The Good
The 2005 Prius offers exceptional fuel efficiency, appealing to the practical buyer. Its hybrid technology promotes an eco-friendly image, satisfying emotional desires for environmental responsibility. It's known for its reliability and comfortable ride. While not a performance car, it offers adequate power for daily driving and good value for the money.
The Bad
Weaknesses of the 2005 Prius include potential issues with the hybrid battery pack, which can degrade over time and require costly replacement. The regenerative braking system can feel different than conventional brakes. The interior materials might feel cheap to some. Additionally, some owners have reported issues with the combination meter (dashboard display).
2005 Toyota Prius: Quick Overview
Key Specs for the 2005 Toyota Prius:
- Engine: 1.5L 4-cylinder gasoline engine with Hybrid Synergy Drive
- Horsepower: Combined system output of 110 horsepower
- Fuel Economy: EPA estimated 48 mpg city / 45 mpg highway
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 10.5 seconds
- Towing Capacity: Not recommended or rated for towing
- Trim-Level Features:
Base Model: Included standard features like automatic climate control, power windows and locks, keyless entry, and a CD player.
Package #6 (example): Could include upgraded audio system with JBL speakers, navigation system, leather seats, Vehicle Stability Control (VSC), and Smart Key system. Package contents could vary depending on the region and year.
Other Packages often included features like fog lamps, alloy wheels, and upgraded interior trim. The specific feature combinations changed slightly throughout the model year. Higher trim levels generally focused on adding convenience and luxury features without fundamentally altering the core hybrid powertrain or fuel economy. The emphasis remained on efficiency and practicality.
2005 Toyota Prius Specifications
Vehicle Information
Year | 2005 |
Make | Toyota |
Model | Prius |
Trim | - |
Style | 4-Door Hatchback |
Type | Hatchback |
Category | Mid-Size Car |
Manufacturing Details
Made In | Japan |
Manufacturing City | TOYOTA CITY |
Dimensions
Doors | 4-Door |
Curb Weight | 1310.88 kg |
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating | - |
Overall Height | - |
Overall Length | - |
Overall Width | - |
Wheelbase Length | - |
Standard Seating | - |
Engine & Performance
Engine | 1NZ-FXE |
Engine Size | 1.5L |
Engine Cylinders | 4 |
Transmission | continuously Variable |
Transmission Type | Automatic |
Transmission Speeds | Continuously Variable |
Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
Additional Features
Anti-Brake System | - |
Steering Type | - |
Pricing
Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) | $21,275 USD |
Invoice Price | $19,590 USD |
Delivery Charges | $540 USD |
Vehicle History Report
Specifications
History
Events
History Check
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Listings
Recalls
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Analysis
What Problems Does the 2005 Toyota Prius Have?
Some owners have also reported issues with the inverter, which converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the electric motor. Inverter failures can lead to complete vehicle shutdown.
Recalls for the 2005 Prius have addressed issues such as potential steering shaft problems and brake system malfunctions. It's essential to check the vehicle's VIN with Toyota to ensure all applicable recalls have been performed. Long-term reliability concerns mainly revolve around the lifespan and cost of replacing hybrid components, such as the battery and inverter. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help mitigate these concerns, but the potential for expensive hybrid system repairs remains a significant factor for long-term owners.
How long will the 2005 Toyota Prius last?
What Technology & Safety Features are Included?
Safety features included standard antilock brakes (ABS), front airbags, and side curtain airbags. Optional features included VSC and traction control.
Crash test ratings from the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) generally showed good results, with four or five stars for frontal and side impacts. The IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) also gave the 2005 Prius good ratings in its crash tests. While not boasting advanced driver-assistance systems like lane departure warning or automatic emergency braking, the 2005 Prius provided a solid level of safety for its era. The focus was more on fuel efficiency and hybrid technology than cutting-edge driver aids.
What Colors Options are Available?
Exterior Colors
Interior Colors
2005 Toyota Prius Prices and Market Value
2005 Toyota Prius Cost of Ownership
2005 Toyota Prius Fuel Efficiency
2005 Toyota Prius Safety Rating
NHTSA
IIHS
2005 Toyota Prius Recalls & Defects
AIR Bags
Steering:electric Power Assist System
Vehicle Speed Control:accelerator Pedal
Equipment:other:labels
Steering
Steering:gear Box:shaft Sector
Engine and Engine Cooling
Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter
2005 Toyota Prius Insurance
reasonable repair costs.
