I just drove round trip from the Minneapolis airport to Madison in a rented Toyota Prius. I have to say that the car is super fast and smooth and has amazing handling. Although the interior and accessories leave some things to desire, the handling compares with the best German cars. Highway mileage, however, is about what you get in a traditional compact or mid-size. The Prius is probably the only car I will rent from now on and I am hoping that other similar hybrid models will appear soon.
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Having given a 1996 Camray to my daughter in law, and traded my Infiniti QX4, our family has two "Prii" in our garage. One is a 2008 basic former rental and one is a 2009 Touring model. Both were purchased from Folsom Lake Toyota in Folsom CA. We are very happy with their performance and with the service we enjoy from the Dealer.
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I typically get 50 mpg in steady highway cruising with my Prius, which delights me.
Like Carey, I average between 45-50 MPG on the highway, depending on factors like terrain, headwinds, my top speed, and so forth. When you drive a Prius regularly, you quickly learn a variety of gas-saving "tricks" to improve your overall mileage in small increments.
I've been very happy with my Prius, which I've had for just about 1 year now. Especially since I drive in Los Angeles, in some of the worst traffic in the US. The Prius gets as much as 75 MPG if you're stuck in molasses-type traffic flow, cruising at a steady 35 MPH with the rest of the cars, with minimal braking and re-accelerating (the latter is the biggest gas-hog). Let people mock the Prius is they wish. I get the last laugh at the gas pump. :)
Glad you had a positive experience. I think the hybrids will only continue to improve in subsequent models.
Really fast? Amazing handling? You really must get out more, Matt.
Like Jennifer and Carey, I get around 47-48 on the highway in my Prius. Speed is the primary determinant - if Matt is just getting typical midsize care mileage, he must be going at a pretty good speed.
I find a big mileage difference between 69 and 74 mph. Cruise control also helps.
The only downside for my Prius is what I consider a quite bad, right rear blind spot.
Hi Jennifer, Brian, and Carey,
Thanks for additional info and insights. I didn't have cruise control and was going fairly fast, so that probably explains the lower mileage.
HARHARHAR...now that I haves stopped laughing..I think the Prius is a great car. My brother has one. But the Prius has what's called low rolling resistance tires for better economy. This gives you a rougher ride and REDUCED handling. German cars have premium rubber for INCREASED handling.
http://paultan.org/archives/2006/01/11/top-gear-tests-cornering-ability/
Watch your Prius handle.
Ok I did some googling, and it's possible the Prius you drove may have had normal tires. But please, no hyperbole on the handling.
The mileage also varies on where you live. When I lived in the SF Bay area which is relatively flat, I was getting 45-48 mpg. When I moved to a hilly Virginia, where there is little flatness, my mpg dropped to 39-43 mpg. Terrain does matter!
I have to say that if you're only getting mileage typical of traditional compact or mid-size then either the model you drove is defective, or you're pushing it too hard. When I drive a relative's Prius, I get 52 or 53 on the highway. Consistently. In the mountains.