Toyota Prius: Best Engineered Car of 2001

Following the Japanese introduction of the first-generation Prius in 1997, the significantly re-engineered second-generation model features new technology to meet the demands of the Western market, including improved driving performance, lower emissions, and reduced costs.

The readers and editors of Automotive Engineering International have selected the hybrid-electric Toyota Prius as the world's best engineered passenger car from the crop of new 2001 models. After studying reader response, the significantly re-engineered car was selected by the editors because it seats four to five people and their luggage, is one of the most economical and environmentally friendly vehicles available, and has a price tag within reach of most consumers.

The Prius is the world's first mass-produced hybrid vehicle, combining a gasoline-fueled internal combustion (IC) engine and an electric motor for propulsion. Configured as a five-passenger family sedan, it is on sale in the U.S. for around $20,000. Its hybrid powertrain gives it impressive EPA fuel economy numbers (52 mpg in the city, 45 on the highway) and allows it to meet super ultra low emissions vehicle (SULEV) standards, which are about 75% more stringent than ULEV and nearly 90% cleaner than LEV for smog-forming exhaust gases.