Overview & Reviews

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius (from the Latin "to go before") has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers' hybrid models are still in their nascent stages, Toyota's Prius is already well into its third generation. This four-door hatchback hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, spacious cabin, relatively uncompromised driving characteristics and reasonable price.

Due to its popularity and relatively long sales history, Toyota's original hybrid car is a strong candidate for a shopper interested in a used hybrid vehicle. Pleasingly, Toyota's solid reputation for reliability and durability is holding true for the Prius. However, potential buyers of a used Prius should take extra care during the research process. As the Toyota Prius is quite complex, future repairs and part replacements could be quite expensive.

Current Toyota Prius
In its first decade of production, the compact Prius hatchback was the sole version available. But now, a subcompact Prius C, a larger Prius V wagon and a plug-in variant of the standard Prius are offered (and covered in separate reviews). With the introduction of these newer models, the standard Prius is often referred to as the Prius hatchback or liftback.

The Toyota Prius' hybrid powertrain consists of a 1.8-liter gasoline engine that's used in conjunction with two electric motors and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Total system power is 134 horsepower, and fuel economy rates an impressive 50 mpg combined.

There are four Prius trim levels: Two, Three, Four and Five. Standard feature highlights for the Prius Two include keyless ignition/entry, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface and an iPod/USB audio interface. The Three adds a rearview camera, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system and a navigation system. The Four gains a power driver seat, heated front seats, faux leather upholstery and an upgraded stereo. The Five has larger alloy wheels and advanced LED headlamps. Options vary depending on trim level, but include a solar-powered ventilation system, an aerodynamic body kit, a sport-tuned suspension, a head-up display, an upgraded navigation system, adaptive cruise control and a lane-departure warning system.

Under full acceleration, both gasoline and electric power sources work together to provide maximum propulsion. In stop-and-go traffic, the Prius usually runs on battery power alone, which maximizes fuel economy. Under deceleration, the electric motors switch to generator mode, recharging the car's batteries. As expected, performance is far from exciting, but adequate for passing and merging onto highways. The Prius' space-efficient hatchback body provides a surprisingly roomy backseat and cargo area, making it a plausible replacement for a family sedan or compact SUV. The Prius' main downsides are a potentially uncomfortable driving position for taller drivers, excessive road noise and disappointing interior materials quality.

Used Toyota Prius Models
The current third-generation Toyota Prius debuted for 2010. Its general shape remained largely unchanged compared to the previous generation, though the sheet metal took on a more sculpted character. The interior received a more radical overhaul, with a more conventional center control stack and the hybrid system display relocated high on the dash. It's also a bit more comfortable for taller drivers, thanks to a height-adjustable seat and a telescoping steering wheel, though still not great. Changes have been very minor since. The pre-2012 models lack a few features offered on later versions such as power front seats and the Entune smartphone integration system.

The second-generation Toyota Prius was produced for the 2004-'09 model years. It sat five people in a four-door hatchback body that provided extra versatility in terms of carrying items. This Prius' hybrid powertrain was the same in concept as the current third-generation model, but it featured a smaller, 1.5-liter gasoline engine that produced 76 hp and 82 pound-feet of torque. With the electric motor spinning out power, peak net hp was 110.

Aside from its hybrid system upgrades, most buyers will find the interior to be the biggest area of difference between the second-generation model and the current Prius. The dashboard and controls were unconventional and futuristic, with stereo, climate, vehicle system and optional navigation controls residing in a touchscreen interface. There were steering wheel buttons for frequently used items, but ultimately, too much was put under the jurisdiction of the touchscreen (which could wash out in sunlight). The odd gear-selector action of today's Prius was carried over from this generation, but then it was mounted on the dash. Another important difference to note is the lack of a telescoping steering wheel and height adjustment, making for an even more awkward driving position for taller people.

During its successful tenure in Toyota's lineup, this second-generation Prius received minor changes. For 2006, a back-up camera, leather upholstery, leather-wrapped steering wheel and an auxiliary audio jack were added to the options list. A Prius Touring model was added the following year with a slightly firmer "sport" suspension, different 16-inch alloy wheels, a larger rear lip spoiler and several optional items. Side and side curtain airbags also became standard across the board. A "standard" trim level, which lacks cruise control and heated mirrors but in exchange had a significantly lower base price, was added for 2008.

