EARTHY CAR OF THE WEEK: 2010 Blue Toyota Prius

2010 Toyota Prius, Hatchback, Blue, 25217 mi, $24,900 http://ht.ly/54yey Mid-size, MPG = 51/48

This Toyota Prius is the newest vehicle on our lot – tied with this one.
It is the only 3rd generation Prius on our lot, out of the six Prius’s currently on our lot.

For those of you who don’t know, the Prius is a hybrid electric vehicle. It runs on a combination of gasoline and electric power. Ever since the disaster in Japan, Toyota Prius’s have been in short supply. We are one of the few dealerships in the area to carry a decent supply of Prius’s. Ours are the lowest priced.

It is the most fuel efficient vehicle on our lot – it can get up to 51 miles per gallon of gas, average 50! The 3rd generation Prius is close to being the most fuel efficient vehicle available in America. By far, it is the most fuel efficient electric hybrid vehicle (for info, see here, here, and here).

With rising gas prices, depleting oil resources and over-reliance on foreign oil, it is wise to get a fuel efficient vehicle if you want to save money and protect the environment. It’s best to get one that is a hybrid/electric vehicle. This is the best one out there.

--Isa R. Bufano, social media manager of Earthy Cars

FEATURES / SPECS:
Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota/prius/2010/prius-ii/features.html
http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota/prius/2010/prius-ii/specifications.html

MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/Spec_Glance.aspx?year=2010&make=Toyota&model=Prius&trimid=109216

AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Prius-2010-I__5dr_Hatchback/specs/
VIRTUAL TOUR:
Via MSN Autos

Via AOL Autos

USER REVIEWS:
via Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/toyota/prius/2010/reviews/;_ylt=AmpCXJ7wA.cngEUnQuIFJxKZQqJ4;_ylv=3?trimId=26631

via AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Prius-2010-I__5dr_Hatchback/user-reviews/

via MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/userreviews/reviewlist.aspx?modelid=13521

EXPERT REVIEWS:
CarConnection.com via Yahoo! Autos: http://autos.yahoo.com/2010_toyota_prius_prius_ii-reviews_expert/

NewCarTestDrive via AOL Autos: http://autos.aol.com/cars-Toyota-Prius-2010-I__5dr_Hatchback/expert-review/

Road & Track via MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/review.aspx?year=2010&make=Toyota&model=Prius&cp-documentid=1059209

Car & Driver via MSN Autos: http://autos.msn.com/research/vip/review.aspx?year=2010&make=Toyota&model=Prius&cp-documentid=1059955
OVERVIEW:
Vehix.com:
The new 2010 Toyota Prius is offered in five levels of equipment, denoted by Roman numerals. The least expensive model is the Prius I, but it’s well equipped with 15-inch alloy wheels, power side mirrors, power windows, power door locks with remote keyless entry, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, air conditioning, push-button ignition, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, and a CD player with an auxiliary audio input jack. The Prius I includes three different driving modes: Normal, Eco and Power.

“Toyota installs a comprehensive safety package in every Prius. Seven airbags, including a driver knee airbag, are on board to protect occupants in the event of a collision. Plus, the Toyota Star Safety System – ABS with electronic brake-force distribution, traction control, and stability control – is standard.”
MSN Autos:
“The 2010 Toyota Prius debuts the third-generation of the exclusive hybrid model with a more powerful 98-horsepower 1.8-liter Atkinson-cycle engine. Combined with the electric motor hybrid system, total output is 134 horsepower, a 24 horsepower improvement over the previous generation. Fuel economy is improved to an EPA estimated 51/48 city/hwy mpg and a combined 50 mpg. An electric water pump and a new exhaust gas recirculation system add to the engine’s efficiency. A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is standard with three different displays to provide information to the driver. The Hybrid Synergy Drive system is 90 percent new with a lighter transaxle, new inverter, 20 percent weight reduction and a new electronically-controlled regenerative braking system. Three driving modes are EV Mode on battery power alone at low speed, Power Mode with increased throttle response and Eco Mode for best fuel efficiency.”

AOL Autos:
“The Toyota Prius is completely redesigned for 2010, with fresh exterior and interior styling, more cabin room, and upgraded standard and optional equipment. A larger 1.8-liter engine with three selectable drive modes debuts, providing more power without compromising fuel efficiency, while safety is enhanced with a new driver's knee airbag and standard vehicle stability control for all trim levels.”

VIDEOS:
REVIEW VIA YAHOO! AUTOS:

VEHICLE PROFILE VIA YAHOO! AUTOS:

TEST DRIVE VIA AOL AUTOS:

EARTHY CARS VIDEO: