Toyota Prius: Best Engineered Car of 2001
What readers said about the Prius...
"This Toyota gives us a look at the future of the automobile with its shrewdly engineered hybrid powertrain."
"Obtains SULEV emissions ratings on gasoline, high fuel economy, but still an overall very good performing vehicle with new hybrid technology."
"Hybrid technology is implemented in a vehicle with outstanding tail-pipe characteristics and advanced engineering to give comfort, driving ease, and remarkable economy. Technical details are impressive and Toyota has made this a most acceptable car in all respects."
"Only acceptable-size, low-pollution, low-consumption car available in 2001."
"The Prius' hybrid technology gives great gas mileage and SULEV emissions in a practical five-passenger car."
| Prius Technical Specifications | |
| Gasoline Engine | |
| Type | Inline four-cylinder DOHC |
| Displacement | 1.497 L |
| Compression ratio | 13.0:1 |
| Peak power | 52 kW (70 hp) at 4500 rpm |
| Peak torque | 111 N•m (82 lb•ft) at 4200 rpm |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 L (11.9 gal) |
| Electric motor | |
| Type | Permanent magnet |
| Capacity | 6.5 A•h |
| Peak torque | 350 N•m (258 lb•ft) from 0 to 400 rpm |
| Battery pack | |
| Peak power | 25 kW |
| Nominal voltage | 274 V |
| Exterior dimensions | |
| Length | 4310 mm (170 in) |
| Width | 1695 mm (67 in) |
| Height | 1465 mm (58 in) |
| Wheelbase | 2550 mm (100 in) |
| Mass | 1255 kg (2765 lb) |
| Drivetrain/chassis | |
| Transmission | Electrically controlled CVT |
| Braking | Front ventilated disc/rear drum with integrated regenerative brake system |
| Steering | Rack and pinion |
| Suspension (front/rear) | MacPherson strut/torsion beam |
| Prius Fuel Economy | ||
| MY01 | MY98 | |
| Japanese 10-15 | 29.0 km/L | 28.0 km/L |
| U.S. Combined | 57.6 mpg | 50 mpg |
| EC | 120 g/km | |