How Does the 2005 Toyota Prius Compare to Other Hatchback?
In terms of reliability, the Prius generally fared well, but the hybrid battery was a potential concern not shared by its non-hybrid rivals. Feature-wise, the Prius offered a decent array of technology for its time, but some competitors offered more advanced features or a sportier driving experience.
Potential alternatives include later model Prius vehicles (2010+) for improved features and potentially longer battery life. A Honda Insight (later models) could be a similar alternative. If fuel efficiency isn't the primary concern, a standard Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic offers a more traditional and potentially more affordable option with simpler mechanics.
Ranks #37 Hatchback
1 | 2023 Toyota Corolla Hatchback | (0.0★) |
2 | 2023 Honda Civic Type R | (5.0★) |
3 | 2023 BMW i4 | (0.0★) |
4 | 2022 Mercedes-Benz GLA-Class | (0.0★) |
5 | 2016 Ford Focus Electric | (0.0★) |
6 | 2023 Audi A7 | (0.0★) |
7 | 2023 Nissan LEAF | (0.0★) |
8 | 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV | (5.0★) |
9 | 2022 Hyundai Ioniq Plug-In Hybrid | (0.0★) |
10 | 2023 Jaguar I-PACE | (0.0★) |
11 | 2023 Tesla Model S | (5.0★) |
12 | 2022 Porsche Panamera | (0.0★) |
37 | 2005 Toyota Prius | (4.0★) |
Final Verdict: Is the 2005 Toyota Prius a Good Hatchback?
c.kirkland on November 11, 2023
Love this car!Love my Prius. At first I thought it was ugly, but having owned it for so long, I love it! Get 52 miles to the gallon, but then I don't speed. I drive between 27-29 mph. in town, avoid freeways if I can to keep the mileage high. IU have only replaced the tires and the battery a couple of times. The car starts beautifully, responds well when driven. Is in good shape outside, except for a small "ding"on the bottom of the driver's side where I hit a curb.
Marisa on October 9, 2022
Bad airbagI got into an accident today and ripped off my whole bumper. And my air bags didn't even go off and they xxxx sure should of
Wally on September 5, 2020
Trouble free, comfortable, reliableThis car has been trouble free during 8 years of ownership. Regular maintenance & new starter battery. I love this car and want to upgrade to a newer model
Mikey- NZ on July 18, 2020
Awesome car 1197 kilometers weekly 55to63mpg .Awesome car cheap to run love it. And they can go fast when you know how to drive them. Pass cars on a steep hill on my way home sitting 115/120+ very upsetting getting passed by a Prius lol
sveene on May 24, 2020
Most reliable car I have ever ownedThis car met all my needs. Especially the MPG saved me thousands of dollars. The room that is there in this car is unbelievable. Trunk is very big for the car.
AD on March 11, 2020
Great car! Great mileage. Reliable!Comfortable seating. Decent roominess. Lacks a little power on acceleration but worth sacrifice with great mileage. Good stopping, decent handling. Exactly what we expected. Reliable and expecting to get many more miles on it.
Sherri and Jim on March 10, 2020
CK really had our back-he sold us a great used carSuper! Clean, runs well, a good vehicle for the money, I would recommend CK to others, etc. We owned Toyotas for years and this is our first Prius--cool hybrid!
John on January 29, 2020
Bullitt proofBought a 2005 in 2012 with 180k miles. Car was still reliable and performed very well. Economical to own and should provide good transportation for its new owner. The Gen 2 Prius is just rock solid.
nb on September 24, 2019
An efficient car, but still burns fossil fuelsDon't get the 2005 unless you're ok not having an aux input jack for audio. That's my main complaint about this car, and that's a good thing. It's pretty fuel efficient, ranging from 4.9 l/100km in winter to 4.3 l/100km in summer, depending on tire pressure and how you drive it. It doesn't go 100% into metric, the odometer and temperature gauge will always be stuck in outdated US customary units. Toyota might have fixed this in newer models. The roof is also easy to dent if you sit on it a lot, watch out for that. With snow tires, it does fine in the snow, but if it does get stuck, it's annoying because it keeps switching drive wheels and you can't turn that feature off. Overall my second favorite car, behind the Nissan Leaf.
SuperDad on July 30, 2019
Great deal on a solid carThis car met all of my needs, very reliable, great on gas. Good set of wheels. This 2005 Prius has a new hybrid battery. You will love it!