Hybrid Vehicles Guide

Overview: The Prius is one of the original hybrids. When it first launched it was as good car with excellent mileage. As time passes and the car evolves, it’s only getting better. The latest Prius, though oddly shaped, is eco-friendly and super-capable. There will always be a place in our hearts for this little car.

Detail: If you’re looking for attention from your new car, you might be wasting your time buying a flashy sports car or a souped up luxury coupe. Those types of vehicles are a dime a dozen. A savvy individual might purchase a Prius- the car that everyone notices, yet no one knows what it is.

Initial Impression

My companion arrived in near silence behind the wheel of a black, 2007 Prius. The engine, which made nearly no noise, took its last breath as it was turned off for a brief moment. The car salesmen, with a confident gleam in his eye, asked if I wanted to go next.

Of course I did. Being the techno-geek that I am, I couldn’t wait to get my mitts on the steering wheel of a brand new hybrid. Closing the door with a satisfying “thunk”, I started the Prius. Nothing; no sound, no noise, nothing. I turn the key again just to make sure and, to my surprise (and the salesman’s horror), the engine makes the familiar sound of a starter trying to start an already running engine. With an embarrassing shrug of the shoulders, I steer the Prius back onto the road.

Driving the Prius

The Prius cruises along effortlessly, and the combination of electric and gasoline motor is perfect for the size of the vehicle. Awkwardly shaped, yes, but I’m told that it’s because the shape is more aerodynamic and allows the Prius to slip through the air. Less drag means less resistance on the engine, and that means less gas needs to be burned.

The continually variable transmission makes the ride extremely smooth, and I can’t even tell when I’m switching between gasoline and electric. I learn later that the Prius is capable of operating entirely on its electric motor, which may explain why I didn’t hear an engine for the majority of my drive.

The steering and handling of the Prius are acceptable, but what really stands out is the fuel efficiency- the Prius is capable of achieving well over 70 mpg I’m told, and my short 10 mile test drive was merely a drop in the bucket.

Conclusion

The Prius is an amazing machine that is worth every accolade and line of praise that it gets. The intricacy of the engine is amazing; yet driving the Prius yields an experience that is simple and effortless. Unless you would have told me, I would have had no idea that this vehicle was a hybrid.

And hey, I like how it looks.