When Toyota introduced the first generation Prius ten years 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.

Delivering the power and economy one has come to rely on from a four-cylinder gas engine, the Prius can achieve EPA ratings of 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway, as well as a combined rating (under new EPA test methods) of 46 miles per gallon. Not a misprint, the Prius does achieve better mileage around town than it will on the highway. In other words, the Prius is a city car.

The Prius is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive, which is a full hybrid system that runs separately as a gas or electric engine or in a mode that combines the two. The heart of the powerplant is Toyota's 1.5-liter four-cylinder gas engine and an electric drive motor. The gas engine has an output of 76 horsepower and 82 lb-ft of torque. It also incorporates Toyota's Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i).

The electric drive motor produces a maximum of 67 horsepower (50 kW) from 1200 to 1540 rpm, with 295 lb-ft. of torque. Together, the two powerplants produce 110 horsepower under the Prius' hood. A regenerative braking system boosts efficiency by functioning as a generator when the Prius' brakes are applied. Kinetic energy that normally would be lost from heat dissipation is reclaimed to help recharge the Prius's battery.

The Prius comes with many standard features that would be expected in this niche. The hybrid rides on standard P185/65 R15 all-season tires on 15-inch aluminum alloy wheels. A push-button start on the dashboard starts the engine, but most likely you'll never hear it. Air conditioning, with an electric A/C compressor, keep things cool inside, even when the gas engine turns off. In the event of an incident, driver and front passenger advanced airbags, front side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags keep everybody where they are supposed to be. Finally, a rear spoiler sets off aerodynamics in the back.

A Touring Edition is available with larger 195 55/R-16 tires and16-inch wheels, a larger spoiler, HID headlights and a sport tuned suspension.

Options are broken into six packages to keep things simple. They range from Package # 2 which features Vehicle Stability Control, a backup camera, and smart key system, to Package #6, which includes the aforementioned VSC, backup camera, smart key system, JBL Premium Audio System with MP3, a security alarm, and finally a navigation system and leather trimmed steering wheel. Combine these senses of security with the unusual shape that Toyota designers have bestowed on the Prius, and you'll see all the reasons why the Toyota Prius is so popular.