World's Best Cars of The Year Award 2005 - Winner - Toyota Prius

Winner - Toyota Prius

Review
As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its third generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.

The Toyota Prius (its name comes from Latin and means "to go before") exists as a partial solution to the automobile's problem of tailpipe emissions. The Prius, like other hybrid vehicles, has a special powertrain that combines a gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine with an electric motor. This powertrain, along with other advanced features, allows the Prius to deliver higher fuel economy and lower emissions compared to regular cars.

Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. So far, it seems Toyota's reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. Early concerns about long-term durability have turned out to be mostly unfounded. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

Specification
Toyota Prius Base Hatchback Performance & Efficiency Standard Features
- 1,497 cc 1.5 liters in-line 4 front engine with 75 mm bore, 84.6 mm stroke, 13 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder 1NZ-FXE
- Electric fuel with additional unleaded 87
- Fuel economy EPA highway (mpg): 51 and EPA city (mpg): 60
- Multi-point injection fuel system
- 11.9 gallon main unleaded fuel tank
- Power: 50 kW , 67 HP SAE @ 1,200 rpm; 295 ft lb , 400 Nm @ 0 rpm
- Secondary power: maximum power (kw): 57, maximum power (hp): 76, maximum torque (ft lb): 82 and maximum torque (nm): 111

Toyota Prius Base Hatchback Handling, Ride & Braking Standard Features
- Four-wheel ABS
- Brake assist system
- Two disc brakes including two ventilated discs
- Electronic brake distribution
- Electronic traction control via ABS & engine management
- Immobilizer
- Spacesaver steel rim internal spare wheel
- Strut front suspension independent with stabilizer bar and coil springs , torsion beam rear suspension rigid with stabilizer bar and coil springs

Read more: http://www.motortrend.com/cars/2005/toyota/prius/specifications/index.html#ixzz0cPGJhYBd