2005 Toyota Prius Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
A full-featured midsize family sedan that just so happens to be the most fuel-efficient and earth-friendly sedan on the market as well. The fact that it starts at just $20K makes the 2005 Toyota Prius all the more attractive.
Pros
Outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, generous amount of interior room, hatchback utility, reasonable price, excellent build quality.
Cons
Less power than other midsize sedans, some confusing controls, real-world driving results in lower mileage than the window sticker suggests.
What's New for 2005
For the 2005 Toyota Prius, a rear wiper is now standard, the sun visor material has been changed from vinyl to fabric, and the Smart Entry and Start system has been renamed the Smart Key System.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
What's not to love?
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I have driven this car from Eastern Iowa to central CO where I now live. We don't gas up until Kearney, NE and not again until be arrive home (over 900 miles). Just drove to WI and averaged over 50 mpg. If it is very windy that will be slightly lower. Have put bicycles and camping gear in the back. The orig. tires weren't so hot so now it has Nokians which are great going up snowy mountains and hills without a problem. Everyone who rides in it is impressed by its quality + comfort. They are amazed by how many miles I get on one tank. Wouldn't have anything else and will get another in one or two years.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage (drive to Denver and get 60 mpg), smart key, navigation system which is a safety feature for me when in a city, controls on steering. Love looking straight ahead over the steering wheel to read my speed without having to glance away from the road.
Suggested Improvements
Improve the substance that covers the glove box etc. That and the upholstery fabric may be better since I bought mine.
We love our Prius - especially w/ $4 gas
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
We love our Prius - great hauling capacity with hatch and flip-down rear seats. We are especially glad that we own it since gas is now over $4 a gallon.
Favorite Features
Mileage - interior cargo room.
Suggested Improvements
Back seat headroom is lacking for anyone over 6 feet tall. Though plenty of leg room all around.
Love it, but...
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
Love the car but I have three minor concerns: 1. GPS/information video screen is very difficult to see in bright sun. A small design change of tilting the screen some 15-20 degrees would help. 2. road noise on certain kinds of roads. Needs more insulation? 3. I'd like something like the On-Star system for automatic crash notification.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage info screen on current gas mileage (makes me drive with a lighter foot. (:-)
Suggested Improvements
see above
Simply Glorius!
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I've never rated anything ALL 10s before. That sums up the Prius experience for me, and I hope it will encourage you to "go for it." You will not be disappointed in any way, if you are deciding whether or not to buy one.
Favorite Features
SmartKey: To never have to take it out of your pocket or purse is a convenience that suits me to a T.
Suggested Improvements
I've read about that electric mode (EV) only . Maybe the US market would want that too. I'm not going to "aftermarket it" though. Don't want to run the risk of damaging something.
53 MPG
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 7 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
After one year and a total of 70,000 miles, this car has had zero problems. Gas mileage averages between 50 and 53 mpg. Anyone who expected to get the old EPA estimate of 60 was naive. The car comes with an amazing amount of equipment (mine is package 4) for the price and has been a joy to own. The hybrid performance is almost totally transparent to the driver and the power is adequate. This is not a sports car and handling is not it's strong suit, also the car is nervous in cross winds. These are minor issues though. Comfort, quiet operation, high tech goodies and great mileage. I drive the car for service calls all day and couldn't be more pleased. Thanks, Toyota!
Favorite Features
Mileage!! Stereo, voice command system, Bluetooth, AC/heating, roomy, comfortable, quiet, surprising power. Great brake life with regen. braking.
Suggested Improvements
More durable finish on interior panels, OEM tires only lasted 25k, aftermarket tires are at 55k and going strong.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Toyota Prius
- 2008 Toyota Prius
- 2007 Toyota Prius
- 2006 Toyota Prius
- 2005 Toyota Prius
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