2006 Toyota Prius

The forward-thinking 2005 gas/electric Prius with Hybrid Synergy Drive® offers amazing fuel economy, an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating 2 and cutting-edge available features like Bluetooth® 3 technology -- all with the performance of a conventional car. Plus, you never need to plug-in for recharging. And it gets better: Several states now give Prius owners carpool lane privileges. What more could you ask for? How about a federal tax deduction for new Prius buyers?

History

The Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, was a breakthrough in combining an efficient, powerful gasoline-fueled internal combustion engine and a clean, quiet electric motor. Configured as a stylish, roomy, five-passenger family sedan, the Prius went on sale in the U.S. in August, 2000 with an MSRP of only $19,995.
Prius carries an EPA label fuel economy rating of 52 miles per gallon city, and 45 highway, and an SULEV (super ultra low emission vehicle) certification which is about 75 percent cleaner than ULEV and nearly 90 percent cleaner than LEV for smog forming exhaust gases. The technologically advanced Prius is so conscious of air quality that it doesn't even have an ashtray.
Offered initially in one trim level, standard equipment on the Prius includes ABS brakes, climate-control air conditioning, power windows, door locks and mirrors, an AM/FM/cassette stereo system, an eight-year/100,000-mile battery and hybrid system warranty. Prius also comes with complementary seven-day/24-hour roadside assistance and three-year basic maintenance programs.
The 2002 Prius carried over unchanged with the exception of four new factory options - cruise control, daytime running lights, SRS side-impact airbags for driver and front passenger and DVD-based navigation system. Two new exterior colors were added, Brilliant Blue Pearl and Blue Moon Pearl.
The Prius remained unchanged for the 2003 model year. For exterior colors, Blue Moon Pearl was discontinued and Black became available.
For 2004, the all-new second-generation Toyota Prius gas/electric hybrid vehicle featured significantly more power and performance than the previous model, as well as best-in-class fuel economy and best-in-market emissions performance.
Larger and better in every metric of comparison, Prius launched Toyota's second generation of gas/electric hybrid technology and is the first hybrid vehicle available to provide the room, comfort and features of a midsize sedan.
The 2004 Prius was the first Toyota product to employ Hybrid Synergy Drive, the latest in hybrid powertrain technology. The new system produces more power from both the gasoline engine and the electric motor, giving the new Prius acceleration comparable to a 4-cylinder midsize car.
Like the original Toyota Hybrid System (THS) employed in the previous model, Hybrid Synergy Drive is defined as a 'full hybrid system.' Unlike competitive systems currently on the market, the full hybrid system is capable of operating in gas or electric modes, as well as a mode that combines the power of the gas engine and electric motor.
The Prius entered 2005 with just minor changes to the standard and optional equipment.
The 2006 Prius receives freshened front and rear lamps, advanced airbags, Tire Pressure Monitoring System and four new exterior colors: Magnetic Gray, Barcelona Red, Silver Metallic, and Silver Pine Mica. In addition, a leather-trim interior and steering wheel, rear camera and MP3-media capability and universal mini-jack connector become available.

What does it mean? Prius is Latin for 'to go before,' suggesting it is a predecessor of cars to come.

Source - Toyota