hi-mpg.org Ratings for
2004-2006 Toyota Prius
| Price: | $22,000-33,000
(in 2004) |
| Style: | 7 |
| Performance: | 5 |
| Luxury: | 7 |
| Utility: | 8 |
| Fun: | 4 |
| Value: | 5 |
| Overall: |
6.00 |
| | Ratings scale: 1-10; 10 = best |
Back in 2001, when the first generation Prius was introduced as
the world's first 4-door hybrid production vehicle, the buying public hardly
noticed nor cared. Crude oil was below $30/barrel, prices at the pump were
around $1.50 for a gallon of regular unleaded, and the first Prius looked
like a frumpy compact sedan, with styling resembling that of the Toyota Echo,
but a desirability of even less due to the much heftier price tag.
How times have changed.
The 2004-2006 Toyota Prius is
the second generation Prius, with more room, fuel economy, and "wow factor".
Its futuristic tear-drop shape is clean, sporty--dare we even say "sexy"?--and
the packaging is downright brilliant. On the outside, it is a midsize car;
on the inside, cavernous. Due to its short hood and long wheelbase,
there is lots of legroom even in the rear, and its fastback profile is
half hatchback, half station wagon, giving it generous cargo space especially
with the rear seat folded down.
Vehicle dynamics and fit and finish are typical Toyota, while getting
51 mpg on the highway and
60 mpg in the city. These astounding numbers in a new
era of ever-increasing fuel prices, along with the Prius' style and practicality,
have prompted new car buyers to add their names to the long waiting lists in
Toyota dealerships, where supply simply cannot keep up with demand and dealer
markups are even charged (and willingly paid for).
The Prius has become something of a new American icon, the standard bearer of
the "greens" in their fight against the Humvees. But the thing about the Prius
is that even if it weren't so green, it still would be cool. This is why
we proudly proclaim it a Hot Green Machine.
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