The Prius Hybrid was first sold in 2001. Three years later, Toyota introduced the second-generation Prius. And now, for 2010, the Prius has once again been redesigned.
Steve Bennett is one of more than 700,000 North Americans who has purchased a Prius.
"When we decided we wanted to get a hybrid, or at least seriously consider it, the word Prius came to mind. It was the one we were most familiar with."
Consumer Reports just tested the 2010 Prius. Toyota has made some changes with this third generation.
"It's still the most fuel-efficient car you can buy, getting 44 miles per gallon overall, but it's tuned a bit differently. City mileage isn't as good, but highway mileage is better," said Jon Linkov of Consumer Reports.
Fuel consumption ratings vary widely.
Transport Canada rates Prius' fuel economy at 3.8 liters per 100 kilometres.
The United States government rates it at 4.7 liters per 100 kilometres.
And Consumer Reports found it its testing the Prius used 5.3 liters per 100 kilometres.
And what about other hybrids? How does the hybrid Ford Fusion compare? While impressive, the fusions mileage isn't as high.
Transport Canada rates the fusion at 5.0 liters per 100 kilometres.
The U.S. government rates the same car at 6.0 liters.
And in Consumer Reports tests the fusion consumed 6.9 liters per 100 kilometers.
And the Ford Fusion hybrid is more expensive with a base price of $32,000.
The Toyota Prius' base price is $27,500. So what does the hybrid fusion give you for the money?
"It handles better. It's more comfortable, and the Fusion is actually enjoyable to drive. That's something you don't expect with a hybrid," Linkov said.
The Toyota Prius has consistently had excellent reliability. So have other front-wheel-drive versions of the Ford Fusion. So consumer reports expects that both these hybrids will have very good reliability
Bottom line: Consumer Reports says both the new Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion are good choices, if you want a hybrid for your next car.
