makin sure

That depends on four things:

1) Your climate. Too cold = poor mileage.
2) Your trip length. Too short = poor mileage.
3) Your traffic conditions. Too congested = poor mileage.
4) Your driving. Lead Foot + poor following distance + excessive brake use = poor mileage.

The average prius driver achieves approx 45mpg.

 

But even the worst Prius driver will do better with a Prius than anything else. The only exception might be high speed highway driving where a small diesel can do well.

Tom

 

I think 'poor' has to be taken in context. Poor mileage for the Prius is still significantly better than any other non-hybrid, even in cases of cold weather, short trip length, etc.

 

Just a note. When Prius owners say "poor mileage", we mean 35-40mpg. When we say "good mileage, it is beyond 50mpg. Cold weather and short-trips are the major factors of poor mileage. My wife drive our Prius only to pick up kids from school nearby (within 1 mile) and grocery (within 5). She is getting 38-40mpg. When I was taking it for commuting (17 miles), I was getting 45-50mpg.

 

Maximum speed of a Prius is computer limited to 102 MPH. It will go that fast if asked.

 

Mine is the earlier, NHW11 Prius but this gives an idea of what folks can exceed with the newer NHW20 model (currently on sale: )


We have some MPH vs MPG highway data from the NHW20s:


There are some basic mechanical things that can help achieve these results such as running the tires at a slightly higher pressure (not extreme, just harder; ) making sure the engine oil is not overfilled; and depending up climate, a block heater and radiator block during cold weather. If she is 'technical,' there is the scangauge that can help. It is a very safe car.

This is what 1,760 Prius samples produced as a distribution:

The key is as she learns how the Prius operates, it is possible to favor high mileage modes and still make excellent time. You might also look at the milege numbers found at www.fueleconomy.gov, for the 2004-2009 Prius to get a representative sample set.

Bob Wilson

 

Parts are expensive, but they're so reliable it's rarely needed outside of accident repair. See the Consumer Reports April issue for repair and reliability data.

 

I bought the Prius last year. I am in college and work full time. When I feel the need to "speed" (80) i'll get a mere 42mpg but mostly keeping it around 50. Mine is approaching 19k miles and so far the only things I've done have been oil changes, tire rotations which i do myself, and this next oil change I'm going to have the alignment done as my mileage has slipped and I'm getting some uneven wear but thats what I get for 4 trips to LA, 1 to SF, and 1 to Phoenix. Roads in LA are terrible

 

Here is another sample. I purchased my Prius in January and have averaged around 54+ mpg during my daily commute of about 15 miles and 25 minutes. I just got back from my first long road trip and highway mileage at 65 mph +/- was around 48 to 50 mpg.

 

Yeah, I guess you do have to take my mileage ratings in context....

If you currently get 15 mpg in your truck, then anything the prius gets will be awesome.

 

Mine has 43K with nothing but oil changes and one set of wiper-blades. I have the "Touring" model that gets worse mileage: 48-50 in warm weather, 41-43 in cold or very hot (running the AC all the time).

The prius is the best all around car you can own!

Lee