2011 Toyota Prius

After a receiving a major redesign for the 2010 model year, the 2011 Toyota Prius (Base MSRP: $21,650 to $28,790) continues on with no changes this year. Review feedback suggests no changes are needed anyway; testers say that the Toyota Prius is still the best hybrid car available today. Experts laud the Prius for its exceptionally good fuel efficiency, rated at 50 mpg combined, as well as for its hatchback versatility, passenger comfort, pleasant ride and reasonable price. Some reviewers have noted that the interior quality wasn't as good as they were expecting. Its most direct competition, the 2011 Honda Insight ( Base MSRP: $18,200 to $21,490), is cheaper but is also considered less polished in terms of comfort and ride quality.

Still the fuel-efficiency king

The Prius is the most fuel-efficient car available today, not including electric vehicles, according to the EPA. The Prius full hybrid system delivers an EPA-estimated 51 mpg city/48 mpg highway/50 mpg combined fuel economy rating. The next most fuel efficient cars include the 42 mpg 2011 Lexus CT200h (Base MSRP: $29,120 to $30,900), 44 mpg 2012 Honda Civic Hybrid (Base MSRP: $24,050), and the 41 mpg 2011 Honda Insight ( Base MSRP: $18,200 to $21,490).

Excellent government and independent safety scores

The Prius gets good crash test ratings as well. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) gives the Prius a perfect 5 star rating for overall safety. Front crash protection and rollover resistance get a 4 star out of 5 ratings, while side impact protection gets the highest 5 star rating. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) names the Prius a 2011 Top Safety Pick, for scoring the top rating of  Good in its assortment of crash and roof-strength tests.

The Prius' standard safety equipment roster includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control and front, side, curtain and driver knee airbags. Pre-collision and lane-departure warning systems are optional.

See our full report on the identical 2010 Toyota Prius (Base MSRP: $21,400 to $28,070) for a detailed analysis of what reviewers have to say about the Prius, and why they consider it to be the best available hybrid.