2012 Toyota Prius c Consumer Reviews

2012 Toyota Prius c

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2012 Toyota Prius c

Starting MSRP $18,950–$23,230

Average Rating

4.5 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.3 out of 5
Performance:4.1 out of 5
Exterior Styling:4.6 out of 5
Interior Design:4.3 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.6 out of 5
Reliability:4.7 out of 5

48 out of 52 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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1.5-month owner with only one defect

by First New Car Buyer
from Tucson, AZ | September 28, 2012

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"Disclaimer: First new car I've bought, and previous car was a used mazda 2003 protege dx--the most basic model. So all the basics that came with this car were considered upgrades for me: e.g. USB port, cruise control, bluetooth, power windows, power locks, alarm system interior/exterior thermometer, etc. Pros: 1. Comfortable front seats for skinny people. Went on a 7-hour road trip and the seats were fine in front and the backseats were decent enough. Although the front seat is tight enough that my dad holds the upper handle for support. 2. Drove mixed highway and city for a 14 mile trip last weekend and got a record high of 70+mpg. On general, our gas tank has averaged upper 50s mpg at each fill up (we probably do about 60-70% highway driving with little stop-go traffic on the highway). If we did more city driving, I bet we would get 60s easily. 3. Live in Southern AZ, bought in mid-August, and the AC does well enough in cooling down the car, and fast enough for us. We'll see whether the non-ac usage or possible heater will impact the mpg this winter. Although, we normally set it to around 78 degrees in the car. Cons: 1. The small door windows (by the side mirrors and the similar ones in the back seat) have excessive air sound on the highway, and also notice on higher city speeds. All the test cars we tried didn't have this wind leak sound, so we are very disappointed, especially since Toyota has not determined a solution yet, and I bet they won't. They will probably just fix it for their next year's model. 2. Definitely does the "little engine that could" effort that other reviewers have mentioned up Mt. Lemmon and Mt. Wrightson. And like all the other smaller cars out there, you can feel every bump in the road, especially when you increase the psi on the tires to increase mpg. 3. Why are there soft spots under the floor mats? I would recommend to wait and purchase the 2013 model instead."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Prius C Is Big Enough For Big & Tall People!

by Big Guy From K-State
from Shawnee Mission, Kansas | September 21, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I traded in my gas guzzling SUV, a 2001 Toyota Sequoia Limited 4wd, for a Prius C Hatchback. I am 6' 4" and 280 lbs, and like another reviewer, I never thought I would fit either. But lowering the seat all the way down, I also have some head room in the tiny car. No more $100+ fill ups in the Sequoia (26.6 gallon tank) TWICE a month! With gas around $3.83 I can fill the tank up ONCE for less than $37 bucks a month! Crazy! I consistently get over 55.0 mpg in the city even out of ECO mode and punching the gas pedal. In ECO mode and frugal driving I have been able to achieve over 98 mpg in the city. Highway averages around 50 mpg. I actually want to go to the store or run a short errand with the Prius C. gstingray is right -- Who cares about gas prices now!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT

by Bill
from Buffalo NY | September 17, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I traded in a 2006 Civic Hybrid which i got 100K out of then the hybrid battery started having issues and never got better then 38 miles to the gallon out of it, not even close to the sticker of 50. I chose the Prius C 3 as i liked the moonroof and navigation and rims bot hubcaps. I also chose to stay with the 15 inch rims as the ride is smoother. So far i have 9000 miles on it and no issues at tall. I just drove the car to florida from NY and it was smooth and handled the WV & Virginia hills just fine , yes the motor wound up high but the cruise control held it just fine at my 76 MPH speed. The blue tooth phone option is beautiful. i have had three other vehicles with this and they all were terrible , no one could ever understand me. on this one even with windows open at 45 MPH i can talk on it. I average on that trip to florida 46.7 MPG and around town i am averaging about 52. the only thing i wish it came with was a hitch, no not to tow a camper, but do to the little cargo area a luggage carrier that mounts on the hitches would make this car a great car then for longer trips carrying two to three people and there baggage. I did find a aftermarket hitch/receiver and will be purchasing before my next long road trip."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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0 out of 0 found this review helpful

