2004 Toyota Prius

What Edmunds.com says The 2004 Toyota Prius is a full-featured midsize family sedan that just happens to be the most fuel-efficient and earth-friendly sedan on the market as well. The fact that it starts at just $20K makes it all the more attractive. Pros Outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility, reasonable price, excellent build quality. Cons Less power and room than other...

Introduction So this is what it comes down to. This is it -- this smallish car with the swooping hood and futuristic look is the thing that will save the world. Okay. Half-jokes and hyperbole aside, the 2004 Toyota Prius is a landmark vehicle, the next generation of clean-running practical cars designed for urban, and suburban, drivers. And while saving the world is a tall order for a car, the...

There's more to automotive enthusiasm than drag-strip performance and racetrack times. Although most of the cars on our 10Best list reward and encourage spirited acceleration and handling, this one makes a game of fuel efficiency. And—surprise!—the game is fun. A center-mounted screen displays either a schematic illustrating the power flow among the engine, electric motor, batteries, and front...

Overview Toyota is calling the Green faithful home again. The Toyota Prius is among the cleanest cars on the road today. It's also the most fuel-efficient five-passenger car sold in America, rated at 60/51 mpg City/Highway by the EPA. The Prius is a gasoline/electric hybrid. Unlike electric cars, it does not need to be plugged in. A small, highly efficient keeps its battery charged, giving it...