Hypes: Superlative Fit and Finish, Exceptionally Quick
Gripes: Volvo Operating System Can Be Intimidating

Car model differentiation is getting so complicated that the official handle for this Volvo sounds more like a eulogy than a description. But let’s try and decode the official title word by word. “XC” refers to the fact that this model is a sports utility Volvo. “60″ describes its position on the Volvo ladder, with 60 on a lower rung than 90. “T8″ refers to the fact that the supercharged and turbocharged 4 cylinder engine is augmented by an electric motor and a lithium-ion battery good for 400hp. “E-AWD” indicates that this Volvo is a Plug-In Hybrid (“E”) that also boasts all-wheel-drive. So there you have all the attributes of this latest Volvo, which carries a base price of $52,900. However, the version we drove supplements that bottom line with enough expensive extras ( $17,695) to buy you a base model XC60 Volvo plus a new Rolex Daytona.

If you haven’t driven a Volvo recently, you need to attend Volvo school first. Pretty much everything you know about operating a conventional car needs to be discarded before you earn your Swedish driving permit. For example, that Orrefors crystal ice cube jutting up from the console between the front seats actually operates the shift mechanism for the Japanese built 8-speed Aisin automatic. For some reason, Volvo engineers have decreed that you can’t just move the cube into forward or reverse with one stroke. Rather you have to bump the stick twice in the intended direction of travel or the Volvo won’t budge. The wiper controls demand a similar idiosyncratic pattern of operation that can be difficult to decode. If you miss the memo, you are consigned to watching the blades arc endlessly to and fro long after the rain has stopped. Most driving and climate functions are controlled through a 9″ x 4.5″ Sensus touchscreen that demands familiarization.

Ah, but once you have your PhD in Volvology, you will fall in love with this gorgeous SUV. From a sporting driver’s perspective, the Hybrid XC60 is intoxicatingly quick. Blame 472 lb.-ft. of torque for orchestrating massive bursts of acceleration. With that much torque on tap, you never need to manipulate the Aisin gearbox manually – although you could do so by selecting the available “B” gate on the console. From a knurled chrome drive-mode adjuster located just behind the shifter, you can chose one of 5 imaginatively named drive settings: AWD (all-wheel-drive), Pure (eco-drive), Hybrid (everyday use), Power (sporty driving), and Off-road (rough road). In order to savor the ample combined output of the 313hp direct injected gas motor augmented by the 87hp electric motor, I invariably chose Power mode. Once, when traversing some rough off-road terrain in a gravel parking lot, I deselected Power mode in favor of Off road, but could discern no difference in ride quality or suspension behavior. Although most sport mode menus tighten steering feedback, choosing Power mode on the XC60 had no noticeable effect on steering response, which remained over-boosted and numb in all modes. But with Continental Cross Sport LX tires (255/45R20) mounted at each corner, the XC60 is unexpectedly responsive in the handling department.

Of all the add-on packages inflating the bottom line of this Volvo, the one you would least want to eliminate is “Inscription.” For $3,800, this grouping adds bright chrome front grill bars, chrome side trim with logotype, integrated tailpipes with body colored lower trim insert, mechanical driver and passenger seat extensions, driftwood decor dash inlays, tailored dashboard, keyless entry with hands-free tailgate opening, Sensus navigation pro, cooled glove compartment and illuminated door handles. The exterior touches turn an already good looking vehicle into a supreme visual asset. the interior improvements elevate the cockpit of the XC60 to palatial refinement. Especially nice were the driftwood dash inserts, the deft stitching on the dash, and the incised “Inscription” notations on the front seat headrests. Even the chrome strip next to the glove box is incised with a replica of the Swedish flag.

Blue and yellow flag tags are attached to the Nappa leather of the front seat seams because our test XC60 was fitted with the $3,000 optional Luxury Seat Package. That price tag also adds backrest massage to the front chairs. power seat extensions up front, and heated seats all around plus heated steering wheel. Volvo is the only company I have encountered with a pleasant 3 level heating element for the steering wheel. So if you want to turn the ultimate automotive parlor trick, order your XC60 with the Luxury Seat Package, then activate the massage feature without first warning your front seat passenger.

