2004 Toyota Prius reviews

Toyota Prius T4 2004

This vehicle is not a ’one solution fits all’, but some treat it as such, so treat any old review with caution. What this is is a spacious medium/large family petrol car, with the fuel economy of a diesel (but a 1/3 less CO2), as quick as any comparable petrol car (or diesel) and almost completely recyclable (including the NiMh batteries, regardless what some want you to believe (Yes, Top Gear, I’m looking at you)). To put in context, our 4 year old 04 Prius T4 was bought as a replacement for our 10 year old 2.0l Volvo V40 estate. We looked at the newer V50, but found this had less boot space and too little leg-room in the back seats; not good for taking a child seat or the aged in-laws. Yet for the same price, we got a car that was as fast as the V40 (which wasn’t bad for an automatic), nearly as much room in the boot, but much more room in the back. Not only that, but instead of a little over 300 miles on a 55 litre fuel tank in the V40, were getting over 400 miles on a 45 litre tank in the Prius. After driving this car for over a year now, it is regularly returning over 48mpg, and over 55mpg on longer drags, such as my runs from Essex to Manchester (even with the M5/M6 traffic jams). As for the technologies involved; Both my wife and I hold Electronic Engineering degrees, so investigated what could have been just the latest eco-fashion accessory before sinking 10K into a 2nd hand car. What we can report is: yes there is there a geek factor, but this car WORKS. Where the Atkinson Cycle engine lacks power, the battery fills in. When there isn’t a heavy demand, the battery will return the power that is normally lost to breaking (so no plugs, no coal-fired power stations, or any of that messing about!). When in a car park, you can even stalk others! The 1.5l petrol engine assists the battery or takes over without fuss, although it can be a little whiney under load (my only room for improvement, hence the 4 stars, but resolved with the new Mk 3s 1.8l engines). Road handling is not bad considering the type of vehicle, and doesn’t half shift from standing still (surprising the odd boy-racer). So, to summarise: This is a practical, reliable, safe family car which is not only easy to drive and live with, but cuts down your fuel bills, your CO2 output, and fills the gap between now and the future. So don’t listen to those who want something fast, fun, sporty or the latest eco-thing, it’s just not their cuppa...