Overview & Reviews

The 2004 Toyota Prius is completely redesigned with a larger overall size, more power, better mileage and even more available features.

• Outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility, reasonable price, excellent build quality.

• Less power and room than other midsize sedans, center-mounted gauges not intuitive.

User Reviews:

Showing 361 through 370 of 435.00

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  Happy as can be - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JIm & Linda - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car from the time we purchased it.

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  New Prius not as good as old one - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By P Michaels - November 13 - 1:33 pm

  This is my second Prius. I purchased my first in 2000 and loved it. The new model has been a major disappointment. My major complaint is with the quality of the car. I have had numerous problems with navigation system and overall fit and finish of the car. Noises coming from dashboard and hatchback that dealer cannot find or fix. Hatchback sounds like old pickup truck going over bumps. Suspension stiff and noisy. Acceleration is overrated compared to auto reviews. Mileage not as good for my driving conditions because larger engine requires more time to warm up. At times engine violently shakes car when going off. Experience confirms Fall 2004 WSJ story on slip in Toyota quality.

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  I like my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jack larkin - November 13 - 10:00 am

  We got our Prius in Jan 04. We have used it as our primary car this summer. It gets excellent mileage - about 50mpg on trips - has great pickup, and handles well at all speeds. In cruise control it went up WVA mountains without hesitation and no loss of fuel consumption. It has room for 5 average people, and the storage space under the back area holds a lot of things, leaving room behind the seat for luggage, etc. A really great car. I dont understand why Toyo made so few of them.

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  hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bill1233 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This proof of concept vehicle is the most fun I can imagine. It is a great in town car which should one of two cars in every two car family. The most striking feature is how quiet it is at rest. It heats quickly and cools quickly. The keyless entry and start up are great gimmicks. The small engine makes the car much roomier than one would think from the outside.

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  60,000 miles and going strong - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike S. - November 1 - 1:20 pm

  The car is a technological marvel in a very practical package. Bought new, its been very reliable for 60,000 miles. Its no sports car, but is faster than it seems because the CVT is so smooth that your speed builds without your noticing it. Lifetime avg. 49.9 mpg driving smoothly, 53 mpg at steady 65, with or without the AC running. Not quite so comfortable or quiet as our old Camry, but still very good. Build quality is very impressive. No problems to date. Definitely the best car Ive ever owned. Love the hatchback layout. Theres lots of room, but the rear seat is too narrow for three across unless one is a child.

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  More Hype Than Fact - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By NewPriusOwner - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I now have over 4000 miles on this car and wish I had stayed with my Civic. I can never drive this car long enough to make up the cost of the Hybird system. For a high tech car you cant even get an MP3 player in this car. Gas mileage is in the high 30s to low 40s at best. The seats are not comfortable for even a 45 minute drive, and no power seats at that. The car is unstable in a cross wind.

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  A GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert - October 9 - 3:30 am

  The only frustrating part of owning the Prius is the MPG that one expects vs. the real world. When I bought the car in 9/2004, my average mileage was 45 City - 52 highway. Then the car stalled and I needed a new software update. Since then, it seems that the car runs more on Gas than electric. Average now 38-41 City, 42-45 HIGHWAY. WITH ALL THIS NEGATIVE SAID... the car is GREAT, and with the prices of GAS I am a HAPPY buyer. One must also consider that the Federal $2,000 deduction is still in effect, AND check with your local state. Here in Connecticut there was NO sales tax on the car, saving me another $1500. CONSIDER THESE SAVINGS ALSO. Overall I give the car a 9+!

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  Waste Not, Want Not - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tom - September 7 - 11:10 am

  They say those who buy a Prius are either techies, greenies, or cheapies. I say the Prius uses tech to be green and cheap. Driving one begs the question: if Detroit can make a car with a power moonroof and heated headlight washer fluid, why cant they make a car that shuts off at a stoplight? The answer is they can, but apparently dont want to. Test drive this car like I did and you will buy it.

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  Adjust Your Mileage Expectations - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob in Minneapolis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car with high expectations. It has performed well compared to most comparable cars. Our mileage, however, has not met our expectations based on reviews and the EPA rating. Mileage has been in mid 30s. Its warmed up here the past few days, though and mileage has improved. We hope that mileage will increase as spring comes. While the styling is not our favorite, theres not much that can be done to adjust aerodynamics. Overall, though, its a good drive and were pleased with our Prius.

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  Best design Ive ever seen - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By cenoyes - July 29 - 9:40 am

  Raced sports cars in my younger years, and am an engineer by education, cannot find enough superlatives to cover the design work that went into this machine.