2018 Volvo XC60 T8 E-AWD Inscription

• Engine: 2.0 liter inline 4, turbo and supercharged direct injection, with electric motor and 10.4 kWh high voltage battery
• Horsepower: 400hp
• Torque: 472lb.-ft.
• Fuel Consumption: N/A
• Price as Tested: $71,590
• Star Rating: 9 out of 10 Stars

Hyundai and Kia are getting better and better with each new model release and the latest from Kia is a prime example why they are gaining market share at a fantastic rate. The 2011 Kia Optima jumps into the one most heavily contested categories and does well competing against the heavy hitters such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima.

Designed at Kia’s studios in Frankfurt, Germany and Irvine, California, the all-new Kia Optima is longer, wider and lower than the out-going model it replaces and is based on an all-new midsize platform that allows for distinctive dimensions and proportions, while also providing a unique canvas for Kia’s global design team to pen a vehicle that stands apart from everything else in its segment.

Watch Driving Sports TV review of the 2011 Kia Optima:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Driving Sports is an online publication and video series that strives to entertain, inform and engage. Click in every Wednesday at 10pm PST at drivingsports.com to watch a live streaming broadcast. If you can’t watch live, view the archives posted at drivingsports.com as well as their various syndication partners (YouTube, Streetfire, etc.)

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Content is copyright 2003-2011 Driving Sports. All rights reserved.

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Featured Review: 2009 Volkswagen Routan SEL w/RSE

by willida

Price Paid: $35,000.00 from Gossett Volkswagen
Review Date: September 27, 2009
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: Less than 1 month

Strengths:

• Entertainment system on the RSE model
• Three zone automatic climate control
• Sun shades
• Best fuel economy in its class
• Attention to detail, like umbrella tray

Weaknesses:

• uConnect Bluetooth interface for cell phone sometimes acts badly
• Hard to back up, even with rear camera, side mirrors and rear window
• Wish is had one more headphone

Summary:
I wrote this glowing review for the Routan, talking about the Rear Seat Entertainment system, the storage, and the other amenities. I also explained that the dealer sold us the Routan SEL w/RSE for about $1,000 below invoice and with 1.5% financing. But in editing, I meant to get rid of an extra “and”, yet deleted the entire article.

So let me shift gears (of which their are 6 in the automatic transmission) and explain what the Routan brings to each of my family members.

For my wife, the SEL has uConnect so she can take and make phone calls handsfree. It has 2 power sliding doors and power rear hatch. The split rear seat folds into the floor with the pull of tab 1, 2, and 3. It has 5-star safety ratings for front and side crash safety, and 4-star rating for rollover.

For the 10 year old daughter, she has a wireless headphone so she can listen to Radio Disney on AM without anyone complaining.

My 13-year old son has two video players that can present a different movie on each of the two video screens. He can also connect two gaming systems and play them on the overhead monitors.

My 17-year old likes the second wireless headphone and Sirius satellite radio. The two middle Captain’s Chairs are more comfortable than their Chrysler cousins, and they are heated.

My family likes the windows in the sliding doors that open, and their retractable sun shades. We all like the 3-zone automatic climate control. In the video intro to the climate control, “Dieter” the engineer says “Trust the car. Just trust it.”

For me, I didn’t really want a mini-van. I’m philosophically against SUVs, and they don’t have as much room and/or it’s inconvenient to get to the back seats. On a practical level, I knew we needed seating for 7. I wanted the minimum of a trip computer and 3-zone climate control to feel like I didn’t get a stripped model, but I knew we needed payments below $500/month.

I got all of that and more in the Routan SEL with Rear Seat Entertainment. It’s all packaged in a vehicle that doesn’t immediately remind you of a mini-van. Volkswagen wants to be in this market, and they can afford to buy their way in. Along with customer and dealer concessions, and favorable financing, they offer free maintenance for the first 3 years/36,000 miles.

The 4.0L V6 has plenty of power and surprisingly good fuel economy. EPA rates it as the most fuel efficient of all mini-vans sold in America. The engine and transmission are out of Chrysler’s parts bin, so maintenance is apt to be affordable. I have always had good success with Chrysler’s engines and transmissions. (Is this a Volksler or a Chryswagen?)

