2004 Toyota Prius Price, Review, Specs & Road Test

Toyota's all-new second-generation Prius was awarded our Car of the Year trophy for 2004, which also earned it a parking space in the Motor Trend garage for a year. There's only one powertrain choice, the Hybrid Synergy Drive system that consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine accompanied by a 50-kilowatt electric motor transferring power through an automatic variable-gear-ratio transmission.

To the base price of $20,510 we added just three options: "Package #9" ($5245) includes an intermittent rear wiper, driver- and passenger-side and curtain airbags, HID headlamps, smart entry and start (a keyless system), security alarm, dimming rearview mirror with Homelink, voice-activated navigation system, upgraded JBL ETR/cassette/six-disc/nine-speaker stereo, vehicle stability control, and front foglamps; carpeted floormats and rear cargo mat add another $184, and an anti-theft system increases the bottom line by $149. Out the door, our Prius totaled $26,088. The first 3514 miles have been problem-free, although we're disappointed with our car's actual fuel mileage so far. Our lead-footed drivers are averaging only 41.6 mpg, against EPA ratings of 60 city/51 highway. We'll see how things progress as the Prius breaks in.