Toyota’s funky hybrid steps deeper into the mainstream.

#6. The 2010 Prius offers a mixed bag in terms of ride and handling.

For a car with funky looks and that's perceived by many to be a four-wheeled appliance, the redesigned 2010 Prius is actually slightly fun to drive. No, we're not talking about sports-car dynamics here, but the suspension does a decent job of controlling body roll and the steering offers a nice heft at highway speeds, even as it fails to translate the road surface to the driver's hands. Prius pilots can feel comfortable along twisty roads while traveling at a moderate pace, something many may not expect from this boxy hybrid. Around town, there's nothing to complain about, and we were actually very pleased with the tight turning radius, making the Prius a snap to park. On the down side, the Prius's ride is a little on the stiff side, the steering requires a fair bit of correction on the highway, and the broad flanks make the Prius susceptible to strong cross winds. Visibility is another issue; the rear spoiler creates a barrier directly in the driver's line of sight, and since the rear wiper only clears the upper glass, the lower window can quickly become useless in foul-weather conditions.

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