As much as I have good success with Chrysler’s mini-vans in the past, their interiors seemed (and still seem) tacky. Volkswagen changed a number of things to give you more of a Euro feel. The SEL has a higher grade two tone plastic for the dash. The doors are covered with a high grade vinyl, leather and plastic. The color combinations are Teutonic, but they work well in this setting.

Volkswagen upgraded all of the seats–the middle seats don’t Stow-N-Go, but they are comfortable for sitting. My seats will be sat upon much more than they will be Stowed. I took the middle seats of my other mini-vans out once.

I didn’t want a mini-van. The Routan’s front end looks more like a Volkswagen and less like it’s relatives from Chrysler, Honda, or Toyota. The rear taillights and spoiler make it look good as you approach it in the parking lot.

The interior reminds me more of Euro-luxury than mini-van. With the more precise steering and controlled ride, I can at least pretend that this is a luxury car and not that other thing. Apparently, the Germans call it a Grossraumlimousine. I believe it means a luxury vehicle with a lot of space. I can take that.

I feel that this is a good rendition of a People Mover. It is superior to and a better value than the Chrysler, Dodge, Toyota, or Honda.

Many of the early reviews were written by people who were immediately biased against Chrysler or never drove a mini-van on a regular basis because they had to. If you don’t need a mini-van, not even the Routan is going to impress you.

Some have questioned why Volkswagen went with a Chrysler partnership to enter this market. Current VW owners say the Routan is not “VW” enough. But Volkswagen is not trying to sell to VW owners, but to someone who never owned a VW and who wants something unlike the generic mini-van. It’s working, because VW’s US sales are up over last year and the Routan is their second best seller. Now that I’ve had a taste of VW, I would consider buying one for my teenagers.

Read the reviews of people who own a Routan. They love theirs. I love mine. If you need a mini-van, at least consider the Routan. It’s not the cheapest, but it provides a lot of value for the money.

Similar Products Used:
Plymouth Voyager
Dodge Grand Caravan

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Featured Review: Uniroyal Touring Trak A/S tires installed on 1996 Lexus ES300

by Josh

Review Date: Feb 25, 2011
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: 3 months to a year

Summary:
I bought this car,and the previous owner put this on the car. I live in a very high amount of snow area and I have tested these tire very well,while people doing 30-40mph in a snow storm,I have passed them doing 55mph plus,with NO part of me being scared of whipping out,these tires performed AWESOME!!!! With the grip,they will have to be replaced by the next winter of 2011,but I will %100 put these tires “NEW” back on this car,and at high speeds they handle awesome!!,very quiet, no noise,very very very impressed with these tires,

Strengths:
AWESOME in the snow!!!!!!,and rain,and high speeds,not to say its right,but I have done 110mph in the car,and not even or no shaking at all,no scary parts of the car losing control

Weaknesses:
NONE

Similar Products Used:
Goodyear VIVA 2. Also very very good in snow,if your store doesn’t carry one of these tire’s but has the other one,go with the one they carry between both of these,we use to fly over a huge puddle with these tires and not even slowing down,while everyone else in front of us was slowing down.

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Featured Review: Tokico Illumina shocks installed in a 1999 Mazda Protege ES 5spd

by OttoCycle

Review Date: June 7, 2007
Overall Rating: 4 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: 3 months to a year

Summary:
The best struts I have owned. Gives a dream ride along with the Eibach prokit springs.

I must mention one problem I had with these struts, and I am sure it may have happened to others as well though they may not realize it. The first few days with the adjuster at 3, the struts were tight as a drum ! Superb ride, great control and little to no body roll. However slowly over the next week or so I felt the struts losing their tightness. I moved the settings up a couple of notches but made little to no difference. The strut felt soft and especially bad was the rebound damping. Even though it could take bumps fairly well, after the bump the front would bounce right back up. Most non-enthusiast drivers probably wouldn’t even notice, but it was pretty unsettling to me. Tried a number of things– removed the struts myself, changed the strut mounts, gave them the struts a good shake (!!)..nothing. Called Tokico , they said they would exchange it with a new pair of fronts (the rears were ok).

