Our Prius is a week old, and so far its naked side panels are still undented. With no protective moldings, though, it's only a matter of time until the doors resemble the surface of the moon.
Toyota offers no such moldings for the Prius. A Parts Dept staffer tells me that such moldings impose a signifcant weight and airflow penalty. Yes?
A local trim shop offers install a 1/2" high by 1/2" thick black rubber molding from wheel-well to wheel-well at the widest part of the car (about 5" above the body crease). The suggested molding has a trapezoidal cross-section and seems to be reasonably attractive on the silver panels. The shop uses an adhesive for which it claims a 5-year life expectancy. The price installed is $114.
I would welcome comments on the pluses and minuses.
BTW, we drove several hundred miles in this first week, including a lengthy Interstate trip. The car is a joy to drive, and its capacity is amazing for its LOA.
Brent "Fanaticism consists in redoubling your effort when you have forgotten your aim." -- George Santayana