Fuel Efficiency Meets Performance and Elegance 2007 Toyota Prius

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Summary

America's best selling hybrid gets better for 2007 with the Toyota Prius. It is an amazing piece of engineering with an aerodynamic look and a stylish and comfortable interior. The average person takes note when a Prius drives by because of its unique styling. If you require amazing fuel economy at a decent price, take a look.

Full Review 2007

The current second-generation Toyota Prius debuted for 2004. For 2007, the car receives additional standard safety equipment, as well as an available Touring Edition.  It is larger than the original, and is now a midsize car.  The cabin of the Prius is roomy, with adult-size back seats and lots of cargo space. Its exterior is sleek and stylish and sticks out in a crowd.  The Prius' real value comes in its extremely low emissions. The Prius produces almost no pollution and is one of the most environmentally friendly vehicles you can drive.

Although it is not cheap, it's an amazing piece of engineering. The 2007 Prius was the best-selling gas-electric hybrid in the United States and has gained in popularity every year.  The 2007 Toyota Prius carries impressive technology, and is a car that's easy to like and drive.  From the start, the Prius differed from Honda's hybrids in that electric power was dominant in its powertrain. An electric motor can power the Prius until it reaches about 12 mph. At that point, the gasoline engine takes over in a virtually seamless transition. The electric motor kicks in when needed to furnish additional power. When the car is stopped or coasting, the gasoline engine can turn itself off. During that slowdown period, the battery pack recharges; the Prius never needs to be plugged in to a power source.

Driving the Prius

In performance, the 2007 Prius takes the lead among hybrids of its time. Acceleration from a standstill and for passing and is excellent. Ride comfort is high and bumps are largely subdued. The Prius launches without hesitation thanks to the electric motor's 295 pound-feet of torque from almost a dead standstill. Merging and overtaking at freeways speeds are accomplished with little ease. As the Prius approaches its maximum velocity, it relies increasingly on its small gasoline engine for motivation. Toyota says the Prius can accelerate from 0-60 mph in about 10 seconds.

2007 Powertrain

The 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine develops 76 horsepower, and a 500-volt 50-kilowatt electric motor is installed. The hybrid powertrain teams with a continuously variable transmission.  By complementing the gasoline engine's horsepower with the electric motor's torque, the Prius makes better use of the energy stored in each gallon of gasoline, while leaving fewer nasty chemical compounds in its wake. The electric motor, which begins cranking out its maximum torque virtually the moment it starts spinning, gets the car moving and helps it accelerate while it's underway. The gasoline engine steps to the fore at more constant speeds, especially during highway driving, where horsepower is more critical for maintaining a car's momentum.

Inside the Prius

Up to five people fit inside the Prius.  Standard equipment includes electric-inverter automatic air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors. The seats are comfortable for commutes and weekend trips. The cloth upholstery looks durable, compensating somewhat for the minimalist bottom and back side bolsters. Head restraints are adjustable in all five seating positions. The interior finish is up to Toyota standards, with pleasingly close tolerances between body panels and interior plastic pieces, and plastics that are of seemingly high quality. Remote switches for the audio, climate and cruise controls are conveniently mounted on the steering wheel. There are two accessory power outlets. Dome lights are included in the headliner, front and rear. Both sun visors have illuminated vanity mirrors. A tall glasshouse on the 2007 Prius yields exemplary outward visibility. Options include leather seats, a rearview camera, keyless start and an upgraded stereo with a mini-jack port for connecting portable music players. Cargo volume totals 16.1 cubic feet.   A solid bar across the back glass impairs rearward visibility. While the interior doesn't feel quite midsize in dimensions, and rear headroom is sparse, rear legroom is abundant. Storage spaces are abundant and flexible.  The front part of the center console opens up, clamshell-like, into two cup holders. Door-mounted map pockets, expandable magazine holders stitched into the back of the front seat backs, and an unexpected, semi-secluded storage bin below the stereo offer additional storage.  Overall, the cockpit comes across as modern but unfamiliar. Some controls, including the electronic gear selector, parking brake and start button, take some getting used to.

Prius Exterior Design

The Prius has a 106.3-inch wheelbase, and its overall length is 175 inches.  More aerodynamically styled than its predecessor, the current, second-generation Prius has a coefficient of drag of only 0.26, which makes it one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles available. The quarter panels and doors are sleek and clean.  The side view makes a clear statement of aerodynamics. A steeply raked windshield carries the hood's acute angle rearward. An even more steeply raked backlight (rear windscreen) ends in a high spoiler that trips the air stream as it leaves the car, maximizing the aero advantage of the car's almost-vertical back end. Sleek rear quarter windows do more to visually enhance the aerodynamic look than they do for outward visibility. The headlights are compound units that house the running lights, side marker lights and turn indicators. Vertically stacked, compound taillights wear modish clear lenses and bookend the lower section of the liftgate. Integrated into the liftgate, and running its width beneath the rear spoiler, is a strip of glass adding critical rearward visibility for the driver. 

Safety

An electronic stability system is optional.  Safety is enhanced with antilock brakes (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), Brake Assist, and traction control. Standard passive safety features include new multi-stage, dual front airbags; three-point seatbelts and head restraints at all five seating positions; and rear seat head restraints that are adjustable. Curtain airbags designed to offer head protection for front and rear passengers and seat-mounted side-impact airbags for torso protection for driver and front-seat passenger are optional. There is also a tire pressure monitoring system to warn the driver if pressures get too low.

Conclusions

The Toyota Prius has set the standard for environmentally friendly transportation. It delivers extremely good fuel efficiency, interior comfort, and a stylish aerodynamic look. Cars.com praises the Prius for "Superior fuel economy, performance considering its frugality and interior and cargo space." For 2007, the Toyota Prius receives better safety features and a new trim. Cargurus.com adds "The strongest selling point for this pioneering hybrid is fuel efficiency: 60 mpg in city driving and 51 mpg on the highway.  City mileage is higher because the electric motor can handle more of the workload at lower speeds." Fuel economy range is estimated at 51 mpg Hwy, 60 mpg City.