ReIntroducing the 2011 Toyota Prius

Driving a hybrid car is a great way to help the environment and save money on gas. There are now many vehicles to choose from and shopping for one can be tedious if you don't know what to look for. In this article, we will look at a car that's become synonymous with hybrid cars and has consistently been the world best selling hybrid sedan. This vehicle is none other than the 2011 Toyota Prius.

The Toyota Prius is such a dominant player in the hybrid car segment that is difficult to even think of a hybrid without the Prius being the first thing that jumps into your mind. It is also hard to think about fuel efficiency without thinking of the Prius; after all, its combined fuel economy of 50 mpg is yet to be overtaken by any other hybrid sedan on the market today such as the Ford Fusion Hybrid, Nissan Altima Hybrid, Honda Insight, and many others. And its status as the best selling hybrid in the world and the most fuel efficient hybrid in North America remains well intact. As such, if fuel economy is what's most important to you, I would definitely recommend the Prius over the Ford Fusion Hybrid or any other hybrid for that matter.

But aside from fuel economy, what are some other areas you should keep in mind? For starters, the Prius's unique and futuristic styling is not for everyone. There are some who love it but others hate it. Also, if it's power you are after, the Ford Fusion Hybrid may be a better bet. The Fusion Hybrid comes with a more powerful 2.5 L, 156 horsepower engine compared to the Prius's 1.8 L, 134 horsepower engine. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just over 8 seconds whereas the Prius takes 9.2 seconds. Moreover, the fact that it can travel at 47 mph on electric power alone is quite impressive. Reports also suggest that the Fusion Hybrid offers a smoother and more comfortable ride than the Prius - sudden turns and lane changes can be a bit tricky with the Prius.

In terms of features and options, the Prius is quite rich. It is probably more high tech than its counterparts and offers many advanced features that one can opt in for including an Advanced Guidance Parking System, Lane Keep Assist, and Pre-Collision System. The dashboard does take some getting used to, however. The Prius's starting base price of $21,995 is also quite competitive and well below the Fusion Hybrid's $28,100. Of course, the final price will depend on the trim and options you opt in for.

We hope you enjoyed our review of the 2011 Toyota Prius and hope it helps you in your car shopping. No matter which vehicle you pick, kudos to you for considering a hybrid. Happy hunting and have a safe and enjoyable driving experience!