iPod hookup for 2005 prius

A wired FM Modulator could be one option.

http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-FM-MOD02-Modulator-Satellite-Portable/dp/B001QBG614

 

This is even better: it can also charge your iPod.
http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B002IY598O?tag=priuschatcom-20

 

I'd personally recommend getting a tape adapter since you've got the tape deck. You have no chance of getting and FM interference and it's cheaper than the already suggested options.

I've had to use an FM transmitter on my Z and have tried both an FM transmitter and tape adapter on my former 02 Nissan Maxima. The tape adapter was hands down better.

 

I have an 06 with the same sound system. I just installed a DICE. Its works very well with full steering wheel MID integration. It also charges your ipod. Its $153 though the Priuschat store. I received it within a week and its so simple.

 

Wired FM modulators typically block out the radio frequencies you've set for it (e.g. 87.9) so there is no chance of picking up any over the air interference as with using wireless FM transmitters.

A tape deck adapter is also a feasible solution, but it may not provide as good sound quality as a wired modulator. On the other hand, you don't have to take your head unit out to install it.

You will find that each option has its pros and cons, and costs will vary. You will need to weigh which factor is most important to you, i.e. sound quality vs cost vs ease of use etc.

Below is one more option to think about, this one even has Bluetooth A2DP capabilities. If you plan to eventually get a Bluetooth phone that can stream music as well, you might want to consider this little unit:

http://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Bluetooth-Hands-free-Transmitter-supported/dp/B000NVYVRO

 

There's a difference between an FM Transmitter and a wired FM Modulator. The former is at the bottom of the list when it comes to sound quality. The latter should give you something equal to a strong FM station (since that's what it actually is), better than tape but obviously not as good as a direct Aux line in.

The DICE unit is the next to best option. The absolute best option, of course, is to replace your head unit with one that has Bluetooth A2DP!

In short, there's no easy-and-cheap method if you want hi-fi sound. But there is an array of options to consider, depending on your budget and requirements.

My Prius has an Aux, so I've never had to deal with this issue. But it does not have BT A2DP, which is something I've been wanting to add.

BTW, I've ordered the Satechi for my Xterra, which will give me BT hands-free and A2DP for my iPhone 3Gs. I've read that the FM Transmitter of the Satechi is quite strong. But if sound quality isn't up to par, I have the option to wire up an FM Modulator and connect the Satechi's line out to the new Aux port directly, bypassing the FM Transmitter completely.

I should receive the unit in the next few days. I'll keep you posted on how it sounds compared to my existing Griffin FM transmitter. I also will try it out in the Prius, using its line out to connect directly to the Prius Aux in port. If it works out well, I may get a second unit so we can have A2DP in our Gen2 Prius.

The cool thing about the Satechi is that it's portable. We travel a lot, and not every rental car has Bluetooth hands free. But most nowadays have Aux port on the radio. This unit will give us hands-free plus A2DP streaming no matter what kind of car we rent.

 

Almost forgot this unit:

Toyota / Scion / Lexus Auxiliary interface

 

Don't be afraid. It's not that hard once you've taken the plunge!

Note that there's also an iPod-specific version of this device:

Toyota / Scion / Lexus GROM iPod Adapter Direct Interface

Having the right tools also help:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/product/B000LNBLTK?tag=priuschatcom-20

 

Yeah, I'm in the same boat as the OP.

Cassette adapters seem to largely converge on the Sony CPA-9 (Made in Japan) but it's a bit like the unicorn at the moment as the CPA-9C (China) is the prevalent version (And poor quality, apparently)

FM transmitters sound easy enough in theory but the reviews do seem to always come back to potential hiss or FM interference

Bluetooth streamers sound like a viable option but I haven't been able to really find any reliable reviews...Plus, would it interfere with the native Bluetooth in the Prius?

DICE sounds appealing but not sure I have the skills to install this...Plus, there's the matter of convincing my wife the pricepoint is worthwhile

The GROM-I2-TOY sounds interesting but wonder who's actually had success with it...Was thinking of asking my local dealer if it's something they can install

I don't have the Aux adapter and was curious if this is a complicated aftermarket add on since it would seem to be the cheapest/cleanest way to be able to play music off my iphone4