10 Things You Should Know About the 2010 Toyota Prius
Toyota’s funky hybrid steps deeper into the mainstream.
by Thom Blackett
Introduction
For as long as we can remember, words like "efficient" and "green" went hand-in-hand with "sacrifice." To be efficient you'd certainly have to get by with less, and to be green you'd often need to dig deeper into your wallet. Yes, those fancy light bulbs were shockingly expensive, but they operated on less energy. In terms of cars, green and efficient ran the gamut from low-priced but performance-deficient econoboxes to similarly performance-deficient but high-priced hybrids. Over time, the so-called Green Movement assimilated into the mainstream, and hybrid vehicles morphed into more traditional cars, trucks and SUVs that appealed to a broader variety of drivers. The 2010 Toyota Prius is a prime example. Though its styling still distinguishes it from your everyday family sedan, this hybrid delivers comfort, utility, features, and affordability on par with its gasoline-powered competitors, yet it continues to outclass its rivals with superior fuel economy. Performance could still use a boost, but overall, the new Prius is more about what you get than what you don't.