The third-generation Toyota Prius will hit the dealerships this spring. The model year 2010 vehicle was revealed at the 2009 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit to much fanfare. Last week, Toyota announced the Environmental Protection Agency’s fuel efficiency rating for the vehicle – 50 mpg combined. This keeps the Prius at the top of the hybrid vehicle list.

“The midsize third-generation 2010 Prius will offer even better mileage ratings, enhanced performance, and innovative design features. It will be quieter, roomier, and equipped with advanced standard and available features such as a moonroof with solar panels, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA) and steering wheel touch controls that display on the instrument panel.” (Source: Toyota)

The 2010 Toyota Prius has an EPA estimated 49 mpg fuel efficiency rating on the highway and 50 mpg in the city. This is 4 mpg better than the second-generation Prius.

Although these numbers are great, Toyota has joined the majority of auto manufacturers around the world in posting double-digit declines in U.S. sales. In February 2009, Toyota Motor Sales’ posted a nearly 40% decline in sales when compared to February 2008. Looking specifically at the Prius, 30.8% fewer Prius’ were sold in February 2009 when compared to the same month in 2008.

Despite the great fuel efficiency rating and updated features on the third generation Prius, it is unlikely that the vehicle will help turn around Toyota’s sales figures. Gas is still lower than $2/gallon in most areas of the country and unfortunately, many people look at the financial bottom line as opposed to the environmental bottom line when making a new car purchase.

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Yesterday, Consumer Reports announced that the Toyota Prius Touring edition was their choice for best overall value. Later in the day, the Prius was named as one of the most reliable used cars by the magazine.

“Value-minded consumers know that buying a reliable used car is often the best choice, but that finding one takes research. To help simplify the process, Consumer Reports has identified the most and least reliable used cars for 10 years - from model years 1999 to 2008 - in the magazine’s 2009 Annual Auto Issue. Reliability data was compiled from the magazine’s Annual Auto Survey, which generated responses about more than 1.4 million new and used vehicles.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The Toyota Prius was listed as one of the best used car values in the family car class. The Prius was the only hybrid to show up in the top five in the small car, family car, minivan, small SUV and midsize to large SUV classes.

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Bucking the idea that hybrid vehicles are more expensive to repair and thus not a good value, Consumer Reports has named the Toyota Prius Touring model as the new car with the best value. Notice, I didn’t see “best new hybrid car” – the Prius topped the list of over 300 cars that the magazine looked at.

“To determine which cars are the best values, Consumer Reports looks at its overall road-test scores, five-year owner-cost estimates, and predicted reliability ratings for more than 300 recently tested vehicles. CR then divided each vehicle’s five-year owner-cost by its overall road-test score to get the cost of each test-score point — the lower the cost-per-point, the better the value. To ensure the vehicles named as best values were also models that held up well over time, choices were limited to those with above-average predicted reliability ratings. Consumer Reports’ owner-cost estimates are based on six major elements: depreciation, fuel economy, insurance, interest on financing, maintenance and repair, and sales tax.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The fuel efficient MINI Cooper came in 2nd place while the Honda Fit squeaked into the top five in the fifth position. The Smart ForTwo, which is a reasonably priced fuel-efficient vehicle actually scored rather poorly in the Consumer Reports rating and was one of the worst in the small/family car category.

The 2009 Annual Auto Issue will be available on newsstands next week.

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The third generation Toyota Prius, available beginning in model year 2010, made its world debut at the 2009 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. The vehicle is on its way to Europe for its European debut at the Geneva International Motor Show, which begins in just a few weeks.

The Prius will be part of the show’s focus on alternative fuel vehicles. The 2009 Geneva show has dedicated Hall 3 to green motoring. Other eco-friendly vehicle news expected from the show include the reveal of the Mitsubishi iMiEV Sport Air Concept, an E85 Bentley and the European debut of the Fisker Karma S.

Toyota also has another surprise in store during the Geneva Show, a “world-reveal of a new European-built model at an international media reception hosted by Toyota the evening before the Geneva motor show press day.” (Source: Newspress)

This year will mark the 79th anniversary of the Geneva International Motor Show; the show will run from March 5-15.

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Toyota has announced the prices for its 2010 Toyota Camry lineup, including the Camry Hybrid sedan. The base model Camry starts at $19,395 and the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid has an MSRP of $26,150. This is $281 more than the 2009 Camry Hybrid.

“The Camry Hybrid, equipped with Toyota’s industry-leading Hybrid Synergy Drive and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) has EPA fuel economy estimates of 34 mpg highway, 33 mpg city and 34 mpg combined.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid will be available at your local Toyota dealer beginning next month.

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Even though the Chrysler Town & Country EV is only a concept, you can still find some minivans that have a smaller environmental impact than others do. Last year, the Toyota Sienna topped the list of Greenest Minivans of 2008. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) has published its list of the top rated minivans for 2009 and the Toyota Sienna tops the list again.

The Toyota Sienna meets both the Tier 2 bin 5 and ULEV II Emission Standards and has a 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway rating. The overall Green Score of the vehicle is 32 and the class ranking is Superior. The average vehicle looked at by ACEEE scores a 30 with the highest ranked vehicle scoring in the 50s and the lowest in the teens. The Sienna is above average for this year.

The second place vehicle is the Honda Odyssey with a Green Score of 31. Last year, the Odyssey was in third place with the same Green Score.