And then– I did something yesterday I hadn’t done before. Put the screwdriver on the adjusting screw and turned it rapidly several times backwards and forwards.
VOILA !! Struts are like new again , tight as a drum. I am very happy, I have decided against returning them for now. If it becomes a recurring problem then I will reconsider.

So here is the lesson- if the struts feel they are going soft give the adjuster a few quick turns, forwards and backwards. If there is a valve misalignment inside that should take care of it.

Other than that the illuminas are dream struts

Strengths:
Nice and tight. Adjustable. Complex damping characteristic gives a smooth and controlled ride.

Weaknesses:
Some units may have valve alignment problems. Try suggested method above, or exchange them under warranty. Either way its worth it.

Similar Products Used:
KYBs — S U C K. Got the non adjustable ones. One of them wore out in 6 months!

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Featured Consumer Review: 2005 Audi A6 3.2 Sport

by dustinaudi

Price Paid: $20,000.00 from private sale
Review Date: February 9, 2011
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: More than 1 year

Strengths:
Styling, attraction, curb appeal. performance, quietness, opulence, quick

Weaknesses:
I can’t really comment here. I am a home mechanic so I do most repairs myself and pay wholesale for parts so save a ton of money there, but if i had to go to the garage all the time it would be very expensive.

Summary:
Well my story began many years ago when I purchased a vw passat and loved it, then one day I was going up an icy road and got stuck with my passat and a quattro passed me with ease, then I knew I was missing out big on something, I bought an a4 (2002) and loved it but  is smaller than a passat so I bought a 2005 a6 black low suspension fully loaded, I don’t buy new cars a total waste of money I paid 20k for a 65k car, so what it has some miles on it but not worth the extra expense, cars lose value all the time but less as the car gets older. I always buy the newer model, I would never have bought a 2004 because the model was revamped in 2005 next change is 2012 I think, that will be my next car when I buy another one in 2017 perhaps.

So the quattro is second to none and goes like stink on ice and snow, esp is like the hand of god controlling the car. I have a steep driveway and would often get stuck with my passat, now ha it is a joke, the other day for the fun of it I sprayed my driveway with water when it was zero degrees outside then drove out of my garage and stopped on the ice…..there was some wheel spin but it was not an issue to get up the hill. fwd or rwd forget about it never would make it up, I love quattro I don’t mind it being winter anymore I love driving in the snow now, not many people can say that, much more fun to drive in the snow than dry because it is so capable, love passing people on the side of the road that are stuck or can’t make it up a hill, my little devil inside me.

So i will drive quattro for life now. super comfortable on long trips, i do Pei and Montreal often and don’t need to stop to stretch. great car and used is a bargain. Funny I went to the car show and liked the jeep wrangler rubicon with the top off and doors as well, I drove one but it was not bad for a 2011 model but certainly no where close in comfort to my audi but as a second car to play around with yes and to go off road rock crawling etc……invest in a innova 3100 to read the codes if you get a check engine light and change the part yourself if you can will save a ton of money. Well hope this helps and prompts some of you who are not sure if you should buy one or not. you should just for the quattro alone, but you still have everything else that you want in a car as well.

Similar Products Used:
vw passat
audi a4
bmw z4 convertible

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This weekend sees the final show of the first 10 episode run of Top Gear USA. After forcing myself to sit through several episodes, I find myself using the mute button more and more. Admittedly, most of the episodes are getting better and better every week and the show’s hosts (Tanner Foust, Rutledge Wood, and Adam Ferrara) are more relaxed on camera. But the USA hosts just do not have the on-screen personality of the UK team of Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May.

James May comments on the USA version from across the great pond, “‘We begin with professional racing driver Tanner Foust. Not only has he apparently emerged from the pages of Goethe, he actually sounds like he’s giving the car a thrashing.”

May comments onward about Rutledge: “Finally, we have Rutledge Wood, who is some sort of automotive analyst. He has a beard, he’s been seen in lumberjack shirts, he has nerdy specs, he’s from Alabama and he might even be a bit chubby. I’ve read him described as ‘bookish’.”

