I have put together a system that will play my MP3 compact discs, but I am not really happy with it.

The CD player I have is alright - no complaints about this part. It plays MP3 format with folder navigation, etc. Only real complaint is it is nearly impossible to read the LCD display because it lacks backlighting.

I plug the line-out from this into a FM transmitter that runs off of batteries (I wanted to use only one of the 12V outlets to keep the clutter of wires down). The battery life is not very good and it sometimes loses the signal. The signal is better if me or my wife becomes a part of the antenna.

ARE THERE ANY BETTER WAYS TO PLAY MP3 CDs IN A PRIUS?

I'll look for a better solution, but the relatively obvious one is buying an MP3-CD deck third-party and installing it below the CD changer. Or, if there's such thing as an MP3 deck, you could get that.

aftermarket.....pioneer is the way to go.

Hidden Views Photography

Do you have a specific model number or website -- ?

Did you put MP3 in your Prius with an aftermarket Pioneer CD ?

More info please -- did this plug in to the audio system's line-in somehow?

your kinda a pioneer in this area...i dont have a prius....
good luck w/ finding a company that has figured out what will fit, it looks like a DIN, and toyota favors ISO instalations, so open the area up and take a gander, i could probably help more if i saw pics of the area.

Hidden Views Photography

From what I have read, the Prius is a little bit special in this area -- you can't just override the CD or plug into the amplifier and speakers via a neat Aux ... anybody confirm ???

If I were you, I'd try emailing the guy from http://priusxm.com as since he's figured out how to install satelite radio, he obviously knows the innerworkings of the 04 Prius. I'm sure he's a nice guy, so ask him