Toyota Priuc c Package four review

by Vincent
from Toronto | September 2, 2012

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 3 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 3 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I have about 3000 km on my new Toyota Prius c car. I have the fully loaded package. I am glad I got it. Let's make this simple. Let's start with what I like about it. I like the car's looks. It has a nice sporty appearance. I like my upgraded 16 inch alloy wheels. I like the seats which are more comfortable and support my back better than my previous car. I like the Blue tooth phone integration, navigation system and Satellite radio. Compared to the regular Prius, the view out the back is better provided you remove the back headrests. The fuel efficiency is great. Of course, this is why I got the car. My first new car ever. Handling is good and very stable in rain or windy situations. Corners and steers well. Braking is great. Air conditioning is very good too. Now the bad: On bumpy roads and potholes, the suspension seems a bit stiff. You will feel every bump. Acceleration is a bit slow and you have to choose your spots carefully when merging onto highway traffic. Sometimes when on the highway with the windows open, there is a vibration from the side doors. Also, I have had the voice command navigation cut out a couple of times when driving. Also, once in a while, the navigation has not operated properly during my trips. However, pulling over and re-starting the car seems to fix the problem. But I should not have to do this. I have not driven it in winter so I cannot tell you how it will handle in snow. Well that's about it."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Interior is sub-par and rattles

by Unhappy Prius Owner
from Wisconson | August 29, 2012

Rating from

(2)
Comfort: 3 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 1 out of 5
Value for the Money: 2 out of 5
Reliability: 3 out of 5

"The interior, vibrates and rattles in the front dash, glove compartment, center console, doors when window open, headrests and generally all over. It is really put together without much thought for the often rough roads and highways. Seems really cheap! Plastic vibrating against plastic. The height adjusting drivers seat is a joke. When you "pump" it up it tips forward and you feel like you will fall off. I have to ride feeling like I'm on the floor just to make it comfortable. Overall gas mileage is good, but the noise is not worth it to me. I also have a Honda Fit. I love it and find the Honda much more pleasurable to drive and get 43 mpg highway!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: No

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Fantastic hi-teck

by Sculptordude
from San Diego, Ca | August 24, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Almost overwhelmed with all the gadgetry that actually works to make 50mpg a reality. Haven't even used Entune yet."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Just getting around


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Changing Stripes

by Free
from Eagle Rock | August 23, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 4 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Never been a small car guy, but the "times they are a changin'" Needed better gas mileage when my job switched locations to 90 miles a day. My 4runner had me spending $500 + a month in gas. Now I'm at a little more than $90 bucks a month. I'd say it was overdue for the switch. From L.A. to San Diego and back on a little more than 3 quarters of a tank, to say I am pleased is an understatement! I was blown away! Rides super smooth, turns on a dime, easy handling. Not the most comfortable on a long drive, but alas, it's not one of those super luxury German jobs. Great value for the price."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Work


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3 out of 3 found this review helpful

Driving my values and enjoying the heck out of it!

by RevLee
from Tucson, AZ | August 23, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Having driven a stick shift for the last forty years I thought I'd be lost without a clutch pedal and with this weird Constantly Variable Ratio transmission. I was wrong -- this thing is a kick to drive! It's nimble, can get out of its own way, and is smooth! Plus it gets great gas mileage (including 46.7 MPG on a 2000 mile trip through CA freeway traffic with the AC on all the way). I love all the technology and the user-friendly way this car operates. Will probably keep this one until it wears out, then buy another one!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

a Prius at last

by ceej
from Idaho | August 23, 2012

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 4 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"I started looking at the Prius about the second year it came on the market. This year circumstances allowed to actually purchase one. Love the fuel mileage; it handles quite well and the ride is comfortable. Sound system is good and I love the bluetooth phone connection."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Having fun


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1 out of 1 found this review helpful

Best gas mileage Ever

by Retired and ready to go
from St. Paul, Minnesota | August 14, 2012

Rating from

(4)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 4 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"It's a lovely little car, doesn't go from 0 to 60 in 10 seconds but I'm not that much in a hurry. It drives beautifully, sometimes gets 60+MPG in the City, and fits my big husband in the passenger seat. The luggage compartment isn't especially big but it's great for feeling like you're helping the country's carbon footprint. (Mine is the Habanero and I can spot it immediately in any parking lot.)"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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2 out of 2 found this review helpful

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