New Car Review of the 2005 Toyota Prius Mid-Size Hybrid Sedan

Description: Mid-Size Hybrid Sedan
Base MSRP Range: $20,875
Invoice Price Range: $19,222
Where built: Japan

Toyota's hybrid sedan, which morphed to a larger size last year, fits in the mid-size class with generous space for five in the comfortable cabin. A sleek design for the body features a dramatic sloped face that fashions the hood and windshield into a racked-back plane. Prius ranks among the most aerodynamic production vehicles on the market.

And it contains Toyota's high-voltage and high-powered Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD) powertrain that runs on a thrifty but conventional 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine or a battery-powered electric motor of permanent-magnet design. Toyota uses the HSD to control all energy produced by the two plants and apply it directly to the front wheels in infinitely variable measures through an electronically-controlled continuously variable transmission (CVT).

The system achieves high fuel economy figures -- up to 60 mpg for running on city streets for the class of a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV). A dashboard video screen illustrates energy management with icons representing the gas engine, electric motor, drive wheels and battery. Arrows depict the energy flow, with one running from engine or motor to wheels when either plant supplies power, or back to the motor and on to the battery when recharging.