2005 Toyota Prius Review

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Prius

For 2005 the Prius gas-electric hybrid mid-size sedan adds a rear intermittent wiper as standard equipment. Toyota reports that the demand for the car is such that it will increase worldwide production by 50 percent for 2005. To be sure, the Prius is the darling of the environmentally conscious Hollywood set, and sparks interest nearly everywhere it's driven. Toyota 's " Hybrid Synergy Drive " system delivers exceptional fuel economy and ultra-low emissions. An onboard electric motor works separately or in tandem, as conditions warrant, with a 1.5-liter gas engine that comes with an electronic "drive by wire" throttle to maximize power while it minimizes fuel consumption. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard and is operated via a small joystick mounted on the dashboard. A large electronic display shows from which source or sources the vehicle is currently drawing power; while it's interesting, especially to novice passengers, it can get distracting to the driver. Anti-lock brakes, power windows, locks and mirrors, and an electrically operated air conditioning system come standard, with a keyless entry and startup feature among the Prius's optional features.

2004 Toyota Prius by John Pearley Huffman (8/25/2003)
As close as Toyota comes to making a Ferrari.