2007 Toyota Prius

The Prius made its grand debut in 2003 with the second generation hybrid Toyota. The evolutionary gas-electric hybrid progressed from a specialized technical product to number one on the list of best-selling hybrid cars in the U.S., as well as a top seller in Japan. The high satisfaction ratings and dedicated loyalty of its owners makes the Prius top in its class.

The new 2010 Toyota Prius  hybrid went on sale in April. It gets 50 mpg combined city/highway gas mileage makes it unprecedented in its class. The improvement in fuel efficiency in the 2010 model is a result of a combination of changes in the power train, a more aerodynamic design of the body, and decreasing the overall weight of the vehicle. Other great improvements to the newest addition to the Prius family include; a bigger engine giving it an increase in horsepower from 110 to 160, and subsequently boosting the acceleration power.  The body is bigger, and slightly sportier, and last but not least it gets the best gas mileage of any gas-electric hybrid on the market today. Innovative features and technical options have also improved with time in the Prius.

The early model featured a keyless entry, rear-view camera system, joystick shifter, and energy monitor. Heated seats, a sliding glass moon roof with a solar panel, and remote control for heating and cooling the cabin, and new safety features like; “Lane Keep Assist” and “Pre-Collision System” are just a few of the cool new and improved options available in the 2010 Prius.

The Prius has evolved into such an iconic symbol for a modern hybrid, that Hasbro has even adopted a scale model of a Prius as a game piece in their popular game of Monopoly!

So what is the future of America’s best selling hybrid? A November, 2009 report from the associated press states that Toyota is planning to build an all electric version of the number one selling hybrid. Toyota declined comment on the future of production on the new hybrid, but as indicated by the associated press report, the new model will be much bigger, like an SUV or Station wagon, and will be available the end of next year. It will feature a brand new a new type of battery power-the Lthium -Ion battery which has more power than the battery the battery currently used in the Prius.