2005 Toyota Prius Review
Fuel Economy
46 mpg
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
The perfect car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I love this car. I've gone 150K miles and it's still brand new; original tires being the only problem so far. I paid it off last year so, normally, I'd buy a new car. But I'd only get another Prius, so why? My only worry is the battery. It's covered to 150K; but nobody seems to know how long it will last. So far I've replace nothing! And the brakes are still great! I Love This Car!
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Prius running strong
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
If you can tolerate slow acceleration, the Prius is a great car. In warmer weather mine can get 50+ mpg on a tank of gas after 117,000 miles. I have only replaced a water pump and tires during regular 5K service intervals. I have driven 400 averaging 60 mph and it still gets 43 mpg! The Prius struggles in very hilly areas but if you are patient you can make up for it on the downhill. It even handles well with the set of Michelins that are on it now.
Favorite Features
The gas mileage. That is what it does best.
Suggested Improvements
Put a diesel engine in it.
Greatest thing since sliced bread
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 4 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I have 64K miles and have only replaced tires & wiper blades. I average 52 MPG, mostly driven at 50-55 mph. There is a learning curve to getting good MPG. I use the cruise control all the time, even in city driving. It works down to 24 MPH! Consistent speed is the key. The ride and handling is great. Fun car to drive. I'm getting another this year.
Favorite Features
Suggested Improvements
Prius 2005
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 6 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
Bought this car in April, 2005 after 13- month wait. I was not disappointed. Car is everything claimed to be - fuel efficient (averages about 45 MPG), no repairs at all to date. This Prius is fully equipped with navigation system.
Favorite Features
Fun to drive, love the navigation and screen with features.
Suggested Improvements
Do not have darkened rearview mirrors - hard to get used to seeing out the back window - changes would improve both.
I got what I expected - a GOOD thing
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 2 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)
Review
I've owned the vehicle for a month. I have been averaging 47 MPG in winter driving. It has started in the morning with no problem even at 20 below F. I switched to winter tires, all seasons are iffy but the car does very well with winter tires. I'm 6'4 and its a little snug, I keep hitting the CVT stick with my knee when I get in the car! The seats are not so comfortable but its fine for the kind of driving I do. Handling is secure and not very exciting. The wind throws the car around on the highway. Don't expect the thrill of a life when you drive it.. its a boring ride but gets you where you want to go without worries and pretty inexpensively.
Favorite Features
Gas mileage is great. Perfect car for bringing the kids around to all their in town events, winter starting, quiet ride. Great stereo. Lots of cubbies for storage. My expectation is that it will be a reliable car that I can keep for many years. I feel good about helping the environment.
Suggested Improvements
Its really really boring to drive, everything for CVT to handling. Better seating position would be appreciated, improve mileage for the first 5 to 10 minutes in cold weather driving. Very hard to see out the back when driving in reverse. Get rid of the beeping sound when in reverse
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2010 Toyota Prius
- 2009 Toyota Prius
- 2008 Toyota Prius
- 2007 Toyota Prius
- 2006 Toyota Prius
- 2005 Toyota Prius
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