Tag Archives: 2007 toyota prius
American Hybrid Cars
The term American made is becoming harder to distinguish nowadays, but most people when they use it are referring to the major American based car companies: Ford, GM, and Chrysler. One of the companies had simply refused to engage in the hybrid market, because it wasn’t cost feasible, and the other two were late to the game, but all of them are quickly taking steps to catch up to the Japanese competition. When hybrid cars were first introduced, many considered them to be gimmicky and unrealistic, similar to how the first electric cars were received, and this thinking might have kept American hybrid cars from getting serious consideration.
Ford’s original stance when it came to the hybrid vehicle was to aim at one thing Americans truly love: the SUV. One of their first models was a hybrid SUV; the company is still adding more hybrids to their production line. Although, their approach to selling their hybrids was much more conservative than the Japanese, they are starting to turn a profit, which will allow them to continue to expand their hybrid offerings and keep them competitive with foreign car companies.
Used Hybrid Cars: Toyota Prius
Overall the 2007 Toyota Prius has been quite satisfactory but there are still some issues that need to be addressed. In my experience with used hybrid cars, is that the saving of fuel is not much when it comes to driving on the highway.
The amount of gas burned seems to be the same as my Volvo 960 sedan. City driving is another story, the car runs on battery power and an electrical motor for most driving under 20 miles per hour, 20 to 30 miles per hour sets up a combination between both mechanical engine and electrical.
Another issue I have with the car is the accessibility of the battery and being able to jump or recharge the battery. The location of the battery is a bit difficult to access and the terminals are quite small, often difficult to clamp with standard jumper cables. The car also has a power button and on one or two occasions, if the power button is not fully pressed the car will not shut off and you will come to a dead car in the morning.
There has recently been a recall dealing with the accelerator pedal. The pedal is too long and has been reported to get jammed or stuck under mats resulting in accidents and losing control of the car. The cars dash is laid out very well and everything is accessible and is in easy reach. With many of the controls being on the steering wheel itself.
One problem I have encountered is that the GPS is not usable while driving. This is done for safety reasons but can be quite bothersome when adjustments need to be made. I have seen other cars that have been creative in able to use the GPS and maintain safety.
As far as hybrid automobiles go this car is comfortable, not luxurious but better than average. The space available is quite amazing and deceptive. Plenty of headroom and legroom in both the front and back seats. Trunk space is standard for a hatchback with the backseats able to fold down and give more space. The look of the car is quite nice a bit futuristic and definitely built for aerodynamics, you will feel how light the car is and how it cuts through the wind and how gusts can actually push the car a bit.
Overall I am quite satisfied with the car and would recommend it to anyone who does extensive driving in a city environment, that is where the car will perform the best and the size of the car is small enough to accommodate for difficult parking situations. The money to be saved is not on long distances and high speed travel.