Thanks to data published by most automakers every month, it’s pretty easy to find out which cars sell the most. 

But before any cars are sold, which cars are the most researched by buyers? 

According to our own data, and some observations we’ve noted from the U.S. Department of Energy’s fueleconomy.gov website, we think the 2012 Toyota Prius is the most researched green car on the market today. 

To come to our conclusion, we examined our own page view data on hybrid car stories over the past few months.

On average, we’ve noticed Prius stories get more page views -- and remain popular for longer -- than non-Prius stories. 

To add to that, we’ve been tracking the ‘Most Viewed’ section of the fueleconomy.gov website for a few weeks. 

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

2012 Toyota Prius Plug-in Hybrid

Every time we’ve checked, it has listed the 2012 Toyota Prius in the number one slot, followed by the 2012 Hyundai Sonata, and more surprisingly, the 2012 Ford Focus Electric.

With an EPA combined gas mileage of 50 mpg and ‘real-world’ gas mileage reports from skilled hybrid drivers reaching figures in excess of 60 mpg, the latest incarnation of Toyota’s iconic hybrid is still the most efficient non plug-in car on the market.

In fact, thanks to the expansion of the Prius brand this year to include the 2012 Prius V wagon, 2012 Prius C subcompact hatch and 2012 Prius Plug-in Hybrid, the Prius brand is growing in popularity almost daily. 

We’ll admit: while examining the popularity of the 2012 Toyota Prius on two separate websites is neither scientific nor conclusive, our conclusion is backed by one big, undeniable fact. 

The Toyota Prius family is now the third-best selling car line in the world

If you’re in the market to buy a new car, and your search has led you here, then be sure to check out our Ultimate guides to the 2012 Toyota Prius, 2012 Toyota Prius V, and 2012 Toyota Prius C.

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