It's the car that started it all. Back in 1997, Toyota introduced the original Prius, which was the first ever mass-produced hybrid-electric vehicle. When Toyota introduced the first Prius ago, it was venturing into uncharted territories. The journey into the unknown was rewarded with Toyota's supremacy in hybrid vehicles today, as well as bragging rights to the best-selling gas-electric hybrid vehicle in the world. For the most part, Toyota is still building upon the basic Prius concept. The car still has a quirky hatch-back design, its still powered by relatively basic nickel-metal hydride batteries, and performance numbers will likely discourage enthusiasts.

But there are a number of solid improvements and clever new features that will serve to bolster the car's following and potentially lure new customers. These include a moonroof with solar panals, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls. A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is also standard.

The first-generation Prius was rated 41 EPA mpg, and the second-generation model pushed that figure to 46 mpg. The 2010 model marks another significant incremental improvement to 50 miles per gallon (combined city/highway).

But there are a number of solid improvements and clever new features that will serve to bolster the car's following and potentially lure new customers. These include a moonroof with solar panals, four driving modes, Intelligent Parking Assist (IPA), and steering wheel touch controls. A multi-information display panel that monitors fuel and energy consumption is also standard.

The first-generation Prius was rated 41 EPA mpg, and the second-generation model pushed that figure to 46 mpg. The 2010 model marks another significant incremental improvement to 50 miles per gallon (combined city/highway).

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