, vast generator of sulphur and acid rain. Very non green.
On I Phone's, the Gizmo as I have renamed the little red slug, has a mobile phone charger built in but it won't charge i phones. No SatNav either, so when your i phone runs out of battery, as they do twice a day, you had better have packed the old road map book thingo or you will have to stop at the shop, buy a newspaper and ask people, just like we did in the very olden days.
How did it drive? In the town, light and breezy, really pleasant to be in, but on the fast motorway I know another reason you all drive so slowly, it's twitchy. A combination of feeling heavy and much too light steering gave me the impression while going up the Blue Mountains (the Prius natural home) it wanted dart up a tree.
Another odd thing, so, remember when cars had clutch pedals, yep if you're old you know where it was, well the Gizmo has its parking brake hidden a little to the left of that spot. Why Mr Toyota would you do something so French, ie French is to do something automotively that is different just to be different.
and lastly I know you Gizmo owners will say you have no need to overtake anyone but if you ever want to get around a B double travelling at 110ks before it hits the uphill single lane that is coming up and slows to 80ks for the climb, you can't.
On the other hand [name removed] hates it so it must have some winning ways.
Me thanks for the go but no thanks I would not buy one.
Now who do I know who has a Tesler?
Perfect Small 7 Seater – I have owned the car since new for over a year now average fuel consumption is around 4.2 - 4.4 L / 100km city driving , Highway is round 5.5L /100km. It requires 95Ron fuel. so quiet and economical, fits 3 child seat. love the facelift version's look. Cant be more happier : ) Show details
Great car, low running costs, great technology – Bought car at auction in 2009, it was 1 year old. 8 years later i have spent nothing on repairs apart from the standard service, 2 sets of tyres and 1 $80 starter battery. Fantastic for city driving, goes great on the open road and excellent air conditioning when driving out west. Done 210,000 km and still getting 4.8 litres per 100 km. Still on… Read more
the original hybrid battery and going strong. Will upgrade soon and buy another prius. Its the least trouble i have had with a car and i have been driving for 29 years.
Great one – Very economical fuel and silent. I do not have to worry about the fuel. However I just found out for long distance driving the engine does not have a great power. I used to drive VW golf and would recommend this cat is nice to drive in city and suburbs area only not interstate. Thank you. Show details
Perfect – Looked at a lot of cars before l chose the Prius was blown away by the performance when l tool it for a test drive it's a zippy little car for getting around town but has the power on the open road it is very economical to run l absolutely love it Show details
A family car that proves a good ROI – My husband and I love this car a lot since we bought it in 2015. Its performance is stable. Most importantly, it helps us to save a lot for the petrol expenses. Low noise level. The dashboard is neat and also have a newly designed led speed reminder for us. Reliable, low running costs. Hope the battery lasts longer. Show details
Extra Information
ProductReview.com.au has affiliate partnerships. These do not influence our content moderation policies in any way, though ProductReview.com.au may earn commissions for products/services purchased via affiliate links.