|
2004 Toyota Prius Review
America's best hybrid and no, you don't plug it in.
2004 Prius Review Summary & Specifications
The all-new 2004 Toyota Prius sets the standard for the most efficient hybrid on the road in the U.S., with its EPA-estimated 60/51 mpg significantly besting the Civic Hybrid's 47/48. And from behind the steering wheel, at least, few drivers would realize it's any different from a conventional car.Granted, there's only one, truly competitive hybrid currently on the market; the first hybrid, the Honda Insight, will likely be dropped after the 2004 model year. But if DaimlerChrysler, Ford, General Motors and Hyundai, among others, follow through on their public statements, this won't be the case for long. Some of these soon-to-be-contenders can be counted on to break new ground, but the 2004 Prius makes clear Toyota is committed to keeping it an ever moving target.
|
|
| Vehicle Category | Midsize Cars |
| Editor | Tom Lankard |
| Model Lineup | Toyota Prius ($19,995) |
| Engines (standard) | 1.5-liter, dohc, 16-valve, inline 4/6.5-amp, 500-volt, permanent magnet synchronous motor |
| Transmissions (standard) | CVT automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 1.5-liter, dohc, 16-valve inline-4/6.5 amp, 500-volt permanent magnet motor |
| Transmissions (optional) | continuously variable transmission (CVT) automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual front airbags; anti-lock brake system (ABS) with Brake Assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD); three-point seatbelts and adjustable head restraints in all five seating positions with force-limiting pretensioners in front and height-adjustable front shoulder belt anchors; ISO child seat tether anchors |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | driver and front passenger seat-mounted side impact airbags; front and rear side curtain airbags |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Tsutsumi (Toyota City), Japan |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-468-6968 (GO-TOYOTA) |
| Manufacturer URL | www.toyota.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 19995 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Toyota Prius ($19,995) |
| Standard Equipment | automatic climate control system; cruise control; power steering; tilt steering wheel with remote climate control and audio (and, when so equipped, navigation system) controls; variable-speed intermittent windshield wiper; remote keyless entry; power windows, central locking and heated outside rearview mirrors; AM/FM/CD stereo; delayed accessory power shut off; 60/40 split folding rear seatback |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Combination 5 ($5,245) includes vehicle stability control, front fog lamps, intermittent rear window wiper, HID headlamps, Smart keyless entry system, security alarm, Homelink programmable remote opener system, navigation system, JBL ETR AM/FM/Cassette/6-Disc changer stereo, driver and front-passenger seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags; carpet floor and cargo mats ($184); cargo net ($49) |
| Destination Charge | 515 |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Layout | front-wheel drive |
| Price as Tested | 25988 |
| Horse Power | 76 @ 5000/67 @ 1200-1540 |
| Torque | 82 @ 4200/295 @ 0-1200 |
| Fuel Economy | 60/51 |
| Wheelbase | 106.3 |
| Length/Width/Height | 175.0/67.9/58.1 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 34.1 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 39.1/51.0/41.9 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.1/51.6/38.6 |
| Trunk Volume | 16.1 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | Not recommended |
| Front Suspension | independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | torsion beam with stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 5.9 |
| Curb Weight | 2890 |
| Stock Tires | P185/65R15 all-season |
| Brakes Front/Rear | ventilated disc/drum with ABS, EBD and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 11.9 |
|
|