2004 Toyota Prius Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Toyota's hybrid-power car is redesigned for 2004, growing in size, power, and features. This 4-dr hatchback is 6.9 inches longer in wheelbase; 6.3 inches longer overall; taller, wider, and 125 lb heavier than the sedan it replaces. Prius has a 4-cyl engine assisted by an electric motor for a combined 110 hp. The electric motor helps save fuel by powering the Prius at low speeds and by assisting the gas engine during acceleration. The system recharges the motor's batteries when coasting or decelerating; there's no plug-in charging. EPA fuel-economy estimates improve to 60 mpg city/55 highway, from 52/45. The only transmission is again a continuously variable automatic (CVT). ABS is standard, joined for '04 by traction control. Front torso side airbags and curtain side airbags are available for the first time. The optional navigation system adds voice recognition and a larger dashboard touch screen. New options include an antiskid system, xenon headlamps, and a keyless entry/starting system with carry-along transmitter. Warranty coverage is revised to 3-years/36,000-mi. bumper-to-bumper, 5/60,000 powertrain, and 8/100,000 for hybrid-related components.

News

Prius sales have been so strong lately that Toyota has twice increased the number of U.S. units since the '04 arrived. But demand still outstrips supply and should continue to do so for some time, so don't expect a discount--and probably not immediate delivery, either.

2004 Toyota Prius Road Test

Pros	Cons

Fuel economy	Acceleration

Maneuverability

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

Scores for all Compact Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		48
High Score		64

2004 Toyota Prius Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 04/15/2004

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

Base 4-door sedan	$20,295	$18,687	$515

Price note: Prices are for vehicles distributed by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. The dealer invoice and destination charge may be higher in areas served by independent distributors.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

Base

Powertrain

1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine, electric drive motor, continuously variable transmission (CVT), traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, antilock brakes, brake assist, emergency inside trunk release.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, outside-temperature indicator, variable-intermittent wipers, rear defogger, visor mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, rear spoiler, 185/65R15 tires, alloy wheels.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Pkg. 1
Base	$180	$144
Intermittent rear wiper.

Pkg. 2
Base	$650	$559
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags.

Pkg. 3
Base	$830	$703
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, rear intermittent wiper.

Pkg. 4
Base	$1,100	$880
Smart keyless entry/starting, universal garage-door opener, intermittent rear wiper, alarm.

Pkg. 5
Base	$1,920	$1,544
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, intermittent rear wiper, alarm.

Pkg. 6
Base	$1,280	$1,063
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, smart keyless entry/starting, intermittent rear wiper.

Pkg. 7
Base	$2,255	$1,864
Front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antiskid system, smart keyless entry/starting, xenon headlights, fog lights, intermittent rear wiper.

Pkg. 8
Base	$3,150	$2,584
Navigation system, smart keyless entry/starting, JBL AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, intermittent rear wiper.

Pkg. 9
Base	$5,245	$4,320
Pkg. 7 plus navigation system, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, universal garage-door opener, alarm.

Preferred Accessory Pkg.
Base	$262	$167
First-aid kit, floormats, cargo mat and net.

Comfort and Convenience Features
Automatic day/night rearview mirror
Base	$265	$185


In-dash 6-disc CD changer
Base	$589	$414


Floormats
Base	$184	$112
Includes cargo mat.

2004 Toyota Prius Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Toyota Prius 4-door hatchback

Wheelbase, in.	106.3

Overall Length, in.	175.0

Overall Width, in.	67.9

Overall Height, in.	58.1

Curb Weight, lbs.	2890

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.1

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	11.9

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.1

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	37.1

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	38.6

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc I4/electric

Size, liters/cu. in.	1.5 /91

Horsepower @ rpm.	76 @ 5000

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	82 @ 4200

Availability	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

CVT automatic	60/55

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test	Toyota Prius 4-door hatchback

Front Impact, Driver	5

Front Impact, Passenger	4

Rollover Resistance	4

Side Impact, Driver	4

Side Impact, Rear Passenger	4

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	5/60,000	8/100,000 on Prius hybrid-related components.

Bumper-to-bumper	3/36,000	--

Corrosion	5/unlimited	--

Free roadside assistance	None/--	3/36,000 on Prius.

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Japan

Drivewheels: front-wheel drive

< 2004 Toyota Prius Photos

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Toyota Prius Road Test

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Toyota Prius Specs & Safety

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