2005 Toyota Prius gas-electric hybrid from North America
Summary:
It's good enough to buy another Prius, if this one ever quits running
Faults:
The steering shaft was replaced under warranty.
The 12 volt battery was replaced in late 2014.
The odometer quit working at 299,999 miles, although the speedometer continues to work fine. I now use the trip meters to track total miles.
General Comments:
I bought this car when gas was over $4.00 per gallon, after checking on the car's reliability record. By removing the rear seat, I was able to use it as a delivery vehicle, and be able to load and unload it more easily than my Camry.
The MPG varies substantially from summer to winter. Low 40s are typical in winter, and 45 to 50 in summer. I have never tried summer driving without the A/C. Only two repairs are: $175.00 battery last year, and electrical charging outlet that has not been repaired. I've owned over 100 cars and trucks in the last 50 years, and none have been more reliable.
The main problem around here is: if we get more than 4" of snow, the Prius won't push it. Then we drive our old Highlander.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 25th September, 2015
27th Sep 2015, 11:51
The odometer stopping at 299K miles is a well-known problem affecting the 2004-2005 models of the Prius (as well as the 2003-2008 Matrix and Corolla).
Toyota considers it a "maintenance issue" and has only offered to pay 1/2 of the approximately $600 cost to replace the odometer.