If fuel economy is what you are looking for in a mid-size passenger car, it doesn't get any better than the 2011 Toyota Prius. With an EPA estimated combined fuel economy rating of 50 mpg, it is safe to say that you'll go pretty far on a single tank of gas. But what are some other things you need to be aware of? For starters, the Prius is rated as one of the cleanest vehicles available in the US based on smog forming and toxic emissions. This is addition to its well established position as the most fuel efficient car sold there. With that in mind, driving a Prius is an excellent choice for the environmentally conscious. But the Prius isn't just about the environment. It is also a very technologically advanced vehicle. There are a number of exciting features that you can opt in for such as Dynamic Cruise Control, Intelligent Park Assist, Pre-Collision, Voice Recognition, Bluetooth Phone, and much more. The Dynamic Cruise Control feature lets you maintain a set distance from traffic ahead of you while the Intelligent Park Assist makes parking a breeze. The Pre-Collision is another useful safety feature which can help you avoid unexpected clashes.

Performance wise, Toyota's patented Synergy Drive System allows the Prius to move at city speeds using electric power only. The Drive system uses the engine and regenerative braking to recharge and you can save a lot of gas when the batteries are sufficiently charged. Thanks to the Prius's continuously variable transmission and start/stop engine power, the Prius can keep going without having to be plugged in and can produce up to 134 hp. Another benefit to owning a Prius is that it does have a high resale value should you ever choose to sell it on.

An area where the Prius is not so impressive is its acceleration. It has been described by reviewers as "sluggish" and not for the adventurous. Despite that, however, it does manage to keep up with fast moving traffic. The Prius has also been criticized for not offering the most comfortable ride possible - it can be a bit stiff and fast lane changes can be tricky. Its unique look, while liked by some due to its futuristic nature, is not for everyone. In fact, if you prefer a hybrid that looks more like a conventional sedan we suggest you consider the Honda Civic Hybrid or Ford Fusion Hybrid. Another drawback is that the dashboard is not well lit nor arranged in the most intuitive way - it does take some getting used to.

Despite some limitations, our general feeling is that the Prius is an innovative, practical and, cost effective vehicle. It offers the perfect mix of fuel economy, performance, and technology all wrapped in a single package. Its engineering is of high quality and it is great for families with children, particularly those in urban areas. The fact that it has a high resale value is another plus; if you plan on selling it down the road, you may still be able to get a good price for it. With all that in mind, we definitely suggest you test drive one today!