2004 Toyota Prius

When you're leading hybrid technology by this wide of a margin, there are bound to be questions. Which is why we've listed the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) of Prius below.
1. Where is Prius available for sale?

Most Toyota dealerships throughout the Ú.S. sell and service the new 2004 Prius. Check the Dealer Locator for the dealer nearest you.

2. What is the price of the Prius?

The 2004 Prius has a base Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $20,510. [1]
3. What am I compromising with the Prius?

The Prius was designed to make no compromises. With the breakthrough technology in Hybrid Synergy Drive,® we've overturned conventional wisdom that says you have to sacrifice performance to achieve high fuel economy or low emissions. Prius can give you all three, all for just over $20,000.
4. What are the changes from the first generation Prius?

Where do we start? First, the new 2004 Prius is the first Toyota vehicle equipped with our new drivetrain, Hybrid Synergy Drive,® which offers greater power, better fuel economy and lower emissions than the first generation Prius. The new Prius is also now classified as a mid-size vehicle thanks to increased room and cargo capacity -- including a 4-door liftback design with 60/40 split fold-down rear seats for maximum versatility -- and is packed with standard features like cruise control, a CD player, a liquid crystal multi-information display and by-wire technology. And that doesn't even cover the exciting new available features, like a voice-activated DVD navigation system [2] with hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth TM [3] technology, Smart entry and start system and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). [4]
5. What is Prius' fuel economy?

Despite its larger size, the new 2004 Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market -- due to its sleek aerodynamic shape and amazing Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain. The 2004 Prius has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average of 55 mpg [5] and a tank size of about 12 gallons.
6. Can I expect to get over 50 mpg in the new Prius?

Reported fuel economy numbers are based on a standard test defined by the Ú.S. Environmental Protection Agency. While the Prius has an EPA-estimated combined mpg of 55, [5] hybrids are like conventional cars in that the actual fuel economy achieved varies widely by driving routes, conditions and behaviors. The following tips can help Prius drivers get the best possible fuel economy:

Make sure tire pressures are maintained at levels specified in the Owner's Manual. Low tire pressures increase the car's road resistance and can have an impact on fuel economy.
Link trips if possible. As the engine uses more fuel to warm up after it's started, fewer starts with a cold engine will improve gas mileage.
Avoid driving at speeds that are higher than necessary, especially on the highway. For the same distance, driving Prius faster will usually result in lower fuel economy.
When possible, avoid sudden stops to maximize the regenerative braking capability of the Prius.
Accelerate moderately, avoiding “jack-rabbit” starts.
Despite the 2004 Prius' significantly improved electric air conditioning, less use of the A/C will translate into better gas mileage.
Remember, Prius' multi-information display provides the driver instantaneous fuel economy values. Owners frequently report that, over time, this feature on Prius “teaches” them how to become more fuel-efficient drivers.
7. What is the emissions rating of Prius?

Prius is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV), [6] a standard created by the California Air Resources Board and adopted by other states. [6] AT-PZEV certification means the Prius has near-zero tailpipe emissions, zero evaporative emissions and a special extended warranty on emission control components. [6], [7] It is one step cleaner than the previous generation's Super Últra Low Emission Vehicle (SÚLEV) certification.
8. What are the features and specifications of the car?



No. Prius' Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable Transmission (ECVT) comes standard with the Prius, and in fact, is an integral component to the amazing performance of Hybrid Synergy Drive.® It is so important that we often refer to it with a new name: the Power Split Device.
10. Do I need to plug Prius in?

Never. The Prius automatically recharges its batteries using regenerative braking, or by running the on-board generator. The driver never needs to worry about recharging the battery.
11. Do I need to use special gasoline?

No. Prius can be fueled with regular 87-octane gasoline, saving you money at the pump.
12. Can the Prius be jump-started?

Yes. Should you need it, Prius can be jump-started with any standard 12-volt DC power source, and it actually requires less power than a conventional car. Simply connect the cable clamps to access points under the hood (which are connected to the auxiliary battery near the cargo area) and energize the computer. Then press the Start button to turn the car on. Please see your Owner's Manual for further instructions.
13. Can Prius run on electricity when it runs out of gas?

