2004 Toyota Prius Price, Review, Specs & Road Test

The Prius has proven to be a well-executed car, although we've learned some things about it we might be less forgiving of were the Prius not a landmark design. The steering feel has been described as "roadus disconnectus"--totally numb, according to one editor's semi-Latinspeak--lacking in communication and somewhat nonlinear. A few have mentioned the cupholder design, which securely holds Big Gulps and commuter cups, but lets a conventional 12-ounce can tip over under braking.

While interior roominess is generous, given the car's compact exterior dimensions, taller staffers can't get the driver's seat back far enough and resort to reclining the seat for more room, which makes the stretch to reach the steering wheel awkward. But these are minor issues. The Prius remains a clever packaging feat that holds five people and their luggage nicely. The specter of problems stemming from all the high-tech hardware and electronics has never appeared, and it's still good fun to see how high we can get the mpg readout on the screen to go--50 mpg isn't unusual. And don't buy a Prius without the clever Keyless Go option; everyone here loves it.