Part six of a six-part series on cool hybrids for 2008:
Toyota Prius — Base Price, $20,950; Safety Features, dual-front, front side and side curtain airbags; Fuel Mileage estimates, 45-48 mpg; Warranty, Bumper to Bumper, 3 years/36,000 miles; Powertrain, 8 years/100,000 miles; Corrosion, 5 years/unlimited miles.
It's not only the most popular hybrid, it's among the best-marketed and now among the country's top-10 best-selling cars.
And what did Toyota do with the Prius as the dominant hybrid on the market? It further slammed the competition by lowering the price.
The Prius is also among the industry's most deceiving offering. It looks small from the outside, but it's really a midsize sedan with a wondrous design.
In short, how does a angular-shaped body style provide so much room for passengers and cargo alike?
Spaciousness aside, the Prius has built its reputation as the country's most fuel-efficient hybrid, although its EPA mileage estimates have been lowered to just under 50 mpg in 2008. Still, it's common for owners to boast substantially higher average, particularly among those with primarily city driving routines.
The Prius can operate on electricity alone in combination with its four-cylinder engine. It's available in three body styles — standard, base and touring. The new standard model features 15-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry, full power accessories, tilt steering wheel, touchscreen controls, a hybrid system display and a six-speaker stereo with CD player. The base model adds cruise control, different wheels and heated side view mirrors. The Touring model adds a sportier suspension, 16-inch wheels and Xenon headlights.
The Prius' options list is extensive, with five distinct packages that combine rearview camera, keyless ignition, HomeLink, foglamps, an auto-dimming mirror, leather upholstery and steering wheel, auxiliary audio jack, MP3 playback, Bluetooth, a navigation system and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer. Satellite radio is also a dealer option.
A 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electronic motors, respectively, for the front wheels and as a generator to recharge the battery pack, power the Prius.
Regardless of electric or gas usage, however, the Prius, now in its third generation, is smooth and steady, although never peppy. It's also loaded with standard safety equipment: antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. Stability control is a package option.
Non Prius converts still scoff at the vehicle's unique look. But Toyota has little concern. From its humble worldwide debut in 2001, the Prius is now among the auto industry most talked products — with good reason.
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