The 1997 Toyota Prius was the first generation of the hybrid electric vehicle produced by Toyota. It featured a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor. The combined horsepower output was 70 horsepower. The Prius was able to achieve an impressive fuel economy of around 42 miles per gallon in the city and 45 miles per gallon on the highway. It was equipped with a regenerative braking system that helped to recharge the battery while driving. The Prius was also able to switch between electric and gasoline power seamlessly, depending on the driving conditions. It was only sold in Japan initially, but later was introduced in other markets including the US in 2000. The 1997 Toyota Prius was a significant milestone in the development of hybrid technology, and it paved the way for further advancements in the industry.
