The Toyota Prius has become one of the best-known hybrid cars since its debut in Japan in 1997. Here, the components of a Prius are on display at the 2004 Greater L.A. Auto Show.
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The engine of a 2004 Toyota Prius is seen during a news conference to unveil vehicles that use low-sulfur fuel to meet the EPA's Tier 2 requirements. Under Tier 2, all passenger cars and light trucks must meet more stringent exhaust emissions standards by 2009.
Prius hybrid cars are seen at a Toyota dealership on Sept. 1, 2005 in San Francisco, Calif. Consumer interest in hybrid cars started to rise in tandem with gas prices in the mid-2000s.
A new Toyota Prius is seen at Grossinger Toyota on Oct. 13, 2005 in Lincolnwood, Ill. The Prius made the U.S. government's list of most fuel-efficient vehicles in 2005.
A power cord is seen plugged into the bumper of a plug-in variant of the Toyota Prius at the 2008 Plug-In Conference and Exposition in San Jose, Calif. The three-day expo featured industry speakers and exhibitors showcasing technological advancements in plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV's).
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Four generations of the Toyota Prius have rolled out since its debut. This fourth-gen 2010 Toyota Prius is on display during a press preview for the North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Mich.
A logo is seen on a brand-new Toyota Prius hybrid car on display at Marin Toyota in San Rafael, Calif., in March 2009. U.S. gas prices dropped to an average of $2 per gallon in the spring of 2009, and consumer interest in hybrid cars dropped along with it.
A worker polishes a Prius at the AMI 2009 International Auto Fair on March 26, 2009 in Leipzig, Germany.
A view of a third-generation Prius engine is shown during a press conference in Tokyo, Japan. The list price of the third generation Prius starts at $22,000.
A man inspects the engine of a third-generation Prius on May 18, 2009 in Tokyo, Japan. The third-generation Prius added an all-electric compressor for the car's air conditioning system.
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Attendees at Mega Web in Tokyo, Japan, explore the interior of a third-generation Toyota Prius. The third-generation Prius featured improved leg room over previous models.
Under the hood of a Toyota Prius are both an electric motor and a gasoline engine. The car also reclaims energy from the braking system.
Attendees look at a selection of third-generation Prius cars in Japan in 2009. The third-generation Prius is slightly longer than the previous version. So, are you ready for the Ultimate Toyota Prius Quiz? If not, read How the Toyota Prius Works to learn more.