The key to watching (and enjoying) the show is to not constantly compare the hour-long extravaganza to the UK version. We know that’s tough, if only because the new show has been modeled so closely after the original. The fact is that every iteration of Top Gear will always pale compared to the original. It’s like watching a movie based on your favorite book; there’s almost no way the motion picture will be better than the paperback and your imagination. But in terms of a car show available to watch in the U.S., Top Gear USA definitely has the the goods to keep us watching… provided you can fast-forward and mute over the boring parts.

Top Gear USA wraps up this weekend at the usual time of 9/10c on Sunday on the History Channel. In the final show the guys look back at their highlights of the last nine weeks. Let us know your thoughts on the series as always below in the comments section.

by Martin Swig

Price Paid: $13000.00
Review Date: July 13, 2010
Overall Rating: 4.5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for: 2 1/2 years

Summary:
After more than two and a half years and 30,000 miles of Versa ownership, I was happy to see that the rest of the world is recognizing this superb car. I’m referring to June 2010 sales of new cars in the sub-compact / small hatch category. Versa was at the top of the list, outselling Kia Soul (2nd), Chevrolet HHR and  Aveo, also Dodge Caliber, Hyundai Accent, Mini, Honda Fit, Toyota Yaris and Scion xD.

Mine arrived in March, 2008. It’s the base hatchback, 1.8 with four speed auto trans. It cost $13000 on-the-road, less than its principal competitors.

But it’s a lot more car, combining the virtues of French car comfort, Nissan bulletproof-ness and quality construction/finish, and a low price due to its Mexican origin. You may be surprised at the reference to the French, but for years the various Renaults, Peugeots and Citroën have had a unique combination of broad seats, commodious interiors and supple, controlled suspensions unlike the cars from any other country. Their failing has often been a certain fragility and indifferent finish. The Nissan Versa, related to the Renault Megane thru the Nissan-Renault alliance, gets those good French qualities, while stepping up to Nissan quality standards.

What you don’t get for the bargain price is style. This is a bland car, but at least everyone knows you’re not trying to impress them.  But the car impresses its owner every day with it refinement, ease of operation, and effortless performance.

The best test was a 4200 mile trip from San Francisco up into remote Alberta and British Columbia. On the traffic-free roads, it was happy to run endlessly at 100 mph, at a relaxed 4000 rpm.  In mountainous country, the ample power, and a lo-o-ong third gear made rapid progress good fun. In fact, at full throttle, the 3-4 upshift only occurs at an indicated 101 mph. Maximum speed is very near 120 mph, with low, almost Audi-like wind noise.

So in a class of cars often regarded as around-town runabouts, this Versa can tackle the open road with the best, while respecting your pocketbook.

Strengths:
Low price tag, Nissan quality, reliability, excellent fuel economy, tall 3rd gear, open road chutzpah

Weaknesses:
Styling more bland than a low sodium, low-fat rice cake snack

Cars Similar in Class to the Nissan Versa:
2011 Ford Fiesta, Chevrolet Aveo/Aveo5, Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit, Kia Rio/Rio5, Scion xD, Suzuki SX4

###

A huge thank-you to Martin Swig for contributing his review of the Nissan Versa. Martin Swig has his own column in the San Francisco Nob Hill Gazette called “Wheels” and writes articles for the Southern California Automotive Calendar of Events magazine. Martin also presents the internationally-celebrated California Mille and other historic car events.

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Featured Review: 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt SS Turbocharged

Reviewed by: Spectre
Review Date: September 2, 2009
Overall Rating: 4 of 5
Value Rating: 5 of 5
Used product for: More than 1 year
Price Paid: $23000.00 from Oakville Chevrolet

Summary:
Let’s start off with my past vehicle history. I have owned a Pontiac 6000 LE, An AE92 Corolla GTS, a Dodge Neon, A Dodge Neon SRT-4 and now the Cobalt. The Cobalt makes me think of my old Corolla GTS. It wasn’t the flashy sports car, it had somewhat awkward doors, the interior was decent but not amazing and the shifter had it’s downsides.

