The Toyota Prius is the leader in the gas-electric hybrid vehicle segment not only here in the United States but in the entire world. It's simply the #1 selling hybrid car at home as well as abroad. While other carmakers have recently jumped on the hybrid bandwagon, the Prius has been in production for 11 years.

The key to the Prius' success is its exceptional fuel efficiency while still maintaining the level of performance and comfort expected of a conventional 4-cylinder car. The Prius can go from 0-to-60 mph in about 10 seconds. And the gas mileage ratings for the Prius, 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, are the best for any midsize car available in the U.S..

The car's computer-controlled powertrain optimizes the power contributions from the gasoline engine, the electric drive motor and the generator depending upon driving conditions. The powertrain blending is so seamless that drivers and passengers usually do not feel the changing operational modes ...