2007 Toyota Prius

Toyota, along with Honda, paved the way for hybrid-powertrain vehicles in the American market. Just as the 21st century began, both automakers launched hybrids: a lightweight two-seater for Honda, followed by a small sedan from Toyota. Both the Insight and Prius ran on a blend of gasoline engine and electricity, but their powertrain systems differed. From the start, Toyota made battery power dominant, with the gas engine kicking in when extra power was needed.

Styling

Introduced in its current form for the 2004 model year, the Prius adopted a totally different look. Rather than a curious-looking compact sedan with a trunk, the 2004 Prius was a larger, more fashionable midsize four-door liftback. In this second generation, the Prius became the best-selling hybrid vehicle in America. Toyota claims it's the most fuel-efficient midsize sedan sold in the United States. Sales have softened more recently, significantly shortening the waiting lists that restrained early Prius buyers. For the first time, Toyota has even experimented with consumer incentives.


Toyota also has been plagued by allegations that fuel-economy estimates for the Prius, as established by the Environmental Protection Agency, are grossly exaggerated compared to real-world driving. During 2007, the EPA is issuing dramatically reduced fuel-economy estimates for all vehicles, which it says will reflect what actual owners can expect to achieve. Estimates for the Prius will sink to 48 mpg in city driving and 45 mpg on the highway, from the previous 60/51 mpg.


A new Touring Edition joins the regular Prius for 2007, with a European-tuned suspension and 16-inch alloy wheels to provide what Toyota calls "more spirited" responses. The Touring Edition also features a bigger rear spoiler, high-intensity-discharge headlights, and integrated fog lamps. All Prius models gain standard seat-mounted side-impact airbags as well as side-curtain airbags. Both passive safety devices were formerly optional.

Interior

Built on a comparatively long 106.3-inch wheelbase, the Prius has space for five passengers, plus 14.4 cubic feet of luggage space at the rear. Standard equipment includes 60/40 split fold-down rear seatbacks, and the Prius promises 38.6 inches of backseat legroom.