However, it walked all over Civic Si’s, Neon’s and Z24 Cavaliers, it had surprisingly comfortable seats, it drove quite well on the roads while being able to handle the twisties pretty well. But what set it out from the others the most was the fact that like the Cobalt, it’s a car that you can really become one with. It does what you tell it to, it responds predictably to your every input, it can double as an effective daily driver and it had all the right features to allow for monitoring of the most important systems.

The Cobalt SS has so much character I can’t even begin to explain it, it’s a car that you have to drive to really appreciate it. The suspension handles rough roads better than many would expect and offers a very comfortable ride through any road condition. Sometimes it feels like your average Econo Coupe. It doesn’t have the noisy engine, the mad tire and wind noise or the sickeningly painful suspension characteristics that many performance cars of this caliber possess. Step on the gas however and the instant pull of the turbo and the satisfying detonation from the muffler when you no lift shift at the right time and you suddenly realize that this car is the ultimate sleeper coupe. At least in the $30,000 range (Canadian Money here).

It’s also nice when you no lift shift into second and the tires let out a monster howl and leave two big black patches on the road behind you. It’s the kind of car that can make many a luxury coupe and sedan owner blush.

And in terms of the interior, yes everybody knocks it but for the difference in price between it’s closest competitors you could also have your dash refinished and swap many of the plastic parts for leather or any other material you see fit. Personally, I like the interior. It’s simple, everything is easy to find and access and unlike the other cars in it’s class I actually have head room.

The seats are very comfortable but I prefer a seat like the Neon SRT-4. I just don’t find the bolsters on the SS seats strong enough. Just my opinion, other than that the seats rock.

One thing i’m surprised nobody has mentioned in a review is the available option for the RPD (Re-configurable Performance Display) unit. It gives you all the same info as the GTR’s unit. Revs, Engine HP and Torque output, coolant temperature, boost you name it. It replaces the a-pillar boost gauge.

The Pioneer sound system is very well put together too. The 10″ sub offers lots of low end responsiveness and the rest of the speakers dish out more than sufficient mid and high tones.

Onstar is amazing too. Check engine light? Screw the dealer, press the on star button and they can diagnose it for you and guide you to the nearest dealer for service. All without picking up a cell phone or dishing out money for a diagnostic check.

Than there’s the Brembo brakes, the 18″ wheels, the subtle lip kit that sets it apart from the base Cobalt without drawing too much attention. And to hell with the gripes about the slightly uneven body work (so they say) who the hell is going to notice that on the street?

Trust me, if you want high performance and handling, outstanding gas mileage (350-400km per tank city and over 600 highway) and a subtle design that will net you looks without drawing too much heat or attention than this is the car for you. If you want lots of leather and other “higher end” gadgetry and accents that 90% of the people you come across won’t see than go with one of it’s competitors. I’ll be waiting for you at the finish line.

Strengths:
Subtle but attractive body work
18″ wheels and 4 Piston Brembo Brakes
Gobs of low end torque and Zero Turbo Lag
Excellent throttle response
Very easy clutch
Short shifter
Good top end power
Less body roll than expected
Excellent steering response at high speed
Predictable
No lift shift, Competitive mode and the ability to fully de-activate all traction systems.
Oil life monitor
A-pillar boost gauge
Performance per dollar
Excellent sound system
Lots of trunk space

Weaknesses:
Leather wrapped steering wheel but a plastic wrapped shifter
Doors are tricky in tight spaces
Back seat is virtually unusable for anyone above 5 foot 10 for more than five minutes
Stock gauge faces could use a makeover
Exhaust is far too quiet

Similar Products Used:
08′ Mazdaspeed 3 GT
08′ Honda Civic Si
09′ Subaru WRX
06′ Acura RSX-S
Dodge Caliber SRT-4

Cars similar to the Chevy Cobalt SS:

Honda Civic Si
Mazda Mazdaspeed3
Volkswagen GTI
Subaru Impreza WRX

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Featured Review: 2007 Toyota Prius

by Mark Lindsey

Price Paid: $25000.00 from Wilde Toyota-West Al
Review Date: September 15, 2007
Overall Rating: 5 of 5
Value Rating: 3 of 5
Used product for: Less than 1 month

Year / Model Reviewed:
2007 Prius

Summary:
May be the best vehicle I have ever owned. So far has surpassed my high expectations. If you are looking for a car that is embedded with the industry’s finest technology, engineering, AND the best fuel economy, then this car is for you.

