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2004 Toyota Prius: Frequently Asked Questions
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| What you need to know about Prius |
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| Updated |
Mar 17, 2005 19:41:50 |
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38 ( -6 -15.78% ) | | Author | Sue Mead |
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Description: 2004 Toyota Prius Related Links Get Pricing Get E-mail Updates Consumer Ratings Vehicle Reviews Send a Letter Talk About It With its latest generation 2004 Prius version, Toyota is clearly redefining what consumers will come to expect in a hybrid passenger car. Related Links Get Pricing Get E-mail Updates Consumer Ratings Vehicle Reviews Send a Letter Talk About It A longer wheelbase, increased engine output, lower emissions and improved electronic technology throughout make the newest Prius a legitimate everyday car. Frequently Asked Questions When does the 2004 Pruis go on sale and how many new models does Toyota expect to sell? Although the official on-sale date was October 17, nearly 10,000 orders were placed ahead of that date. What is the fuel economy of the new Prius? Prius has an EPA fuel economy rating of 60 MPG in the city and 51 MPG on the highway with a combined city/highway rating of 55 MPG. The estimated mileage ratings represent a significant increase over the previous-generation Prius, which registered a combined fuel economy rating of 48 MPG. What's new with the second-generation Prius? The new 2004 Prius has increased in size from a compact-class sedan to mid-size sedan; has more power and now accelerates on a par with the Camry LE; boasts 30 percent lower emissions than the first-generation Prius; has optional the Smart Entry and Start system; optional curtain/side airbags; optional enhanced Vehicle Stability Control; and the same $19,995 MSRP as the original Prius. What is the warranty on the battery and how much does it weigh? Prius's battery is warranted for 8 years, 100,000 miles nationally with the exception of NY, CA, and MA, where it is warranted for 10 years. Its battery weight has been reduced from 76 to 45 kilograms of total battery mass from the 1st to 3rd generation. (There have been only two versions sold in the U.S.) Who does Toyota expect will buy the new Prius and how many do they expect to sell? Buyers were originally 28 percent female and are now more than 50 percent female; many will cross shop Camry and Corolla sedans. Sales the first year were 12,000. Last year's target was 17,000 and Toyota sold more than 20,000. Hopes for the '04 model are for 36,000. ---Story by Sue Mead ---Photos courtesy of Toyota © 2003, Sue Mead, All Rights Reserved. |
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