Eug's Prius 2004 (Pix!)

[Draknor]

I saw the outside temp was -6 on your pics; how's the hybrid work in the colder temps? Do you see a lot lower fuel efficiency? Does the cold seem to have any effect on the electric motor and/or batteries?

 

[Eug]

Originally posted by: Draknor
I saw the outside temp was -6 on your pics; how's the hybrid work in the colder temps? Do you see a lot lower fuel efficiency? Does the cold seem to have any effect on the electric motor and/or batteries?

On my 2001 Prius, the fuel efficiency is much lower, esp. for city driving. Car works fine though. No problems starting.

Here is an article on the 2004's cold weather performance.

 

[Eug]

Better pictures here. (Short video there too.)

 

[Narse]

We have those at work and I have driven them many times, I took one on a trip to TN and got there 750 miles and it only took about 20 gallons of gas, nice car!!!!

 

[Narse]

Originally posted by: Dr Smooth

Originally posted by: RossMAN
How is road noise on the highway?

Can it comfortably cruise around 65 MPH?

Can it comfortably cruise at 85?

Yes, no problems

 

[RedRooster]

That's a really nice car, congrats man.
In fact, I'm seriously thinking about one of those. They're perfect for what I need around town.

I would've thought Toronto was mapped at least, for the GPS system?
That's one thing that makes GPS systems a waste up here, there are so few areas mapped.

 

[mAdD INDIAN]

Originally posted by: RedRooster
That's a really nice car, congrats man.
In fact, I'm seriously thinking about one of those. They're perfect for what I need around town.

I would've thought Toronto was mapped at least, for the GPS system?
That's one thing that makes GPS systems a waste up here, there are so few areas mapped.

It does't have to do with Toronto being mapped. It has to do with Canada and fees being applied for GPS service. I do not know the exact details, but there is some red tape involving using GPS as OEM equipment in cars here.

If you noticed, it was until very recently that Lexus, Acura, BMW, Infiniti, and Audi offered GPS nav on their cars here.

 

[Eug]

Yeah, the nav option isn't even offered here in Canada on the Prius.

P.S. I haven't driven it longer to know for sure, but I'm starting to think the car will get lower gas mileage with my type of driving, in the winter.

The car seems to do as well or better with gas mileage in normal city driving after it warms up when compared to my 2001, despite the 2004 having much more power. However, it seems to take longer to warm up, which means more gas used for the warm up portion, and I do a lot of very short trips (under 15 minutes). Also, another negative is that rear windshield visibility is reduced somewhat because of the design of the hatchback.

On the plus side, the wind noise is reduced (0.26 drag coefficient), the sound system is much better (I got the JBL upgrade) even if it's a bit low on bass, the Smart Entry system is VERY cool, the tire noise is lower (more standard tires), and the ergonomics are better. The VSC definitely helps too - better control in wet snow (although part of that would be the tires).