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2005 Toyota Prius User Reviews

2005 Toyota Prius Review Ratings

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Average Ratings from 23 reviews

  • Performance:3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars3.6 out of 5 stars 3.6 / 5
  • Appearance:3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars3.8 out of 5 stars 3.8 / 5
  • Build Quality:4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 / 5
  • Overall:4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars4.6 out of 5 stars 4.6 / 5

Review Highlights Click to filter reviews below

PROS
"fuel economy" 12 reviews
"ride" 9 reviews
"space" 7 reviews
"comfortable car" 5 reviews
"power" 4 reviews
CONS
"power" 3 reviews
"fuel economy" 3 reviews
"expressway" 2 reviews
"traction" 2 reviews

User Reviews

Displaying 1 - 10 of 23 reviews 123 Next
bevg writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
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Pros

I have 204,000 miles on this car, and I have just had my first mechanical problem - which is covered by a recent bulletin from Toyota so I am not being charged for the repair and have been given a free rental while they wait for the part.  Incredible reliability.  I am not a great car owner, but I change the oil - that's it.  I average 700-800 miles a week of about half highway, half city driving; I consistently get 48 mpg unless it is very cold out.

Cons

It doesn't bother me, but my 17 year old complains that the car has slow acceleration. The car has very low clearance, so it scrapes going over small speed bumps and would probably center out quickly if we got much snow. Mileage drops considerably in cold weather as battery is less efficient at low temperatures, but I am averaging 38 mpg when the temperature is in the teens (F).

bevg
35

Another Amazed Prius Owner. — Incredible reliability, fantastic mileage, great room even in the back seat for such a small car. My husband can put his bike (standard commuter bike) in the back without removing the wheels; he couldn't fit it in the Camry without taking both wheels off.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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MGRabon writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Review
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Pros

Fuel economy, high technology, safety, reliability, and style.

Cons

Over agressive traction control makes driving on ice difficult. Factory ban on snow chains.

MGRabon
75

Why Can't All Cars Be Like This? — 90k miles and the only thing it has needed is 2 sets of tires, and oil/filter changes. So far it is the most reliable car I've ever owned, or even heard of. Will be driving this 'till the tires fall off...should I be able to live as long as my Prius.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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LAZYCSUE writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
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Pros

A surprisingly roomy and comfortable ride. Hatchback makes lots of room for luggage, etc. Gas economy is unmatched.

Cons

Built pretty close to the ground, so a little difficult to get in and out of.

LAZYCSUE
30

Great Economical Value! —

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Bob writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
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Pros

MPG, ROOM, Cool

Cons

Really only a 4 seater - but that's OK

245

Judy's White Wonder — What can I say - This car is GREAT. Judy had been reduced to driving my Jetta after the reliability of the MB became an issue. She returned home from work on a Friday one day in August of 2005 and had just filled the tank after driving 30+ miles in heavy freeway traffic with the 5 spd manual tranny Jetta and declared that she wanted to get a new car. (FINALLY - I had been trying to get her to get a new car for at least a year.) The next day we bought the Prius and haven't looked back. There are many cool things about this car - but the one that sold Judy was the Smart Key. Finally she would no longer have to fumble for her keys in the purse. You just have the key on your person as you approach the car and the doors unlock. You get in the car, put your foot on the brake, push the Start button, and you are ready to go. How Cool is that? I wish they made a SmartKey for all cars and the house! The car gets 45MPG without really trying. On longer trips, it is not easy to achieve 50 to 55. Mileage is inversely proportional speed. So if you drive 75 or 80 - you are NOT going to get 50mpg. As far as performance goes, it is much better than I thought. That little electric motor does help the gas engine to get you moving. I was out in the desert one time and wondered if there was a third digit on its digial speedometer. I pushed the pedal to the metal on a good stretch of I40 east of Barstow. I was gaining on a truck in the right lane when he pulled out to pass a slower truck. I had to lift off. As I did I glanced down at the speedo and it was showing 107MPH. I thought it was still accelerating, but not sure. Anyway, it runs fast enough to get you in trouble. We had the Carpool stickers for the car but they expired in July, 2011, so I removed them. Having those stickers did save some time in rush hour.

