2001ToyotaPriusToyota Prius2001 Toyota Prius Base SedanSedanSedanFWDJapanToyota's Prius, a gas/electric hybrid that follows in the more-expensive Honda Insight's footsteps, offers space for five adults coupled with class-leading fuel economy.Environmentally sound sedan, competitive price, full load of equipment, excellent warranty coverage.Funky styling, weak performance compared to gas-engine cars, technology doesn't come cheap.Commend Toyota for taking the gasoline/electric hybrid one step further than Honda did when it released the two-seat Insight last year. The new Prius, though it gives up ultimate fuel economy for increased utility, holds five passengers and a good bit of cargo, meaning it functions as a useable family car. On sale in Japan since 1997, Toyota is keen on pointing out that Prius, and not Insight, was the first mass-produced gas/electric hybrid vehicle in the world. The company held off on introducing the model to U.S. customers until it could gauge consumer interest and boost power levels. An all-aluminum 1.5-liter gasoline engine makes 70 horsepower at 4,500 rpm, 12 more than Japan-market models. Torque is less than robust, measuring a meager 82 foot-pounds at a rather high 4,200 rpm. Variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) helps maximize engine efficiency while minimizing emissions, and power is put to the ground via a continuously variable transmission driving the front wheels. With a curb weight of 2,765 pounds, we're thinking Prius is for use primarily in the city and not for blitzkrieg runs to Vegas. Like the engine, the sealed nickel-metal hydride battery pack powering the supplementary electric motor has been boosted 20 percent to 25 kilowatts (kW), resulting in 34 supplementary horsepower. Lighter than Japan-market batteries, U.S. spec power packs are also smaller, providing increased cargo area in the trunk, amounting to 11.8 cubic feet of space. Regenerative antilock brakes recharge the battery pack with each use, and if the electrical power completely depletes, the gas engine will help energize them. Driven with care, Prius will achieve 52 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway while meeting SULEV emissions standards, according to the EPA. With its 11.9-gallon gas tank, that gives the car a maximum city range of just over 600 miles. A single model is available, loaded with amenities like air conditioning, remote keyless entry, cassette stereo, power windows/locks/mirrors, height-adjustable front seats, and 14-inch alloy wheels. Options are available, most notably side air bags and a CD player. Gauges and controls are located in the center of the dashboard, like in Toyota's goofy Echo subcompact, to make Prius easy to configure for multiple world markets. Thanks to a tall stance, seating is upright with plenty of head- and foot room. Toyota likes to refer to Prius as a "real car," intimating that Honda's hybrid Insight is not a real car. If the definition of "real" is capacity for more than two people and 10 cubic feet of stuff, then they're not fibbing. Whatever the case may be, it is obvious that hybrids are meeting with acceptance in the court of public opinion. Like Insight, Prius offers a viable alternative to gasoline power plants without the limitations posed by electric-only cars like the GM EV1. If your blood runs green and not red, drop by your local Toyota dealer for a test drive. Ford FocusHonda InsightMitsubishi MirageNissan Altima336,000560,000336,0005Unlimited12.8 sec.135 ft.NA41.5 litersInline70 hp @ 4500 rpm82 ft-lbs. @ 4200 rpm169.6 in.66.7 in.57.6 in.2765 lbs.100.4 in.38.8 in.37.1 in.52.8 in.52.2 in.50.7 in.51.9 in.41.2 in.35.4 in.11.8 cu.ft.StandardStandardNot AvailableStandardNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested11.9 gal.52 mpg / 45 mpg619 mi. / 536 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$18,793$19,9957.35%$455N/A3% of the Base InvoicePRIUS: 1.5L I4 DOHC SMPI 16-valve engine with variable valve timing, requires 91-or-greater octane fuel; single-speed electronically controlled Continuously Variable Transmission; front-wheel drive, 3.91 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust; front independent strut suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, rear independent torsion suspension with anti-roll bar, rear torsion springs; rack-and-pinion power steering; front disc/rear drum brakes with 4-wheel antilock brakes; 11.9 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with black rub strip, rear wing spoiler; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with daytime running lights; driver's and passenger's power remote body-colored outside mirrors; 14" x 5.5" silver alloy wheels; P175/65SR14 BSW A/S tires; compact steel spare wheel; air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts; AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, 4 speakers, integratedroof antenna; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, remote fuel door release, remote trunk release, child-safety rear door locks; power accessory outlet, front lighter element, driver's foot rest, smokers' package; digital instrumentation includes exterior temp, systems monitor, display trip odometer; warning indicators include oil pressure, water temp, battery, lights on, door ajar; driver's and passenger's front airbags; security system includes ignition disable and panic alarm; tinted windows, power front and rear windows, driver's 1-touch down function; variable-speed intermittent front windshield wipers, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 5, front bucket seats with adjustable headrests, center armrest with storage, driver's and passenger's seats include 6-way adjustment; 60/40 folding rear bench seat with adjustable headrests; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; cloth seats, cloth door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpetfloor covering; interior lights include front reading light, illuminated entry, dome light with delay; steering wheel with tilt adjustment; vanity mirrors; day/night rearview mirror; partial floor console, glove box, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel bin, driver's and passenger's door bins, seatback storage pockets, front underseat tray; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; black grille, black front windshield molding, black side and rear window moldings, body-colored door handles.