Toyota Prius Fuel Efficiency

By: Andy Hodges
Staff Writer
Published: Aug 20, 2009

2010 Toyota Prius Fuel Efficiency Ranks Excellent

There are a lot of new hybrid cars on the road today, but after talking to several drivers, the 2010 Toyota Prius fuel efficiency seems to be the top reason why consumers love this vehicle. I was at a parking yesterday eating lunch when one of these hybrid automobiles just happened to pull in and park. It was a family of four, and they all jumped out and made their way to the park area where a softball tournament was beginning.

I couldn't help being nosy, but I just had to ask the owner what he thought of his 2010 Prius. As I approached, I introduced myself, but he seemed to be puzzled. I guess a park area is the last place you would expect someone to ask questions about their hybrid. Anyway, the owner spoke highly of the Toyota fuel economy and said it was the best investment he ever made.

"It isn't a racecar, but it is all I need to get around town and to work.," said John Thomas. Thomas said he has owned the car since June and is rarely at the gas pump. "I was always filling up the tank on my previous car, but now I'm barely buying gas anymore."

The Toyota Prius does run louder than other hybrids, especially when it makes the transition from its gas engine to operate on battery power. However, the mechanical noises aren't many, and Prius owners don't seem to be bothered by it. Besides, the Toyota Hybrid vehicle has a lot of features to make up for it.

This is a time when gas prices are going high again. The 2010 Prius is still the number one selling hybrid in Japan, and it's already becoming the top seller in the United States. Most financial experts predict that the price of gas will climb again to record highs as they did in 2008.

Hybrid cars are becoming an American icon for consumers and automakers. The times have changed where even luxury sedans and large trucks are converting to hybrid technologies. It is surprising that most of these cars, including Toyota trucks, are offering great fuel economy without cutting down size or comfort. The automaker is already working on a new Toyota Tundra hybrid and that is a very interesting move.

The Prius has always been labeled as a future vehicle. It was introduced in the late 1990s and has gone through a few revisions ever since. Can you believe that some of the original models are still on the road today? Better yet, they are still performing well in mileage and are still using the original hybrid battery packs.

While the 2010 Toyota Prius offers great mileage rated at 41 combined mpg, it is low on maintenance and mechanical moving parts. For example, the car is belt-less, which means you don't have to replace belts on a regular maintenance schedule. The vehicle has minimal impact on the environment, and while the batteries are not 100 percent recycleable, most of the battery components are.

Cars that are eco-friendly and help reduce carbon emissions is a great benefit. In fact, most hybrid vehicles will have plug-in options starting next year. This will allow you to use a standard home outlet to recharge the electrical components and battery for your vehicle. The 2010 Toyota Prius gas mileage will only get better as new mpg ratings become standard.