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The Toyota Prius is one of the most important cars of the past 20 years - here's a look backhttps://www.businessinsider.in/the-toyota-prius-is-one-of-the-most-important-cars-of-the-past-20-years-heres-a-look-back/the-first-generation-prius-wasnt-much-to-look-at-years-of-high-development-at-toyota-yielded-a-tricked-out-echo-compact-sedan-with-a-new-powerplant-and-an-odd-name-/slidelist/62287270.cms2017-12-29T00:29:14+05:30

The Toyota Prius is one of the most important cars of the past 20 years - here's a look back

Dec 29, 2017, 00:29 IST

The first-generation Prius wasn't much to look at. Years of high-development at Toyota yielded a tricked out Echo compact sedan with a new powerplant and an odd name.

But consumers loved the thing. The gas-electric drivetrain posted awesome fuel economy and minimal emissions. A snazzier second-gen Prius arrived in 2003. At about $25,000, it was priced to move (even though Toyota lost thousands on each car).

2009 brought the third-generation — considered by the Prius-scenti to be the definitive example.

And by 2015, as the sales racked up, the fourth-gen had landed.

The interior was high-tech ...

... but the more angular styling put off some Prius loyalists. Still, the car continued to get better and better fuel economy. I achieved 50 mpg when I tested the vehicle!

Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive has long powered the Prius. It's a parallel hybrid, with both gas engine and electric motor running at the same time. It doesn't generate huge power, but it does ease the pain at the pump and helps save the planet.

The compact Prius c was launched in 2012.

While the wagon-like Prius V came out the same year.

Responding to customers who wanted to run the Prius on pure battery power, Toyota added the plug-in version in 2012. It was later rechristened the Prius Prime.

I actually own a 2011 Prius and quite like it. It helps that I spend less than $300 a year on gas. But I also appreciate the Prius for what it is: no less an automotive icon than the Ford Mustang or the Porsche 911. Bravo Toyota! Congrats on two decades of Prius glory.

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