Primary Use: Family transportation

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Devon writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Review
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35

Read — Its amazing on gas mileage and with the prices skyrocketing like it is its going to become very efficient and popular, as ugly as it is.

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Bob writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
Appearance:
Performance:
Quality:
Overall:

Pros

MPG, ROOM, Cool

Cons

Really only a 4 seater - but that's OK

205

Judy's White Wonder — What can I say - This car is GREAT. Judy had been reduced to driving my Jetta after the reliability of the MB became an issue. She returned home from work on a Friday one day in August of 2005 and had just filled the tank after driving 30+ miles in heavy freeway traffic with the 5 spd Jetta and declared that she wanted to get a new car. (FINALLY - I had been trying to get her to get a new car for at least a year.) The next day we bought the Prius and haven't looked back. There are many cool things about this car - but the one that sold Judy was the Smart Key. Finally she would no longer have to fumble for her keys in the purse. You just have the key on your person as you approach the car and the doors unlock. You get in the car, put you foot on the brake, hit the Start button, and you are ready to go. How Cool is that? I wish the made a SmartKey for all cars and the house! The car gets 45MPG without really trying. On longer trips, it is not easy to achieve 50 to 55. Mileage is inversely proportional speed. So if you drive 75 or 80 - you are NOT going to get 50mpg. As far as performance goes, it is much better than I thought. That little electric motor does help the gas engine to get you moving. I was out in the desert one time and wondered if there was a three digits on its digial speedometer. I pushed the petal to the metal on a good stretch of I40 east of Barstow. I was gaining on a truck in the right lane when he pulled out to pass a slower truck. I had to lift off. As I did I glanced down at the speedo and it was showing 107MPH. I thought it was still accelerating, but not sure. Anyway, it runs fast enough to get you in trouble.

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Value4u writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
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Pros

Spacious, quite ride, comfortable, climate and audio controls built in steering column, 6 CD changer and Bose sound system, compact to park on city streets, and many more

Cons

It makes you forget gas prices and the last time you filled up.

Value4u
25

Economical Comfortable Reliable Ride — Car well maintained. Clean, odor free interior, loaded with options such as Navigation, 6 CD changer, HID lamps, Keyless engine start and entry, central door locks, power windows, cold AC, All the controls you need are built in steering column. Back seat room is greater than many larger sedans.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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smokinscottish writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
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Pros

Smooth, quiet ride with EXCELLENT GAS MILEAGE. Love stop and go traffic when the electric motor runs. enjoy the premium JBL speakers, and only music instead of car noise. Smart-Key is great. Bluetooth feature wonderful when driving-crystal clear. Gets up and out on the highway easily to 70mph.

Cons

Not a 4WD of course. Wont handle well off road or up in mountain terrain.

smokinscottish
20

Chic' Lil "jetsons" Styler That Wont Eat Your Wallet At The Gas Pump! — Its not a 4WD. Driving through mountain territory, and or camping would not be its best feature. A long family trip with 4 people may be a little tight on the space for this car. Cup holders not placed in the best spot.

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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YY writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Base Review
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Pros

Fuel efficient, reliable, quiet, large and usable cargo space

Cons

A little noisy on highway when gas engine kicks in

YY
35

Reliable, Fuel Efficient, Great Performance — We love this car. It takes some time to get used to when it stops at traffic lights - quiet and no engine running movement. People often can't hear you driving behind them or backing up in the parking lot because it's so quiet when the gas engine is off. Among all the hybrid cars in its class, I think Prius has the best performance in terms of handling, power, reliability, fuel efficiency, and cargo space. On highway, it's a little noisy compared to Honda Accord. Great gas mileage for local commute especially if you have to go through a lot of traffic lights. The smart brake system works really well if you allows it to work by not pumping the brakes. Because the gas engine is not on all the time fir hybrid cars so the recommended oil change is every 5000 miles instead of 3000 miles. Less wear and tear on the engine parts. Smart key is very convenient, so I never need to look for car key in my purse to open the door or start the car. The built-in navigation system just makes every trip we took more fun and less stressful. It's comfortable for road trips, and we defintely enjoyed the gas savings. The cargo space is large and usable with the back seated folded down. Loading and unloading are also easy because of its flat bed design. It's a great car!

