Toyota Prius Energy Monitor

Toyota’s 2010 Prius retained its title as Consumer Reports magazine’s top pick for eco-friendly vehicle two weeks after Toyota Motor Company recalled 437,000 hybrids to fix a brake software flaw.

The automaker’s $76,572 Lexus LS460L was named best overall vehicle among more than 280 autos tested for the list of best vehicle by product category. The Prius won best “green” car for the seventh year in a row.

The Consumer Reports rankings, widely used by car buyers, may help Toyota weather recalls now totaling more than 8 million vehicles and widening probes into its handling of the faults.

CR also named General Motors’ Chevrolet Traverse best sport-utility vehicle and Chevy Silverado top pickup. Nissan Motor had two “Top Picks,” the Altima sedan and Infiniti G37 sports sedan.

Other best vehicles included the Mazda5, Subaru Forester, Volkswagen GTI and Hyundai Elantra SE.

Toyota’s Highlander and RAV4 SUVs were dropped from the Top Pick list because the company suspended sales as part of the recalls.

In response to the Toyota recalls, Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, said that U.S. regulators should require simpler controls that allow drivers to turn off car engines in an emergency.

Technical experts at Consumer Reports found that in panic situations, vehicle controls such as ignition shut-offs may not operate the way drivers expect.

The ignition push-button on some Toyota’s such as the Prius is particularly complicated. It must be held three seconds for shut-off. Maybe a short course in how to start the car would be nice when you buy one.

Despite problem cars, Toyota has something to be happy about. In regards to the difficult ignition system on the Prius, I rented a Prius about a year ago. The car lived up, or more precisely, exceeded all expectations I had for it. I had to ask the rental attendant how to start it!
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