The Prius is Toyota's contribution to the hybrid car market. Prius, from the Latin "to go before" was Toyota's first hybrid vehicle to be sold in the U.S. The term hybrid car simply refers to a vehicle that is powered using a combination of electric and conventional internal combustion engines. Put simply, the idea is that a small petrol engine charges a high performance battery which in turn powers an electric motor.
Toyota Prius has sold more than all other hybrids combined—and for good reason. Since the debut of the second generation Prius in 2003 (as a 2004 model), the midsize hatchback sedan has racked up award after award. Years later, the Prius continues to be a red-hot seller.
Does the Prius save money?
According to a an Edmunds.com study, the Toyota Prius can recover its hybrid technology costs in just three years. Of course, this study was carried out when both gas prices were both high, and when Toyota qualified for the full clean vehicle tax credit. The last data I saw, suggests that number has been pushed back to over 4 years, however, with gas prices expected to hit $4.00 in 2008, cost recovery will probably decrease.
Moreover, there is the possibility that Prius tax credits could be extended at some point in time - a move that both the President and members of Congress from both parties have proposed.
Specifications 
Mileage Estimates
60 mpg city
51 mpg highway
Gasoline Engine
75 hp 1.5 Liter, DOHC 16-valve VVT-i 4-cylinder (An Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV)
Electric Motor : 67 hp Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
Battery : Sealed Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
Hybrid System Net Power : 110 hp
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