Toyota Announces Prices for 2005 Prius, 4Runner, Highlander, MR2 Spyder and Celica

TORRANCE, Calif., Aug. 23, 2004 -- Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., announced manufacturer's suggested retail prices (MSRP) today for the 2005 Prius, 4Runner, Highlander, MR2 Spyder and Celica. The 4Runner, Highlander, MR2 Spyder and Celica will begin arriving at dealerships nationwide this week. The Prius will go on sale beginning September 14.

For 2005 the Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan adds a rear intermittent wiper as standard equipment. The base MSRP for Prius will be $20,875, an increase of $580, or 2.9 percent. Toyota is offering a special Customer Accommodation Program that will reimburse most of the price increase to qualifying Prius customers. The reimbursement is a continuation of a program launched early this year for customers who were registered on a waiting list to purchase a 2004 Prius prior to March 10, 2004.

Extraordinary demand for Prius has far outstripped supply all year. Toyota recently announced that it would increase worldwide Prius production by 50 percent from 10 thousand per month to 15 thousand per month.

The Toyota 4Runner mid-size sport utility vehicle (SUV) receives considerable powertrain upgrades for 2005. A new five-speed automatic transmission is teamed with the 4.0-liter V6 with variable valve timing with intelligence (VVT-i) for seamless shift quality. The 4.7L V8 is updated with VVT-i. The new V8 powertrain produces 270 horsepower, an increase of 35 over the 2004 model, and 330 lb.-ft. of torque.

In addition to powertrain enhancements, the 4Runner receives new exterior trim to differentiate the three model grades. SR5 models are distinguished by a chrome grille, color-keyed front and rear bumpers, and black running boards. Sport Edition models are enhanced with a color-keyed grille, black running boards and silver-painted roof rails and crossbars. The Limited grade is differentiated with color-keyed front and rear bumpers, black illuminated running boards and black roof rails and crossbars.

With the additional appearance changes and powertrain upgrades, the base MSRP for 4Runner 4x2 models ranges from $27,495 for the SR5 V6 to $35,220 for the Limited V8. The new base pricing reflects an average MSRP increase of $259, or 0.9 percent.

For 4Runner 4x4 models, the base MSRP ranges from $29,770 for the SR5 V6 to $37,495 for the Limited V8 reflecting an average MSRP increase of $288, or 0.9 percent.

The Highlander mid-size SUV receives value enhancements for 2005. New standard features for base Highlander models include a roof rack with crossbars, remote keyless entry and tonneau cover.

The value of the 2005 Highlander is reflected in its pricing as the MSRP remains unchanged. The MSRP for Highlander 4x2 models ranges from $24,080 to $29,980 while the MSRP of 4x4 models ranges from $25,480 to $31,380.

In its final model year, the MR2 Spyder two-seat roadster adds a standard 6-disc CD changer as standard equipment. Base MSRP for the five-speed manual transmission starts at $25,145, an increase of $250 or 1.0 percent. The six-speed sequential transmission also increases by $250, or 1.0 percent, to $26,145.

Also in its final model year, the 2005 Celica sport coupe adds a CD changer on Celica GT-S models as standard equipment. Base MSRP for the Celica GT starts at $17,670 for the manual transmission and $18,470 for the automatic, an increase of $100. The Celica GT-S starts at $22,335 for the six-speed manual transmission and $23,035 for the automatic, reflecting an increase of $100. The average price change represents a 0.5 percent increase.