The Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius wins hands-down as the best-selling gas-electric hybrid in the United States and continues to be a benchmark model, the world over. Way ahead in the development of gasoline-electric hybrid vehicles, Toyota is already on its second generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid offers buyers a solution to escalating fuel prices and environmental responsibility, as it continues to grow in demand with American consumers.

The Prius was introduced as a 2001 model; redesigned for 2004 and updated for 2006. For 2008, the new Prius gets options that include leather upholstery and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. For a shopper interested in a hybrid vehicle, the Prius is a comfortable car with adult-size back seats and lots of cargo space. It also gets aerodynamic and sleek exterior styling that distinguishes it from other vehicles.

The Toyota Prius comes in base and Touring trim levels, with a wide range of optional packages that cater to customer personalization. Standard features include a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; a tilting steering wheel, fabric upholstery; electric air conditioning; power accessories; remote keyless entry; cruise control; intermittent front and rear wipers; and 15-inch aluminum wheels.

The Prius is not an electric car that needs plugging-in. A small, highly efficient four-cylinder, 1.5-liter gasoline-fueled engine, is used in combination with two electric motors, and a gear-set that works as a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The gas engine delivers 76 horsepower and 82 pound-feet of torque, while the electric motors generate 67 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. A regenerative braking system converts energy into electricity, to charge the car's battery pack; the gasoline engine charges the battery as you drive. Under acceleration, both energy sources provide adequate power, but in stop-and-go traffic, the Prius often runs on battery power alone.

The 2008 Prius gets EPA ratings of 48/45 mpg (city/highway). The car is also certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV); and meets the Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (SULEV) standards, as well as zero evaporative emissions standards.