New 2009 Toyota Prius

When it comes to fuel efficient cars, there are those that get decent fuel economy and there are those that get excellent fuel economy. Of all the cars that boast amazing fuel efficiency, the 2009 Toyota Prius is second-to-none and it isn’t even close.

Say goodbye to the fuel pump, save bundles of money and drive anywhere all the time. The Prius gets the best mileage with a jaw dropping 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Saving money and using less fuel is only one of the benefits of driving the Prius. Less gas equals fewer carbon dioxide emissions — four metric tons to be exact. That’s nearly half of the carbon dioxide emissions of the conservative Toyota Camry (7.3-8.0) and one-third of the Toyota Sequoia (12.2-13.1).

The Prius features Toyota’s Hybrid Synergy Drive, which combines an electric motor and a gasoline engine to maximize fuel efficiency. The 50-kilowatt, 500-volt electric motor powers the Prius up to 12 mph and turns off during stopping and coasting. The 1.5-liter, 76-horsepower four-cylinder gas engine is not the most powerful beast on the road, but very serviceable. The Prius is only available as a four-door hatchback and in three trims: Base, Standard and Touring.

Once inside, expect plenty of leg room with 96 cubic feet of passenger volume. The Prius seats up to five and has a standard 60/40-split rear bench.  Once inside the Prius, enjoy the standard power locks and windows, air conditioning, push-button start and remote keyless entry. For those who desire a touch of class, leather interior, cruise control, a voice-activated DVD-navigation system and a JBL audio system with Bluetooth connectivity are optional. If the unparalleled fuel efficiency wasn’t enough, the Prius qualifies as a car-pool lane accessible vehicle in many states — just another reason to go green.

When it comes to safety, the Prius offers a blend of standard and optional features. Antilock brakes with traction control, side-impact and side curtain airbags come standard, while an electronic stability system, security system and backup camera are optional.

Save money at the pump and do your part to fight global warming with the fuel-sipping 2009 Toyota Prius.