The Prius is the most fuel-efficient car on the US market and is a good option for families, singles, city or country-dwellers, and environmentally-conscious drivers.

The Toyota Prius is a unique vehicle. The aerodynamic styling simplifies the car's lines, giving it an individuality while managing to avoid the "weird factor" that characterizes many innovative designs. The Prius is the most fuel efficient vehicle currently on the US market and is the only hybrid with the now-popular hatchback car style.

The interior is surprisingly roomy, both in terms of storage capacity (the back seats flip down in a convenient 60/40 split), front seat head space, and rear seat leg room. In fact, the back seats are some of the most comfortable ones out there. Despite all this interior space, the Prius will fit nicely into compact city parking spaces.

A plethora of gadgets in the front seat are sure to make the new hybrid driver smile. An electronic power push button, not a key, starts the car. It takes a minute for the gas engine to kick in, but the car is running even while it is (sometime eerily) silent. A digital speedometer is only visible to the driver. A touch-screen computer in the center console allows the driver to see where the car's energy is coming from, view mileage estimates, and other fun gadgets. For a costly upgrade, the touch screen will also operate a built-in GPS system. But don't worry - the screen locks down while the car is moving to keep the driver watching the road, not playing with his toys.

The Prius isn't perfect. The rear visibility is atrocious; a built-in backup camera on most models (that you watch on the console computer) compensates for this flaw for the most part. The front seats are comfortable, but not exceptionally so. The dashboard is not anything special. When compared to all the benefits of the Prius, however, these nit-picking complaints are unimportant.

Potential Buyers

Everyone from soccer moms to business people to eco-hippies to Brad Pitt seem to like the Prius. It is a practical family vehicle, an environmentally-friendly lifestyle choice, and a frequent celebrity favorite. New car buyers with major budget restrictions may have to pass up the hybrid. While it is reasonably priced, it is not a low-end vehicle.

Selected Specs

Mileage - 48 (city) / 46 (highway)

Fuel Tank - 11.9 gallons

Ignition - Electronic (no key necessary)

Turning Circle - 34.1 ft.

Brakes - Power-assisted ventilated front disk and rear drum with ABS

Height - 58.7 in.

Width - 67.9 in.

Length - 175.0 in.

Wheel Base - 106.3 in

Coefficient of drag - 0.26

Ground Clearance - 5.6 in.

Front Seat Head Room - 39.1 in.

Curb Weight - 2,932 lbs

Seating Capacity - 5

Luggage capacity - 14.4 cubic ft.

Price

Toyota advertises the Prius with a starting price of $21,100. However, buyers can only snag that price if they live in California, or are willing to travel there to make their purchase. Everyone outside Southern California will have to pay roughly $23,000. It may be possible to cut a few corners to lower the price, but the likelihood of getting a great bargain on a new Prius is low because the car is in such high demand.

However, consider fuel savings when pricing this car. A rough estimate reveals that 7-8 years of driving will compensate for the higher price, and everything after that is pure savings.

Competitive Car Models

Toyota Camry Hybrid - Safe and reliable, the Camry is a staple of US family cars. The hybrid Camry doesn't get comparable mpg to the Prius, but it's still a solid hybrid option.

Honda Civic Hybrid - At 40 (city) / 45 (highway) mpg, the Civic is slightly less fuel-efficent than the Prius. It is also less roomy and only slightly less in price. However, those who don't like the different looks of Prius or who is on a tight budget may want to settle for the Civic.

Mini Cooper - Though not a hybrid, the Mini Cooper's 35 mpg is admirable for a non-hybrid. Its base price of $18,700 is lower than the Prius. While the size is not as practical families or as a primary car, the hatchback increases utility as with the Prius.

Scion XB - The Scion may not have the stellar mpg of any of these cars (22 city/28 highway), but it is Toyota's other attempt at attracting younger car buyers (a group that has often been interested in hybrids). Its comfortable interior and unique exterior make it another winner from Toyota.

The Prius is the leader of fuel savings in the current US market. Now in its 8th year, it has proved to be a reliable car with a battery that won't need replacing. For those who want a distinctive, environmentally-friendly car, it just might be the best pick.