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Featured Hybrid Car:

2012 Toyota Prius Hybrid Car

The Prius Liftback is a top buy according to Kiplinger, JD Power and Consumer Reports, etc.

The 2012 Toyota Prius is still a third generation Toyota Prius based on the third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive. The 2012 Prius offers the best fuel economy in its segment, while offering the most cargo space and functionality. The Prius is simply one fo the best vehicles available.

Toyota Prius Hybrid Car     -->> Hybrid Car Club

--> Prius Testimonials. Read them or add your own. Prius Reviews.

Prius Hatchback at a Glance

Pros: Outstanding fuel economy. Great cargo space, safety and reliability. Cons: Still a little expensive. Solid, but unexciting drive quality.

Why buy a Prius - You need an versatile and cost-effective small family sedan with fantastic city fuel economy.

Latest Prius News

Updated 5/1/2012

The 2012 Toyota Prius hatchback -- Toyota's way of distinguishing the third generation Prius from the V and C -- is back! Finally, Prius supplies aren't just back to normal, they're very healthy. Unfortunately, despite adequate supplies, Prius deals are a little hard to come by and there isn't much room for negotiation, unless you can find a 2011 Prius.

If you're willing to consider a used Prius, supplies are also healthy and dealers are willing to negotiate based on my experience.

Hot Prius Liftback Stories

-- Buying a Toyota Prius hybrid car: What to expect.
-- Polk hybrid loyalty study deceptively good news for Prius buyers and Prius fans
-- Toyota Prius costs: Perfect for any budget
-- Toyota Prius defines hybrid dependability according to the facts

Unfortunately, with gas prices still high, and possibly heading higher into summer, don't expect any great Prius deals any time soon. Sales are back and Toyota needs few incentives to move these hybrid cars. Still, there is at least a few hundred dollars of wiggle room in most Prius deals. Therefore, it's worth shopping around for a Prius these days. Push your dealership to give you the best deal possible.

However, if you want a real deal on the Prius, you'll probably have to wait until the summer is over. Past Prius sale's history suggests that fall and winter prices, deals and leases are much better than spring and summer.

The RunAway Prius that Wasn't

Another runaway Prius story?

Nope. Thankfully, that story is now over and it appears it was completely over blown by the media. Unintended acceleration is not a reason to avoid a Toyota Prius. There is no gremlin in Toyota electronics.

Yes, there was a breaking issue with the Prius, but that issue has been resolved, and was also over-blown by the media. Nonetheless, the braking issue only affected some third generation Prius hybrids, and newer Prius hybrids have had their software updated to fix this issue.

Of course, perhaps you bought a used Prius that was not updated.

Then, possibly, in some circumstances the brakes might feel 'odd' for a split second. Fortunately, keeping constant pressure on the brakes in such scenarios almost instantly resolves this issue for Prius drivers.

Of course the next time your Prius is serviced, Toyota should update the regenerative braking software for the Prius, making the regenerative braking even more responsive in such situations, although such situations are rare in occurrence in the first place.

Anyway, here is my favorite Prius statistic. Almost 90 percent of Prius owners have enjoyed their Toyota Prius experience enough that they would buy another Prius, and they've expressed this opinion to JD Power and Consumer Reports.

That's a fact. In fact, the latest Consumer Reports data on the Prius resulted in a "Best Overall Safety" nod in the small car segment. Likewise, Consumer Reports named the Prius the 2nd Best Value amongst all cars.

Not sold yet? Kiplinger has also named a top passenger vehicle and Intellichoice name the Prius the Best Value amongst all passenger cars.

Who says a hybrid can't be cost-effective?

Plain and simple, the Prius is a solid vehicle and most Prius owners - now over a million and growing - love their Prius hybrids.

About the Toyota Prius

The fourth generation Toyota Prius 4 is expected in 2015, when US production begins and the Prius converts from a NiMH battery pack to a lithium battery pack.

The new 3rd generation Prius is now available and while offering many improvements compared to the second generation Prius, the third generation Prius is still much less expensive than expected, thanks to the launch of the Honda Insight

--> Customized your hybrid yet?

The Big Question: Fuel Economy

While the second generation Prius is rated 48/45 mpg city/highway, the 2010 third generation Prius is rated at 51/48 mpg city/highway.

However, early testing has indicated that the third generation Prius can achieve more than 60 mpg in some conditions. Prius hypermilers have consistently achieved far better fuel economy than the EPA, and the new Prius offers hypermilers even better tools for increasing fuel efficiency.

Third Generation Prius versus the Second Generation Prius

The 2010 Toyota Prius, aka, third gen Prius, uses a hybrid drive that was almost completely redeveloped.

Likewise, while the second generation Prius used a 1.5 liter Atkinson cycle engine, the new Prius uses a 1.8L DOHC 16-Valve VVT-i 1.8L Atkinson cycle engine that provides quicker performance and greater fuel economy, especially on the highway.

The battery pack in the two Prius hybrids is relatively the same in terms of voltage, but the new battery back was reduced in size and repositioned. This provides increased cabin room and cargo space, as well as better battery efficiency, which is warranted at 10 years/150,000 miles.

The new Prius will added new driving modes compared to the current Prius, rather than just normal and eco.

EV Mode helps the 2010 Prius stay in electric mode only for about a mile at speeds less than 25 mph. ECO and Power modes are pretty obvious, but it is worth noting that ECO mode is great for those whom drive in snow and ice.

In terms of Packaging, the new Prius will offer a number of new features and options, such as an Advanced Technology Package that includes a Pre-collision system, Lane Keep Assist, and Intelligent Parking Assist, as well as and a Solar Roof Package.