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Bob writes:
2005 Toyota Prius Review
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Pros

Best value for money vehicle for people who spend a lot of time on the road !

Cons

Still expensive as a new purchase !

55

Great For Its Intended Purpose ! — Its now been about 4 years since I bought my Prius.. Was it worth the premium .. YES!! would I buy another one .. YES!! Toyota's.. cant kill em with a brick! They just keep going and going and doing what they were intended to do! Have since added a RAV4 to our group of cars.. Love that as well .. I wish there was something bad I could say about the Prius.. but after 4 years .. cant find anything to critisize!

Primary Use: Commuting to work

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Displaying 1 - 10 of 23 reviews 123 Next
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Similar Cars Compared to a 2005 Toyota Prius

2005 Toyota Prius 2005 Toyota Camry 2005 Honda Civic
2005 Toyota Prius Base picture, exterior
Picture of 2005 Toyota Camry, exterior
2005 Honda Civic Value Package picture, exterior
Cost $10,347 Average Instant Market Value $10,325 Average Instant Market Value $8,395 Average Instant Market Value
Gas Mileage (highway) 45 30 45
Horsepower 110 160 93
Crash Test Rating 5 5 5
Front Leg Room (inches) 41.9 41.6 42.2

Reviews From Other Years

2013 Toyota Prius Reviews

Its Ok By Zack

so this car is not very good for long trips and can run out of battery very easerly however the car is very comfortable. the car performs OK and is very limited for speed and power but is well built a... Read More

Read all 2013 Toyota Prius reviews

2012 Toyota Prius Reviews

The Prius Everyone Would Want To Own. By Mike

Not as quick as a Prius with 15" wheels but ample power to accelerate onto highways. Zero rattles. Stellar appearance. Cost of ownership is very low. The car handles incredible. Excellent and super... Read More

My New Blizzard Pearl Prius By Mike

Awesome handling, quiet ride, 50+ mpg, stellar looks, doesn't kill your wallet at the pump. Build quality is first rate. Why can't US manufacturers build cars like the imports do? The Prius with the... Read More

Read all 3 2012 Toyota Prius reviews

2011 Toyota Prius Reviews

Contrary To Popular Belief My Prius Is Not A Liberal Democratic Car. By CJH

No, the battery hasn't died or given any trouble. Yes, it has an engine and battery that work together extremely efficiently well. And yes, it has plenty of get up and go to pass. OK, so I'm not drivi... Read More

Happy We Got It By ProfSapp

The fuel economy is the main reason we got a Prius exactly a year ago, and according to the onboard display we have never gotten less than 50 mpg, including a highway trip to DC from Miami last month ... Read More

Read all 3 2011 Toyota Prius reviews

2010 Toyota Prius Reviews

Little Dream By Subbu

Very slim design with looks of a cute car. This nice little TOY is doing its JOB perfectly and keeping up to the expectations by saving the money on GAS! As long as I’m gentle to this TOY, it return... Read More

Nice Car, Great Fuel Economy By tjw50

Beeping when in reverse is annoying. rear visibility is limited. heated seats a plus. got 50K miles on original tires. looking for recommendation on replacement tires. wife loves the car and will k... Read More

Read all 26 2010 Toyota Prius reviews

2009 Toyota Prius Reviews

I Hope To Drive It For Many Years To Come! By Greg

The best car I have ever owned period! Beautiful dark blue with every option! Saving $60.00 a month on gas!Very fun and save to drive,best i have ever had in the snow!This is the right car for me!! Read More

It Does What It's Suppose To Do By Spencer

It Does what it says it does, and all the tech gagets make it cool... I don't really like the look esp the liftback and the chrome tail lights. But it is the best MPG around! Cost of Ownership is wh... Read More

Read all 4 2009 Toyota Prius reviews
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