RAYNAL: I loved my weekend in the Prius. Here’s why: For about $20,000, you get Camry room, 45 mpg, Toyota build quality, all wrapped in a seamless driving experience. There’s so much going on under the metal I can’t begin to describe it, nor do I pretend to understand it. I know this, though: It works. Acceleration isn’t brisk but is adequate, the power runs smoothly through the continuously variable transmission, the steering is light at low speeds, but firms up nicely as speeds increase. The ride is particularly impressive. The car is not wallowy, and doesn’t crash and thrash over road imperfections. The Prius is nearly the perfect people hauler. I jammed four adults in it for a run to Mexican Town and it was just fine. It’s not a rocket, but it will cruise happily at 80 mph all day long and get 45-plus mpg doing it.
2004 Toyota Prius
