Toyota Prius Sets New Standards For Hybrid Cars

By: Andy Hodges
Staff Writer
Published: Jun 7, 2009

Toyota Prius hybrid is one of the most anticipated cars in the auto industry

Toyota Prius hybrid cars are now one of the most selling fuel-economy vehicles in Japan. Actually, Prius is the number one best seller and its popularity is growing fast in the United States. The Toyota car is a third-generation model which offers up to five popular standard equipment combinations.

Hybrid cars are met with increasing demand by consumers who want a fuel economy solution. Gas prices are once again on the rise but nowhere near the record levels of summer 2008. It is the "known" and "unexpected" gas hike increase which consumers fear the most.

The Toyota Prius is a hot selling automobile overseas, but how will it compare to other Hybrid cars in the United States? Toyota is expected to meet consumer demand when it makes the Prius available. The Toyota Hybrid has a starting MSRP of $21,000, which is near the sticker price of the 2010 Honda Insight.

Toyota, Ford, and Honda are strongly competing in the hybrid market. These automakers are the true Big Three when it comes to hybrid cars, and it's only a matter of time before they release new vehicles that can travel to longer distances. Moreover, the automakers are competing for a new set of fuel efficiency standards.

Prius will be available in the most popular design at an MSRP of $22,000. The hybrid vehicle is equipped with a high level of standard features, with more than $2,000 added value, at the same price as the current base model. The new base model has a lower level standard equipment and is designed to appeal to business consumers.

The remarkable thing about this Toyota hybrid is its mileage. It can achieve 51 MPG city and 48 MPG highway. The combined mileage totals 50 MPG which is outstanding.

Toyota Prius offers the most mileage than any other hybrid car on the market. The hybrids also offer enhanced performance and innovative design features. The automobiles are quieter and equipped with advanced features including four driving modes, steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel, a sunroof with solar panels, and Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA).

Hybrid cars are advancing more today than ever before. There will be a lot of technologies that will come soon to light in 2010.