The Solar Roof Package is not about charging the battery to extend the fuel efficiency of the Prius, rather the solar roof is used for ventilation and air conditioning. Unfortunately, this option is not very available at most dealerships, and ordering this option could mean wait times of 6 months or more.

So, the new Prius offers a bit more room, especially in the cabin and cargo areas, while also offering better performance and fuel economy. Additionally, the Prius offers a host of new features for technology fans.

Does the Prius save money?

According to a an Edmunds.com study, the Toyota Prius can recover its hybrid technology costs in just three years. Of course, this study was carried out when both gas prices were high, and when Toyota qualified for the full clean vehicle tax credit. So this data is going to change significantly.

For instance, how does this data change if the new base Prius only costs $20,000? 

Likewise, how does this change if the 2010 Prius costs the same as the second generation Prius - at the base model - but adds a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy?

Ultimately, however, it all comes down to gas prices. It's hard to argue that the Prius recovers it costs in less than 5 years at current energy costs. Nonetheless, gas prices are expected to increase, not just this summer, but into the future, especially when the recession concludes. In fact, many, such as Boone Pickens, are predicting a huge oil price spike in 2011. So, we here at Soultek believe that either Prius will be a worthy investment.

Which should you buy?

So, which Toyota Prius is the right Prius for you?

First, it's important to note that JD Power data consistently shows that consumers of the Prius are extremely happy, and Consumer Reports consistently recommends the Prius as a Best Buy.

Thus, the 2nd generation Prius is a top notch car. For those whom have budget constraints, a slightly stripped down Prius - such as one without keyless entry - could be a fantastic deal if pricing is about $20,000.

For those seeking a bigger statement, the Prius will be the choice, especially for early adopters. Moreover, for those consumers used to a bit more luxury than what the Prius typically offers, the 3rd generation Prius will offer the kind of innovative features, such as Parking Assist to help with parallel parking, that could be the big difference. Still, it will all come down to pricing.

And, after you buy your new Prius, be sure to add a Prius testimonial. And, if you aren't sure about Prius performance in the real world, again, check out Prius testimonials.

"94 percent of Prius owners would buy another Prius"

For more information on the Toyota Prius hybrid, Click here.

--Read More about the Toyota Prius on the Hybridcarblog, and Toyota Prius archives.

--Check out Consumer Reports Prius ratings.

2012 Prius

- 51/48 mpg city/hwy/ annual fuel costs $1200

- $24,760; TrueCar.com best price $24,366

- Top NHTSA safety pick

- The king of hybrid cars

-- Prius Accessories
-- Prius Competitors
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Prius Features
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Prius Packages
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Prius Specifications
-- Prius Test Drive

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Toyota Prius Testimonials

"Bought this Gen III after looking at the Ford Escape - fairly noisy, kinda cramped for a big guy & only 40" between the wheel wells (we'll get to this in a moment). Looked at the RAV4 but that's tiny, underpowered & noisy at freeway speeds - at the daughter's insistence, got in a Prius - man, what a little spaceship! Truly 'fly by wire' and nearly everything to keep track of is in the upper dash display or the nav center. And even though I don't drive for milage, it's in the upper 40's / low 50's - now I really don't care much whether the price of gas is 2.75 or 2.99 or 3.12 - I just fill it up with a smile! The interior room is pretty amazing - it doesn't look like there's that much but there is & more! And the back seats are just downright comfy - amazing! Oh, and about the wheel well width - we can cart around two Puli's (actually Pulick) in crates - I can do it in the Prius's 48" but not in the Ford's 40" - like I said - amazing! Never thought I'd be a stinkin' Prius owner… gotta love it!! Dave in Gilroy, CA"

(more Prius Reviews and Testimonials)

 
Toyota Prius Problems

Any issues with your Prius? Are the tires wearing out too quickly? Any radio problems?

If you've been having problems with your Toyota Prius, Report Your Prius Problems.

Hybrid Car Buyer's Guide

> Not sure if the Toyota Prius hybrid is the best vehicle for you? Use our hybrid buyer's guide. (more

Also> Robbed: Buying a hybrid car today

 

Hybrid Tax Credits

The Toyota Prius no longer qualifies for any tax credits.

Why You Should Buy a Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius provides outstanding fuel economy and incredible functionality, as well as long term value. While the Prius is a great car in all driving conditions, the Prius is an especially great buy for urban drivers as the Prius turns fuel economy-killing congestion into free energy.

And, as of November, Prius buyers were saving up to 9 percent off the sticker price.

More Prius Buyer Help

-- Consumer Reports Prius ratings
-- Buying versus leasing a Toyota Prius
-- Worth it to replace your hybrid’s battery?
-- Convert your Prius into a plug-in Prius -- CR – Old Toyota Prius hybrids still a good buy
-- Toyota Prius best in class buy according to Kiplinger
-- Toyota Prius retains value better than most according to study
-- Toyota predicts Prius to top Camry sales by 2020
-- Prius top compact according to JD Power
-- Consumer Reports: Prius a Best Value, Top green car
-- Prius: Consumer Reports 'Buy Again' Vehicle
-- Prius Greenest and a Best New Car Value according to Consumer Reports
-- Prius achieves over 55 mpg in city driving tests
-- Prius conversions: 24 miles of electricity for $20,000?
-- Prius is one of 5 best cars for your Money
-- Details on the Third Generation Toyota Prius


Hybrid Car Buyer's Club

Interested in buying a Toyota Prius hybrid car, or another hybrid?

>> Join the Revolution

 


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