The Toyota Prius is one of the best-selling hybrid cars on the market. It uses both an electric motor and a conventional gasoline engine to get moving. Prius. Hybrid car reviews report the availability of a 1.5-liter gas engine with four cylinders. Depending on the speed and power needs of the driver, the Prius uses gas power, electric power, or a combination of the two. For example, the Prius accelerates from a stop using the electric motor. Once it gets rolling, the gas engine takes over. When cruising at highway speeds, the gas engine is predominantly used, according to hybrid car reviews. When trying to pass another car, the electric motor will assist. During a coast or braking maneuver, the gas engine shuts off. The Toyota’s gas engine recharges the nickel metal-hydride battery pack while in motion, so it requires no external power source.

The Prius’s estimated EPA fuel economy comes in at a stingy 52 miles per gallon in the city and 45 miles per gallon on the highway. The unusual higher city rating is because of the electric motor usage during low speed and the gas engine being shut off while stopped. Toyota warrantees the Prius’s powertrain and battery pack for 8 years and 100,000 miles. This model comes with anti-lock brakes as standard equipment.

Hybrid car reviews show that the Prius has a good highway throttle response, better than many conventional sub-compacts. The transition between electric and gas power is almost seamless. In hybrid car reviews, the Prius accelerated from 0-60 miles per hour in about 12.3 seconds, which is comparable to the 2003 Honda Civic hybrid. When taken for a spin in hilly terrain, hybrid car reviews show that the Prius logged about 38.3 miles per gallon.

With a tall body and skinny tires, the Toyota Prius is at the mercy of crosswinds, and cornering has a limited grip with a pronounced body lean. However, the brakes work well and stop within an acceptable distance for emergency maneuvers. Inside, there is a video screen display that shows what power source you’re using, the fuel economy, and preset radio stations. Hybrid car reviews note that the display can be distracting, but it can also be turned off. There is ample head and leg-room for an average adult in the front, and entry and exit requires no special twisting or turning. However, the seats can grow uncomfortable during long-distance drives. The back seat is too small to accommodate any more than two adults in a comfortable manner. There is good leg room for a small car. The rear seat is not able to be folded down because of the location of the battery pack.

Hybrid car reviews sum up the Prius as a high-tech version of an economy car. The purpose of an economy car is to save money. The Prius is a little pricey for that, and it can take years before breaking even on fuel savings. But if saving the environment is a priority for you, the Prius is a solid choice.