subject: Chicago Toyota Prius Undergoes A 2010 Redesign [print this page] Toyota Prius has certainly lived up to its name by setting and bearing the standard for the company, this past year more than ever. The name Prius is Latin for "to go before" so it's appropriately named whether Toyota intended it to become a bestseller or not.
Chicago Toyota Prius dealers are excited about the redesign of the 2010 Prius. It has maintained its popularity for several years and through three generations and Toyota decided it was time for a facelift this year. It's still the four-door hatchback that will hold a family of five that runs on two electric motors and a 1.8-liter gasoline engine with 98 horsepower. Prius also features continuously variable transmission.
The new look for the Prius has a sculpted look but still keeps its familiar shape. Your Chicago used Toyota dealer is happy to see the interior was revamped, rearranging the console and the controls for the audio system and climate control are now buttons rather than a touch screen. However, those who prefer the more high-tech version can order it with the navigation system.
More headroom means the new Prius may appeal to a taller clientele and the enhanced fuel economy, now estimated at 50 mpg will appeal to everyone. The overall body style remains the same, with access to the more-than-adequate cargo space through a hatchback.
Reviews from the auto industry indicate that the Prius competes just as well or better than other brand hybrids. It also doesn't seem, despite media insistence that the buying public has lost confidence in Toyota due to the massive recalls, that customers have withdrawn their loyalty to the automaker or that recent sales have been affected. Chicago Toyota Prius buyers certainly have remained loyal.
For those shopping the pre-owned Prius market, the Prius model produced from 2004 to 2009 was a favorite as well and still offers many of the features and amenities of the new Prius. The horsepower is a bit lower at 76 with a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, but a bigger difference is the interior.
Customers of Chicago used Toyota dealers will find that the controls on the dash are more "Buck Rogers", which may be a preference for some, but others prefer to have some controls they can actually see rather than waiting for them to appear on the screen.
In 2006 Prius added a back-up camera, some interior leather and an auxiliary audio jack. A more upscale Touring model also got 16-inch alloy wheels a sport suspension and a bigger rear spoiler. That year side curtain airbags also were added to the standard features menu. In 2008 a "standard" trim level was added for a lower price, but did not include the heated mirrors or cruise control.