Strengths:
Anyone looking for a Prius and reading this review has obviously decided that hybrid technology and fuel efficiency is their primary focus, or they would likely would not be very interested in paying a premium for that technology. Well, my daily commute is 184 miles so you might imagine that fuel economy was at the top of my list. I just got tired of wasting time and money stopping to fill up, plus I really do not have a desire to be on a first name basis with the gas station guy! The first week I owned this car I was averaging 48.5 mpg. And, that’s almost exclusively driving on the interstate, which is projected as the lower of the two mileage estimates (performs even better in urban settings). I’m expecting even better performance over time as the car is broken in and I learn to drive it more efficiently, both of which has been reported by most other consumer reviewers.

A close second strength is all the other technology embedded in this vehicle. I purchase the #4 package and am completely impressed with the long list of technological advancements that make this car so user friendly (did I mention I spend 3 hours of my life in a car every day?), and fun to drive. First, the on-board computer/touch screen display is outstanding. Don’t underestimate the importance of how this technology helps the user get the most performance out of the vehicle. The performance data it reports is not just “cool,” but usable as a means of informing the driver how to adjust driving habits that impact performance. The smart key system is real nice as I am often loaded down with stuff and don’t have to have the key/remote in my hands to gain entry. Push-button start, electronic displays, iPod port, Bluetooth for hands-free cell use, HID headlights (really do make a difference for night driving), and engine immobilizer theft deterrence system are ALL value added features that help me LOVE this car.

Finally, it is comfortable and spacious.

Weaknesses:
Truthfully, I am going to have to be a little picky here to even come up with a list of criticisms. But in the interest of providing a balanced review there are a couple of things I can report that an interested buyer might want to know. The cabin noise level at highway speeds on stretches of cement-laden expressways is a little loud (better on paved stretches). From what I’ve read in editor’s reports, this is due to relatively little use of sound deadening materials. That’s because they add weight and weight is the arch-enemy of fuel economy. This theory cannot be dismissed as I notice the car’s fuel performance actually increases as the gas tank empties (yes, it is that sensitive to weight).

The Bluetooth/hands-free features are a little difficult to use and not user-friendly. It’s easy enough to link the system to your phone, but using the other hands-free features like voice-command, and phonebook features are not intuitive. I have a PhD and still haven’t completely figured it out. I’ll have to sit in the car with the manual this weekend to get the hang of it.

The suspension is a bit tight, which is a double-edged sword. On one hand, this car handles and corners pretty well with little over or under steering. The price to be paid for that, of course, is a medium-harsh ride on rough stretches of road. This is compounded by its light chassis weight, but that’s a fair trade-off for increased economy, in my opinion. All in all, this car’s highway ride will not feel like your grandfather’s Buick Park Avenue.

Like I said, I purchased package #4 with cloth seats. I would have ponied up more $$ for #6 with leather seats, but they weren’t that nice and with no heated seat option I opted to save the money.

Only other weakness I can think of is lack of availability. I ideally wanted the #5 in black or gray – not a single one in the Midwest, and red was not an option for me. Buy the ext warranty just in case with all the electronics.

Similar Products Used:
I really researched this purchase. I scoped out the Civic and Altima hybrids, but neither came close to Prius’ combination of economy, technology, and quality. I used to own an Accord (’90) and drove it for 250K+ miles until it rusted out. It was a great vehicle, and this car reminds me of how satisfied I was with that at the time. I own a 2002 Envoy my wife drives for her short 5 mile commute, so I feel like we have the best of both world’s in terms of use and flexibility. Hey, I’m not getting anything for this glowing review other than satisfaction in maybe helping someone else discover what I have about this vehicle. I’m not a tree-hugger by any stretch, but 48.5 mpg, 98% less pollution output, and less quality time spent with the gas station guy is reason enough to cry out from the mountain-top.

Cars similar to the Toyota Prius Hybrid:

Honda Insight
Honda Civic Hybrid
Toyota Camry Hybrid
Ford Fusion Hybrid
Nissan Altima Hybrid