2005 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

After 3 yrs - we bought a second Prius

Written by: sergelbergeron on 05/03/2008

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We have had our 2005 Prius for over 3 years now and it performs just like new. We bought another one - a 2008 package 5 in October and they both ride the same even though the 2005 has 50,000 miles. I live in Canada and in the winter it is also a charm. Absolutely no problem with battery. Starts at -40 degrees, etc. It is an excellent vehicle.

Favorite Features

The diplay screen and the gas milleage. My fun is to beat my MPG record, around 64 mpg one tank.

Suggested Improvements

The back-up beeper is annoying. Some reflection on the windsheild at night from the dash lights when very dark outside, like driving in the country.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Love our Prius

Written by: Sher on 04/26/2008

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Driving our Prius has been an inspiring experience; it's given my family a new appreciation for our environment. It's allowing us the opportunity to move towards a 'greener' lifestyle. Performance is great, our Prius has pickup, zip and responds well in each situation we've put it through.

Favorite Features

MPG is our favorite feature. We average 45 MPG in the winter and 50 MPG in the warmer months. With today's high gas prices, we have saved a ton of money!!

Suggested Improvements

Increase the average MPG and make it affordable.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love My Prius

Written by: Ed on 04/23/2008

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Others can give technical reviews - I will just say I drive a LOT (36k/yr) and switched from a GS300 Lexus (sports sedan) to the Prius, and it has been wonderful! Excellent mileage is a given (45-47 on all roads, all weather). I drive faster than I should so slowing down would eke out 3-4 more mpg. Interior is very well-designed. Displays are different from American cars, much more efficient and user- friendly, and the display info is amazing. NO REPAIRS YET at 105,000 miles!! I have had many cars and all needd repairs before 100k miles, except the Prius. Of course I needed new tires, oil changes, maintenance. Handles well, easy to turn/park, love the hatchback.

Favorite Features

Mileage of course is great. Love the GPS (how did we live without it), and the synchronous transmission is awesome. Seats 5 comfortably which is surprising since it looks smaller than it is inside. Also the hatchback - cargo area holds an amazing amount.

Suggested Improvements

1) Add leather seats (cloth seats gets dirty so easily). 2) Add plug in, add enhanced battery pack (to get 100+ mpg), and 3) add "cross-over" body type with 3rd row seating (like RAV4) so it can seat >5 people while getting amazing mileage.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Bonnie's Lean, Green, Clean Machine!

Written by: Bonnie C on 04/21/2008

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I love my lean, green, clean machine so much that I racked on over 64,000 miles in 3 yrs. I live in ski resort mountains and travel with my 5 person family. I really put this car to the test! I usually get 45 mpg in the winter, 50 in spring/fall, and 55-65 all summer. These numbers are a packed car (500+ lbs of psgrs) and mountain travel. The numbers depend on the driver. If my lead-footed husband takes my car, he only gets 42-45 mpg. The only problem that I had in 3 yrs is that the gas door started to stick, but my husband lubricated it and bent something and it is fixed. Gas prices being what they are, my Prius literally makes its own loan pmt in gas savings each mo! What a pleasure!

Favorite Features

Eco friendly, high mpg, cool style, awesome technology, comfort, great drive, storage, good use of space, many cupholders, nice sound system, easy to drive/park, fits any spot, adjusts driving to driver, dependable, super fuel efficient, makes its own loan pymt in fuel savings-free!! Will buy again!

Suggested Improvements

Fix gas door issue. A darker interior color, my family stains the light tan color easily, though it does come clean with stain remover. A little more head room in the rear, my son is 6 ft, and on a really bumpy road, he will bump his head on the roof of the car.

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I'll always own a hybrid!

Written by: Always hybrid! on 04/19/2008

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I had previously owned a hybrid civic. The Prius gets better mileage and is more versatile with cargo (the seats fold down for entire back storage). The Prius is comfortable to drive and ride in, with easy maneuverability, too!

Favorite Features

Powerful AC, average 50+ MPG, fewer oil changes. At the 100K mile service, no problems were found.

Suggested Improvements

I wish there was less road noise. That's the one thing I like about a luxury vehicle. . . it's QUIET inside!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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2nd best car I ever owned

Written by: yat993 on 02/06/2008

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

With 75000 miles after a late 2005 purchase, I have had zero problems with this car. Gas mileage average is probably 48 -- never less than 45 -- often above 50, and this is mostly city driving. Oh yea, my number 1 favorite car was my 1995 Porsche 911 convertible -- I actually used the proceeds from the sale of that car to purchase the Prius.

Favorite Features

The navigation (GPS) system; manueverability (tight turning circle); keyless entry

Suggested Improvements

Would like to see better lumbar support in seats. Also, keyless entry will not unlock back door unless passenger door has been opened.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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This car works for a living.

Written by: John L on 12/27/2007

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Other than standard maintenance, this car has had zero problems. Performance is considerably better than expected in all categories.

Favorite Features

Video function display is handy.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Prius to go

Written by: benjamin franco on 11/15/2007

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

bought used w/22,000 miles, satisfied w/performance even on steep inclines contrary to expectations of sceptical friends. Like all the built in maintanance features: oil, brakes, etc.

Favorite Features

looks, fuel economy, smoothness of transmission, battery functions.

Suggested Improvements

softer ride

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Prius saved me $8,000 in gas

Written by: Prius on 11/07/2007

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

My Prius was in a national survey during the first 40,000 miles averaging 50.9 mpg. I've had over 12 new vehicles from different brands and this one the best besides saving over $8,000 so far. Toyota got it right. Only repair has been oil changes and running great. My next vehicle will be the next generation Prius at 80-100 mpg. My wife and I though that gas was high ($1.69/gallon) when we bought this car. We really look smart now with gas over $3.25. They are working on the next generation Prius and I can not wait to purchase the next one. Out of my last 12 new vehicles this ranks A +++.

Favorite Features

The room inside is deceiving from the outside. It appears small, but my son-in-law is 6'4" and is very comfy in the back seat. I've hauled 8 foot 2x4 lumber and mldge for my rental properties, so it's great for our needs. The hidden rear compartment stores coats, football gear and others.

Suggested Improvements

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Our Best Car Ever

Written by: VegasPrius on 11/04/2007

Vehicle

2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

We did a lot of research before deciding on the Prius. Now we never look back. We steadily average 46 MPG. We are not disappointed that it doesn't get the 60 mpg as rated since we know the old rating system is inaccurate, but still, 46 mpg is pretty damn awesome! Great, smooth ride. Very roomy interior and still room for cargo. We got package 6 with the nav system which is great. Driving the Prius has become a game to get best mileage and has now taught me how to get better mileage in my Expedition. I'm now just waiting to replace the Expedition with a big SUV hybrid such as Yukon or Escalade. We plan on getting the plug in Prius in 2009.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy. Smooth ride. Nav system. Bluetooth.

Suggested Improvements

Needs better quality interior parts such as dash panels, etc. More durable and stylish.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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