2006 Toyota Prius

Pros: Great quality and fuel economy and a fun, practical car to drive.

Cons: Spendier than non-hybrids, unknown long-term maintenance issues.

The Bottom Line: The Prius is an outstanding value across the board in terms of quality and performance. It is a pleasure to drive and a pleasure to pass gas stations.

Review: The 2006 Prius is the latest in the continuing development of Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system. This technology is being applied in the Highlander and two Lexus models, all of which are designed for performance with economy whereas the Prius is...

Pros: Surprisingly fast. Reliable. Best fuel economy option out there. Gadgets. Rear-leg room.

Cons: Bland. No "fun" factor. Smallish storage. Narrow back seat.

The Bottom Line: This is the best option for a mass produced car for a young family with a combination of space, quality and economy. But no soul.

Review: We traded a Mini for this and it has been good.

Our mileage has been roughly 47 mpg with a high of about 56 on a tank and a low of about 42. The effect of that is that we don't care what gas prices are, which is nice.

The first 5...

Pros: Great gas mileage, but also surprisingly great acceleration. Roomy. Very comfortable seats. Quiet.

Cons: We have not formed any real complaints yet in 3 months.

Review: My wife and I waited 3 months for our loaded red Prius #8 Option. It was well worth the wait. We love everything about it, except that only one of us can drive it at a time. We also love the Navigation system. It has some gaps in coverage, but we...

Pros: Gas mileage, Smart Key, technology, hatchback, tax credit, resale value

Cons: Tax credit bummer, Handling, ride, poor mileage on short trips, acceleration

The Bottom Line: Tax credit. Gas mileage. Resale value. Just buy one.

Review: Update 5/2007

If you are getting a hybrid for the tax break, beware. Although we should have received $3150, due to other tax credits, we only got about $1600. I have found that people with kids or education credits usually do not...

Pros: Roomy, personable, responsive, economical.

Cons: Some blind spots, body dings easily

Review: My 2006 Prius is perfect for the island of Kauai where I live. Rural setting, warm weather, sometimes crowded 2 lane roads - all are manageable in the Prius. Best yet, it is helping to educate my teenagers about alternative driving styles and lets...

Pros: Great ride, better acceleration than my previous Camrys and good fuel economy.

Cons: Poor rear visibility and gas mileage that is good, but not what is advertised.

The Bottom Line: Some adjustments to make, but BUY IT!

Review: I purchased this car after owning 3 consecutive Camrys because I thought it was a prudent thing to do AND I didn't really have to compromise on what I wanted in a car. That being, the driving experience, comfort and affordable. I am NOT the status...

Pros: Car is great otherwise, but I'm getting around just 44 mpg average

Cons: smart key scam by Toyota

Review: They don't disclose the outrageous cost to replace a lost smart key. I just paid over $420 for mine - that
$278 for the smart key replacement, and another $144 for the dealer to program it. Dealer has you by the balls - charging an hours labor...

Pros: Great Economy,quite,A/C dosn't drag down acceleration, hatchback.Steering wheel controls.Electric in traffic.

Cons: Styling.High acceleration engine noise.Seat fabric.No off button on traction control.Seating position.

The Bottom Line: I would buy this car again, we are very happy with it and now drive alot more since we don't have to spend too much on gas.

Review: I have 16,000 miles on my 06 Prius, and love it. I almost bought a Honda Civic Hybrid, but after a 2 months of research, decided to get the Prius. I will explain some differences and why I chose the Prius. The technical part will come later.
...

Pros: Great mileage; nice ride; good handling

Cons: Mileage suffers in cold weather; hard to see over hood

Review: I have a 2005 Prius and waited 9 months for it. It is everything they promised: a solid car that handles well and gets great mileage. I get 60 mpg in the summer when I drive on the highway; 50-55 city driving. It does substantially worse in the...

Pros: Eco friendly, good crash scores, back-up camera, smart key, quiet and cushy ride

Cons: sedate handling, seats could be better, batteries take up some trunk space.

The Bottom Line: A very good car with some trade-offs, although the positives outweigh the negatives.

Review: I purchased my Prius in January '06. I have been very happy with my car and would give it an overall grade of B+.

Advantages:

1. It is very eco-friendly. It gets great gas mileage--I average about 50 mpg during the summer and 53...