No. Though Prius can operate in electric-only mode when gasoline is in the tank, it is not designed to run without gasoline. Doing so could cause severe damage to the hybrid system, so drivers should be sure to keep gas in the tank at all times.
14. Why does Prius look different from most other vehicles on the road?

Prius' look is as much substance as it is style. Its “aerodynamic mono-form” design offers a coefficient of drag (Cd) of .26, one of the lowest of any production vehicle in the world, greatly improving fuel economy. In addition, Prius' design philosophy focused on creating the greatest interior room with the least exterior footprint, offering both driver comfort and maneuverability. Toyota also believes that the Prius owner is unique and thus deserves a uniquely styled vehicle to drive.
15. How does Prius compare to conventional cars with respect to safety features?

The new 2004 Prius is equipped with many advanced safety features. Prius helps avoid accidents altogether with a standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, [8] plus available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). [4] In an emergency, its strong mono-form shape, front crumple zones, standard driver and front passenger multi-stage airbags, [9] and available driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags [9] help shield its occupants from harm. The batteries are sealed and have built-in security measures to prevent any leakage or shock in the case of an accident.
16. How often does Prius need to be serviced?



Toyota has extreme faith in our hybrid technology, so Prius will come standard with the following coverages:

Basic: 36 months/36,000 miles (all components other than normal wear and maintenance items).

Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Prius' hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty. Refer to applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet for details.

Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts and airbags).

Rust-Through: 60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal).

Emissions: Coverages vary under Federal and California regulations. Refer to applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet for details.

Accessories: Warranty coverage is for 12 months, regardless of mileage. If the part or accessory is installed during the New Vehicle Limited Warranty period, coverage is for 12 months or the remainder of the applicable warranty coverage, whichever is greater, with the exception of car covers, which are covered for 12 months only.

You may be eligible for transportation assistance if it's necessary that your vehicle be kept overnight for repairs covered under warranty. Please see your authorized Toyota dealership for further details.

For complete details about Toyota's warranties, please refer to the applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet or see your Toyota dealer.

Prius customers are covered by roadside assistance and road hazard insurance for 36 months/36,000 miles from the vehicle's in-service date. Examples of this service include flat tire, vehicle lockout and jumpstart. See your Toyota dealer for details.

18. Which mobile phones are compatible with Prius' available Bluetooth TM [3] capability?

To find out which mobile phones are compatible with Prius' available Bluetooth TM [3] capability, visit www.toyota.com/bluetooth.
19. How long will the car last?

The Prius is designed to be as durable as any other Toyota, which considering Toyota's reputation, is a pretty long time. In addition, the hybrid battery has been made smaller and more durable than its predecessor.
20. What tax or other incentives are available upon purchasing a Prius?

Toyota expects that buyers of the new 2004 Prius will be eligible for up to a $2,000 federal tax deduction [11] if purchased by December 31, 2003. If purchased new within the 2004 calendar year, buyers may be eligible for a $1,500 deduction. In addition, numerous states offer financial or other incentives for hybrid vehicle purchases (or leases), so check your local regulations and be sure to consult with a tax advisor. For more on the federal tax deduction, visit Prius' Tax Deduction Page.
21. Can Prius drive in carpool lanes with a single occupant?

Current federal law prohibits hybrid vehicles from traveling in the carpool lanes with just the driver. However, certain states may have exemptions to this law, so check your state's regulations.
22. What is Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology?

For the last decade, Toyota has been committed to the development of hybrid vehicle technology. In 1997, we were the first automaker to sell a mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world (Prius in Japan). Since then, we have succeeded in introducing the Prius to other markets (Canada, Europe, Australia, etc.) and have launched the hybrid Estima minivan and Crown sedan in Japan.

We believe that our latest generation of hybrid technology -- Hybrid Synergy Drive® -- offers drivers the best of both worlds: maximum driving performance with the least impact on the environment. It can be deployed on virtually any platform in the Toyota family, and will serve as the basis of our expanded hybrid lineup over the next decade.

23. Does the Prius offer the automatic parking feature?

No. Currently only Prius models sold in Japan offer Intelligent Parking Assist.

Source - Toyota