2009 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
This is the best car ever. I am not going to buy a conventional gasoline car again. I actually own two Hybrid vehicles now. The other one is a 2006 Hybrid. My mileage is between 46 to 53 mpg and on average city/highway driving it is about 48mpg. One nice feature of the Prius is that the exhaust is cleaner than everyone else. There is not much to critisize but it would be nice to improve the external paint and the interior surfaces. They are too easy to scratch and mark. The car is roomy and powerful enough for me. I am never going back to a gasoline only car. The more I avoid gasoline by using electric the better. I'm absolutely sold sold sold on hybrid. I'm going to buy a 3rd hybrid next year. It is good to know my resale value is excellent. A real bonus. Not many cars can claim that.
VS
Critical Review
Long story short: The power inverter fails and replacement cost is $10k USD quoted from dealership. If you are lucky they can replace the transistor kit inside the inverter for $4k USD. I got stuck with the latter. I am a commuter and needed a gas efficient car. I purchased my Prius with about 60k miles and certified used from the dealership. I also bought the extended 120k mile bumper to bumper platinum warranty in case anything would go wrong with it. All was fine in the first year of driving. I took the car in for regular oil changes and recommended services (replaced drive belt, etc.) I felt like all of the other happy Prius drivers in these reviews, laughing at all of the other gas guzzling drivers on the freeway. Then one morning I get the 'red triangle' (hybrid system failure) signal and the car is having trouble getting the gas engine to start/work properly. I limp it to the dealership within my warranty period and they reset the signal and everything seems fine. For the next 1.5 years I drive the car conservatively and pass the 120k mile warranty period. Then at 122k miles I get the 'red triangle' signal again but this time my car will not even get into the 'Drive' position. I tow it to the dealership and they quote me $10k to replace the inverter. After further discussion they mention there is another route with replacing the internal transistors with a kit for $4k and we go this route. All of my gas mileage savings vanished before my eyes in a single expensive repair. Consider it when purchasing a Prius / hybrid car. I am not sure if they have resolved this issue in the later generation models but I would stay clear of this one. Pros: Aside from this trouble the car is smooth to drive. The interior seems roomy for the small size car. Materials are decent and I really liked the digital displays (for an '09 car it still feels relevant in 2016). Cons: The car is slow to pick up, even with the electric motor assisting the gas engine. Get used to merging at a slow speed (but you still get around 10mpg while accelerating while other cars get 0mpg which is nice). A major con is that if the auxiliary battery runs out then you have a major problem because it is unlike a regular car that you can jump the battery and drive it to a mechanic. When the aux battery dies it cannot supply power to the hybrid system and the gas engine does not work without the hybrid system. In short, you have to get it towed when the battery runs out. I forgot to mention earlier it is expensive to replace the battery because it runs for $200USD and you pay to tow it there. And if you do not know why the Prius died then sometimes they charge an 'investigation' fee to tell you that the battery is dead.
2009 Prius Reviews
Showing 8 of 945 reviews.
Handles Nicely, Sound system is great
Touring Base is pricey to maintain
Purchased my 2008 Touring Base in 2011, I had to get my headlights changed not too long after that. I was not informed about the HID bulbs, had I known how expensive the bulbs are and the hassle of having to go somewhere to replace them due to the front end being removed to replace the headlights. I’ve replaced them probably 3-4 times within the first 8 years of owning my Prius. The tires are also more expensive because they are 16” and therefore most places don’t have them in stock for a reasonable price. Basically, maintenance is pretty pricey. I did just surpassed 200k miles in 2024, no issues with the hybrid battery … so far.
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A 2007 with 300,900 miles Body in good shape Has had regular checkups New Battery at 280 000 Color white
Has lots of small issues but the most reliable car I’ve ever owned and amazing gas mileage. Burns a lot of oil and has some electrical issues but hasn’t let me down.
Almost all parts lasted till 400k.
Valve, A/C Air Blower, Spoiler
I bought it in 2015 for $2800 when it had 209k miles on it. Drove it for 4 years and the engine died at the 393k miles mark. Never replaced the battery. The only major issue was the valve (i believe it was the coolant one) and the water pump and I paid 600 for both. The second thing is common for that car is the air blower fan dies after 250k I assume. the problem appears as no air comes from the a/c. Since the blower is not working. Bought the blower 30$ and got it done by a mechanic for another $ 50$. The hatchback trunk is also causing problems. The bottom either doesn't work properly or the entire spoiler gets floppy. But it was a good car. I won't buy it again since during rain and snow it slides and I wouldn't say I like it. I need a mid-size car for the city I live in.
This car is built like a tank. I have 150000 miles and the engine works great. I recommend getting a Prius to any other Toyota on the market.
Aesthetically rough but mechanically perfect and well-maintained. 40+mpg right now feels pretty good at $5.00 per gallon. We've upgraded our fleet and are parting ways with a great car that has treated us well. All service and repair records dating back more than a decade and new struts/springs all around in 2022 along with front sway bar end links. This car couldn't be any safer unless it were to just sit in your garage. Touring model with leather, navigation, back up camera, HID/Xenon headlights and fog lights. Has the fancy push-button mirror for garage door remote operation too. Plenty of meat on the tires and same goes for the brakes. Spare tire/tools and jack present and accounted for. Our parents bought this car new in 2006 and we took possession of it in 2012. Never used as an Uber or Lyft/Ride share. Catalyst anti-theft shield installed in 2021 amid all the b.s. thefts going on make this thing ready to commute you well into the future. Questions? Ask them. Get your fuel costs under control with this car!
My 2009 Prius at age 14 is still in great condition. Fuel economy is great and it has very rarely needed repair and so far, no major repairs. I read it's called "slow" but I find mine nimble and speedy, plus the brakes are very sensitive. I'm very happy with it, much more than I ever was with the American cars I've owned. If I ever need to buy another car, it will be another Prius. My only complaint is that Toyota doesn't offer any good paint colors for this car. I want autumn colors, brown or green.
Very comfortable ride
Batteries are expensive just for the 12 volt
I love my Toyota Prius !!! It is a 2005 4door hatchback with 223,000 miles and still runs like a baby
