2004 Toyota Prius: Road Test
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2004 Toyota Prius ▼
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- MSRP: $20,295
- Invoice: $18,687
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Our road test for the 2004 Toyota Prius includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Toyota Prius from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Toyota Prius, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Toyota Prius help you decide if a 2004 Toyota Prius is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4 |
Respectable 10.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test, vs. 12.3 sec for predecessor Prius, 11.6 for CVT Honda Civic Hybrid. Slow away from a stop, but picks up speed nicely, feels quite capable in most every situation. Throttle response best between 25-55 mph. Fuel-saving sensors allow gas engine to shut down, restart automatically at stoplights; does so with slight shudder, but no other ill effects.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.6 |
Averaged 42.6 mpg in mix of city/highway driving, 36.7 in tests that included gas-eating performance runs. (Test Civic Hybrids averaged 31.8-47.6.) Note that Prius likely to deliver best fuel economy in city driving, the reverse of nonhybrid vehicles. Toyota recommends regular-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 4.4 |
Favors control and stability over cushy comfort. Relatively long wheelbase, supple suspension cope easily with most bumps. Some big moguls induce a bit of bounce.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.3 |
Steady, predictable overall. But twisty-road hustling or fast freeway cloverleafs trigger marked body lean, noseplow. Not as stable in crosswinds as vehicles with lower-profile bodies. Tight turning circle a help in close quarters. Pleasingly consistent steering effort, though a bit light, artificial to some testers. Good stopping power, though some testers criticized brake-pedal feel.
QUIETNESS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 4 |
Nicely isolated from road and wind. Toyota's gas engine gruffer than Civic Hybrid's, especially at full throttle, but revs smoothly.
CONTROLS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.6 |
Dashboard layout carries over unique exterior styling themes. Digital speedometer, fuel gauge, transmission-position indicator grouped in narrow slot atop dashboard; far away, but easy enough to read. Multi-function screen in center of dash displays fuel economy, audio settings, other info, including moving graphics tracing gas/electric powerflow in real time. The last is interesting, but can be distracting. Screen also serves navigation system, which is easier to use than some. It also incorporates some touch-sensitive functions, such as setting radio stations. Screen legibility diminished by fingerprints, direct sunlight. Ignition uses on/off button, and, like keyless entry system and small gearshift lever sprouting from dashboard, takes some acclimation. Interior favors solid construction, durable materials over traditional opulence.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 7 | 5.1 |
Generous head room, but taller drivers might want more rearward seat travel. Seats nothing special for shape or support, but most testers found them set-and-forget comfortable. Front and rear roof pillars impede visibility to some angles.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 3.9 |
Bench seat just economy-class comfortable, but leg, toe space rivals that of Toyota's roomy Camry sedan. Sloped roofline means diminished head clearance for 6-footers. No-strain entry/exit, as in front.
CARGO ROOM
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.9 |
Hatchback versatility, with 60/40 split folding rear seatback and 16.1 cu ft of space with four aboard. But sloped tail and high floor preclude tall cargo despite large opening. Useful under-floor storage, plus roomy console bin and twin dashboard gloveboxes.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 6 | 5.6 |
The '04 Prius leapfrogs the rival Civic Hybrid for room and performance, and is competitive in fuel economy. But both are still high-tech alternatives to regular economy sedans, with higher initial cost that will likely take a couple of years to recoup in fuel savings. That's true even with the federal tax deduction allowed for hybrid-vehicle purchases. But full credit to Toyota for making its "green machine" a mature, pleasant, and useful all-around family car.
Total Score
| Base w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 59 | 48.4 |
Total Score: 59
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