Posts Tagged ‘Car Dealer Portland’

Ten years ago, earth-conscious (and money-conscious) buyers didn’t have much of a choice when it came to vehicles: they could drive a Prius or nothing at all. Toyota pioneered green technology, and for years it was the only automaker that saw hybrids as worthy of production. By now the Prius isn’t only one of the most popular vehicles in the world; it’s paved the way for dozens of other green cars to enter the market. One of the most significant newcomers is the Chevy Volt, which claims owners can achieve hundreds of MPG in fuel efficiency. But is that right? We at Gresham Toyota decided to draw up some comparisons between the cars and let you decide which is best.

Fuel Economy

The Toyota Prius has been tested endlessly over the past decade, and can easily claim an EPA score of 50 MPG. Because it relies on both a gasoline engine and an electric battery, that number never changes. The Volt, on the other hand, with a full charge can drive for 30 miles in warm weather without burning a drop of fuel. Once that battery dries up, the gasoline engine also kicks in, which achieves 37 MPG.

The winner: it depends. On a road trip, a Prius will use exponentially less fuel. If Volt owners only drive 20-30 miles a day and charge their engines for ten hours every night, they won’t use any gas, but will see a hefty increase in their electric bill.

Interior Space

This category isn’t really a competition. The Chevy Volt can only hold four occupants, and it’s reported to feel much more cramped than the five-seated Toyota Prius.

The winner: Prius.

Dependability

When the Prius first emerged, detractors said it would never last; that the hybrid engine would break down in just a few years. Over a decade later, it remains a strong, dependable vehicle. Because the Volt is only one year old, no one knows how its engine and performance will hold up over time.

The winner: inconclusive. People who need to know their investment will last should choose a Prius.

Cost

Flagship models are never cheap, and the least-expensive version of the Volt still costs about $40,000. Even a fully-loaded Prius costs around $10,000 less. As production methods streamline and technology becomes more available, the price of the Volt may drop, but for now, picking Toyota will save you thousands.

The winner: Prius.

Results

Though the concept of an all-electric car is great, the Volt just doesn’t compare to the Prius. It was the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, and it continues to reign as the most affordable, dependable, and fuel-efficient car on the market.

Looking for your own dependable Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!

From Scion fanatics and Toyota loyalists to lovers of every car under the sun, we’re privileged to serve some of the best customers on the planet. The entire staff at Gresham Toyota is so grateful for your business!

Thank you for coming in, Julie! Have a blast with that 2012 Toyota Rav4!

It looks like you and the family are already enjoying that 2012 Toyota Corolla, Sue! Thanks for choosing Gresham.

Thanks for coming in, David. We love that excitement about your new 2012 Scion TC!

Royce, we hope you and your daughter keep loving this 2003 Chevy Avalanche!

Thanks, Tom and Kristin! Enjoy the open road in your new 2011 RAV4!

Becca, you’re a hoot. Keep having fun with that 2012 Corolla LE!

So great to meet you, Ryan! Have a blast with that 2003 Mitsubishi Eclipse.

Looking for your own dependable Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!

In 1997, the Prius emerged in Japan as the world’s first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. Not many years later, it entered the American markets and immediately became a staple of the road. Toyota has since remained a leader in fuel efficiency. Developing hybrid versions of many popular models and a plug-in Prius,  Toyota engineers have always been at the forefront of technology—and they show no signs of stopping. Toyota partnered with BMW last December to use fuel-savvy diesel engines in Europe, and now they’ve revealed another phase of that partnership: lithium-ion battery research.

Lithium-ion batteries are the core of electric engines. They increase the fuel efficiency of hybrids and allow some vehicles to operate without an ounce of gas. Electric engines have made huge strides since 1997, and now Toyota wants to push the limits even further. By collaborating with BMW, the size of their think tank and scientific force has doubled. Because the initiative has only been announced, no details have surfaced. Whatever Toyota and BMW are planning, it is likely to be a technological leap in fuel efficiency for hybrid and all-electric vehicles.

This isn’t the first electric-research collaboration Toyota has made, and it probably won’t be the last. In 2011 the company used research from Tesla to build an all-electric RAV4. The results of the BMW battery-research may be equally as momentous. At any rate, it’s a demonstration of Toyota’s continued commitment to fuel efficiency. As gas prices and environmental concerns continue to dominate public conversation, that’s a commitment any car buyer can appreciate!

Looking for your own electric-powered hybrid or other own fuel-efficient Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!

Source: Motortrend.com

We’re grateful we get to post these so often, because it means we’ve got an amazing group of customers. Everyone, Gresham Toyota loved serving you all!

We're thrilled we got to meet you, Rosemary and Garrett. Enjoy that 2012 Corolla!

Thanks, Chad, for choosing Gresham to find your new 2012 Tacoma!

We're so glad you came in, Donna, and we're sure you're going to love that 2012 Highlander!

That's a great-looking vehicle for a great customer. We hope you're enjoying your 2012 Scion XD, Barry!

We're sure you're going to love that rugged 2012 FJ Cruiser, Stacey. Have fun!!

Matt and Shasta, we're so glad you chose Gresham Toyota for your next truck. That 2007 Tundra looks great!

Looking for your own dependable Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!

If you’re looking for a great and affordable pre-owned Toyota, our selection at Gresham Toyota can’t be beat. It’s a joy to outfit our customers with the best car for their needs. Browse online or just come on in for a pressure-free test drive today!

2010 Toyota Camry, $18,000

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser S, $26,000

2004 Toyota Sequoia Limited, $19,000

2011 Toyota Tacoma, $27,500

2010 Toyota Highlander Limited, $36,000

Looking for another great Toyota car, truck or SUV? Check out our selection of new and used vehicles on our website 24/7 @greshamtoyota.com!