Prius Requirements
Last Updated: Sun. 8/17/2003
Vagueness is common when discussing hybrids. Some people are inadvertently vague by forgetting to include vital details, giving a misleading impression. Some people are intentionally vague to deceive, making hybrids seem less appealing. This webpage was created to eliminate the vague. It provides a list of realistic expectations from the hybrid technology now becoming available.
Read through the details. Make note of the benefits you'll gain
from a hybrid like the 2004 Prius.
Consider them the requirements when making your next vehicle purchase.
Midsize Car
2004 Prius actually exceeds this. Since it is lift/hatchback, the cargo area available is quite a bit larger than what midsize sedans offer.
0-60 in less than 11 seconds
2004 Prius rates at about 10.7 seconds. We know for a fact that 12.5 seconds, the speed of the classic model, already covered all but the most extreme needs. (I never experienced any problems, even when accelerating onto a highway using a short ramp.) So this increase in speed will please even the doubters of what a family car should deliver.
less than $3,000 more than traditional
That price difference was already met with the classic Prius. A well loaded Corolla cost about $3,000 less than a base classic, which was also well loaded. So the fact that the new Prius is bigger yet carries the same price, means comparison to Camry becomes realistic. Since Camry is a more expensive car, the cost requirement is met even easier.
double to a same interior-size traditional
Preliminary tests have confirmed that 55 MPG with 4 people inside and the A/C running is in fact realistic with a 2004 Prius. (My classic Prius could only achieve 47 MPG under the same conditions.) Clearly, the new Prius provides a noticeable gain. This puts it quite close to the double requirement, especially when you take into account that routine driving (which normally isn't heavy load) will deliver even higher efficiency. Watch for real-world data after delivery of the 2004 model begins.
SULEV-2
2004 Prius is rated at AT-PZEV-2, which is even cleaner. This requirement is a no-brainer.
similar to a same interior-size traditional
2004 Prius meets this. It falls nicely into the "typical" category just like many other family cars.
similar to a same interior-size traditional
2004 Prius exceeds this. The side-curtains, in addition to the side-airbags and front-airbags give it an edge. The VSC (Vehicle Stability Control) puts it over the top. This is an option that was only available on some luxury vehicles of the past; now Prius offers it too. Prius also offers HID (High Intensity Discharge) lights, which provide a visual advantage for the driver. The HID lights also include a sensor built-in to automatically turn the lights on when it gets dark, another clear safety benefit. ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System) & Traction Control are standard too, both important safety features.
a nice variety
7 exterior and 2 interior for the 2004 Prius satisfy this requirement.
no sacrifices
2004 Prius easily satisfies these needs. Power locks, windows, and mirrors are obviously included. A/C is a must. (The new model exceeds this by providing electric A/C standard, rather than a traditional powered-by-the-engine design.) Keyless Entry is standard. So is a CD player. The Split-Folding back seats, Cruise-Control, and Tilt-Steering are too. In other words, the base model doesn't make any sacrifices.
lots of goodies
2004 Prius offers a lot of extras. Voice-Recognition, Alarm system, Navigation system, Bluetooth-Enabled, Smart-Start, Smart-Entry, better Audio (more speakers, multi-CD, greater wattage), Electrochromic Mirror, and a Rear Wiper to name a few.
stuff you also get at no additional cost
People seem to overlook the fact the hybrids offer other things too, standard. The federal tax deduction yields a return of about $300 for the typical person. You get a Multi-Display (a 7-inch wide touch-sensitive liquid-crystal screen) along with a Digital Speedometer, both standard. And the ultimate is "stealth", the ability to drive up to 42 MPH without the engine running. (That maximum speed is based on the 33kW motor in the classic model. The new model includes a 50kW motor, so the maximum should be even faster.) Lastly, the car is nearly impossible to steal, since there literally isn't an keyhole for the ignition and no wires to connect. Instead, you must use a key-fob (a secure mini-transmitter) for starting.
