The Inside Story: Opens with a remote transmitter instead of a key. Instruments are in a "cave" atop the dash, instruments are digital. An electrically-powered standard air-conditioner uses no fuel to operate. Headroom and legroom are plentiful, liftback hatch opens to versatile cargo space. Options include seat-mounted side and front-and-rear side-curtain airbags, JBL Premium Radio/Cassette/6-disc in-dash CD changer with nine speakers or a voice-activated DVD navigation system with hands-free phone capability.

Should You Buy a 2004 Toyota Prius?: Until now, the only reason to buy any hybrid would have been your deep-rooted concern for the environment. The all-new 2004 Toyota Prius, however, is so good (our About Cars test driver gave it a 5-star rating) that you can feel quite safe in buying one for its handsome and practical styling, its very spacious and versatile interior, its ride and handling and, of course, that phenomenal mileage. The silence and smoothness of the gasoline engine/electric motor combined with CVT is limousine-like but should you get bored, well, you can always be entertained by the instruments, which indicate where the power's coming from. With a lengthy hybrid-related warranty as assurance, the 2004 Toyota Prius is as safe-to-buy as it is green.