In reviews of the Toyota Prius, our editors have cited outstanding mileage, ultralow emissions, hatchback utility and a reasonable price as the car's greatest strengths. Downsides include soft handling characteristics at highway speeds and, compared to regular midsize sedans, unimpressive maximum acceleration. Most Prius owners say their cars typically achieve real-world mpg ratings in the mid-40s.

The original Prius debuted in the North American market for the 2001 model year. However, Toyota had been selling it in Japan since 1997. This model was the second hybrid vehicle available to U.S. consumers after the Honda Insight. In just about every aspect, the original Prius has been eclipsed by the second-generation car. The first-generation Toyota is slower, smaller and not as comfortable.

Though less advanced than those in the newer generations, the older Prius' powertrain still paired a gasoline engine with an electric motor. Its 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine made 70 hp at 4,500 rpm and 82 lb-ft of torque at 4,200 rpm. The electric drive motor was worth another 44 peak hp.

User Reviews:

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  I bought two of these for taxis, beware people - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Curtis Becker - November 7 - 8:04 pm

  I bought two of these a 2011 and 2012 and put them in to service as yellow cabs in San Diego. So for the two colors have gone through two hybrid batteries and three engines My total repair bills on the two cars of been $17,000 EachHybrid battery was around 3500 Each hybrid battery blew out at about 150000 to 190,000 miles Blew the head gasket at 200,000 miles Replace the heads then blew them out a month later regular driving nothing crazy I was in the car and the block cracked Replaced the engine with a junkyard engine and blew it out a month later Had to order any engine from Canada remanufactured but the real me almost $3000 and my taxi was out of service for almost a month because of that. The dealerships treated me like garbage and did not give me any leeway considering the fact that I had bought two of these cars All of my friends that own taxis in San Diego are blowing through the engines especially in the heavier V model at about 170 to 250,000 miles you can expect to blow through your engine and guaranteed youll blow through your hybrid battery before 200,000 miles. Keep in mind that even at a junkyard these engines are going to cost you about $1500 on the low-end because theyre in such short supply because of the engines blowing out The 1.8 L engine is too small for the weight of the heavy vehicle its not a light vehicle by the way. Steer clear of this core or dump it before you get to 150,000 and youll be OK also one thing to note I have been driving Taxis for 24 years 100 hours a week. The blind spots are terrible out of this car and its terrible backing it up in a parking lot. Also youll be slamming on the brakes a lot in traffic because youre sitting so low you cant see whats going on in front of you its a very very dangerous car please do not buy one of these spare yourself the agony that I have gone through

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  I also hate this car - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mr_bender - October 18 - 3:23 am

  Leased it. It gets 45 MPG from the day One. As an EE I tell you there is no point in those batteries on this car. Any diesel engine can get you 45 MPG. Like VW Jetta does it or Civic. And the price is the same. I am glad I leased it. Just one more year... Quality is better than Camry 09 I use to have and only because my Prius made in Japan not in Kentucky. Bottom line: any car with 1.5L-1.8 L engine is better AND cheaper than Prius. The money you think youve saved is the money you paid for this car.

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  This car is dangerously boring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Petrolhead - July 18 - 11:20 am

  I bought the Pruis in 2006 for $27000. It only has a few options (Stability control, side airbags, ect.), but the dealer forces you to pay $2000-3000 over MSRP. Since I bought the car Ive had to replace the batteries twice and the interior has fallen apart worse than the 1998 Ford Escort I was replacing. Even the gas mileage hasnt been great, because the batteries dont work properly in cold weather. The worst part however is the driving experience, the Pruis has a serious shortage of power and has no steering feel. I found the brakes very weak and delivered almost no pedal feel. The seats are also very uncomfortable. I find the ride rough and the whole car shudders over all bumps.

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  My Prius still surges even after fix - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Betsyr - May 1 - 11:50 am

  I bought my Prius with high hopes, but soon the surges started. After the fix I was sure the surges would go away. They have not and I am having them more now. I understand that Toyota maintains that it is normal to have that feeling of loss of brakes, but its unacceptable. I take my foot off the gas way before an intersection and drive roads where I know the bumps. It works for the most part, but what will happen when I am on a 45 mph road and am cut off by someone on uneven surface! A wreck! A check on NHTSA shows that we are not the only people still having this problem! We want to trade-in but will lose 12k if we do. Lose money or possibly have a wreck - neither option is good.