8 hot cars: Class of 2000
In just 10 years, the market's changed a lot when it comes to cars. Where are these models now? The Prius became a hit; the Aztek got killed.
New Kid: Toyota Prius
2001 sales: 15,556*
2009 sales: 127,907
The Toyota Prius, now Toyota's third best-selling model in the United States, hit our shores 10 years ago.
The first-generation version, destined to become a classic, wasn't quite the hit the next two would be. It lacked the hatchback body style that made Prius generations two and three such practical cars. The original Prius's stubby trunk lost a lot of space to the battery pack.
The later versions also looked totally unique. This first version looked almost indistinguishable from Toyota's Echo compact car.
"The Toyota Prius now stands as the definitive hybrid," said Kevin Smith, editorial director of the automotive Website Edmunds.com.
NEXT: New Kid: Honda Insight
Last updated December 28 2009: 3:44 PM ET
*2001 sales used for cars introduced during 2000.