The Chrysler Town & Country dropped down a spot to number three for this year with a Green Score of 31 and an above average class ranking. The other two minivans to make the list are the Dodge Caravan (Green Score: 31) and the Nissan Quest (Green Score: 32).

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Filed Under: Chrysler, Dodge, honda, nissan, toyota

As I said in my previous post, there seems to be many “car of the year” press releases coming out lately. The trend continues with MotherProof.com including a hybrid category in its Family Car of the Year awards. The 2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid was named as the Family Hybrid of the Year and the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid was given an honorable mention.

“Mama Says: The Hi-Hy’s plentiful cargo space gave us the biggest thrill. For an SUV that doesn’t look or feel big, this baby can pack a lot in (including hybrid technology). We have an ongoing quandary because we don’t love huge cars, but a teeny car just doesn’t cut it anymore. The Hi-Hy fit all our family gear with room to spare.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The 2009 Highlander Hybrid has 27 mpg city and 25 mph highway EPA mileage estimates and a $34,700 MSRP.

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There seems to be quite a few “Car of the Year” awards cropping up lately; yesterday the Cars.com website threw its name into the hat with the naming of the recipients of its 2009 Lifestyle Awards. Keeping with the trend towards recognizing hybrid vehicles, the website included a Green Car of the Year category and the 2009 Toyota Prius was named the winner.

“Chances are, if you ask someone to name a hybrid car they’re going to mention the Toyota Prius. The hybrid hatchback has become a phenomenon among regular folks and celebrities alike thanks to its green credentials. With industry-best gas mileage of 48/45 mpg city/highway, a distinctive design and competitive pricing, the Prius is the clear choice for someone looking to have less of an impact on the environment, or just to save money at the gas pump. The Prius isn’t only about gas mileage, though, as there’s enough room for four people to ride in comfort, plus a sizable 14.4-cubic-foot cargo area. It also comes with important safety features, like standard side curtain airbags. One way to gauge the success of a car is by its buyers’ devotion to it. Using this measuring stick, the Prius is a grand slam — and that’s a big part of why it’s our winner.” (Source: PR Newswire)

Just a few days ago, the 2009 Toyota Prius was listed in the number two spot on NADAguides.com’s best hybrid buys for 2009.

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Today, NADAguides.com released its list of “Best Car Buys” for 2009 and hybrids are included on the list (amidst some major gas-guzzlers.)

“The NADAguides.com Market Data Analysts (MDAs) conducted an in-depth study to identify the criteria that matter most to consumers when considering their next car purchase. If the car received high marks in each of the top five categories, it was recognized as a NADAguides.com “Best Car Buys” for 2009.” (Source: PR Newswire)

The number one hybrid best buy for 2009 is the Honda Civic Hybrid sedan. Are you surprised that it isn’t the Toyota Prius? I know that I am. The Honda Civic Hybrid is, indeed, a great buy and deserves the number one spot but I am used to the Prius always topping these lists. The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid has an MSRP of $23,650, a 42 mpg rating, an average 16% depreciation in the first year, a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty and a 5-star frontal driver crash rating.

The number two-spot belongs to the aforementioned 2009 Toyota Prius. The Prius has an MSRP of $22,000 and gets 47 mpg, which is better than the Honda. However, Prius owners experience an average 27% depreciation during the first year and the car only received a 4-star frontal driver crash rating. After one year, your $22,000 Prius will be worth about $16,060. I say wait a year and buy a 2009 model when the third generation Prius comes out next year.

The Toyota Camry Hybrid comes in as the third hybrid best buy for 2009. The vehicle is a bit pricier with an MSRP of $26,150 and only gets approximately 33 mpg. Unlike the Prius, the average depreciation is only 12% and the vehicle has a 5-star frontal driver crash rating.

Despite dealing with some troubling times lately, General Motors has two vehicles on the top five hybrid list. In fourth place is the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid with an MSRP of $25,555, a 30 mpg rating and a 20% depreciation during the first year.

The 2009 Saturn Aura Hybrid is the last hybrid to make the list. In the number five position, the Aura Hybrid has an MSRP of $26,240, averages 30 mpg but has a whopping 31% depreciation in the first year. Both the Malibu and the Aura Hybrids have received 5-star frontal driver crash ratings.

If you are in the market for a 2009 hybrid, consider the NADAguides.com ratings when making your decision.

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Although the Toyota Yaris is not a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle, I write about it from time-to-time, as it is one of the more fuel-efficient cars available in the U.S. Yesterday, Toyota announced a safety recall affecting nearly 135,000 Toyota Yaris’ sold in the United States.

“The Yaris is equipped with driver and front passenger seat belt pretensioners that retract the seat belts to begin absorbing the occupant’s forward momentum when a severe frontal impact is detected. On 2006 through 2007 model year Yaris, Toyota has determined that the seat belt pretensioner deployment may affect the sound insulating foam in the center pillar, following a collision.

There are no reported cases of this condition in the United States and no other Toyota or Lexus vehicles are involved.

Toyota will inform owners of the involved vehicles with a Safety Recall notification via first-class mail beginning in early February. Owners are requested to contact their local Toyota dealer for repair. The repair will take approximately one hour, depending on the dealer’s workload.” (Source: PR Newswire)

If you are the owner of a Yaris, you can wait for your letter or contact your local Toyota dealership to make an appointment. If you have any further questions, please call the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

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