I am in the process of buying a used Prius. I am considering vehicles between 2007-2009. (Yes, I know the possibilities of replacing the battery, etc.) But I have seen some nicely priced 2006's with relatively low mileage. I know that Toyota added various standard airbags in the 07' model and I'm scared to get a Prius under 07' for just that reason. Are my fears legitimate? Do the standard airbags add THAT much safety to the car? UPDATE: I will not risk it and will only look at vehicles with the side airbags. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Speaking from my memory of my deceased 2005: There was a crash rating difference (improved one "star", I think) when the full set of air bags was equipped as compared to the base model standard equipment. You can find the full complement if air bags on older vehicles, but it would require one that was built with an option package that included them.
My 2006 has side and side head airbags, as well as stability control. As stated above, these were optional items. If I were you I would not buy a Prius without these safety features. I'm not sure what if any extra airbags were added in 2007, unless perhaps the side airbags became standard. Apparently these safety features were optional all the way back to 2004.
2006 Toyota Prius To answer your original question, In IIHS crash testing for the 2006 Prius, the difference between a "Good" and "Poor" rating is whether the car had side airbags or not.
Thank you so much for the information. Guess I'm not looking at 2006s (without the optional airbags) anymore. It's crazy how today's standard safety features were optional years ago. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
No problem! When I was shopping for my GenII those safety features were also a must have on my list. I would also argue that stability control is also a must have as well. In snow and ice, it can be a lifesaver. The way to know that a GenII has stability control is the presence of the stability control light...this is a poor picture but it's the yellow light on the bottom left, car with 2 squiggly lines underneath.
My memory must be going bad. I thought the squiggly lines were for traction control (standard) and stability control was the VSC light.
Lol, you are right, it IS the VSC light that you're looking for! It was getting late, and my brain farted big time last night.
How do I find the VSC light? I know that it's on the dashboard, but I'm sure it doesn't stay on. Posted via the PriusChat mobile app.
Press the power button twice with your foot OFF the brake to get to IG-ON mode. All the lights (except the Master Caution (Triangle with ! in the middle)) come on. When you are finished, press the power button once more to switch off.
