The Prius hybrid was first sold in America in 2001. Three years later, Toyota introduced the second-generation Prius. And now, for 2010, the Prius has once again been redesigned, and Consumer Reports just tested it.
Toyota's made some changes with this third generation. It's still the most fuel-efficient car you can buy, getting 44 mpg overall, but it's tuned a bit differently. City mileage isn't as good, but highway mileage is better. The Prius now gets 32 mpg in the city and 55 mpg on the highway.
But wait! There's a new green on the scene—the Hybrid Ford Fusion. Consumer Reports says that although it's impressive, the Fusion's mileage isn't as high: 25 mpg in the city and 40 mpg on the highway. And the Ford Fusion Hybrid is more expensive, with a base price of more than $27,000. The Toyota Prius' base price is as low as $22,000.
So what does the Hybrid Fusion give you for the money? Consumer Reports says that it handles better, it's more comfortable, and it's actually enjoyable to drive. That's something you don't expect with a hybrid.
The Toyota Prius has consistently had excellent reliability. So have other front-wheel-drive versions of the Ford Fusion. So Consumer Reports expects that both of those hybrids will have very good reliability.
Bottom line: Consumer Reports says that both the new Toyota Prius and the Ford Fusion are good choices, if you want a hybrid for your next car.
