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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  Nice car, which it was less boring though. - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By 36annie - December 22 - 11:30 am

  My third Prius. Unfortunately. I had to buy this car because my wife is an eco-freak, and she swears by Toyotas too. Our old one was so boring, my teenage son crashed it when he fell asleep in stop and go traffic. This one is the same, much to my chagrin. I really try to like this car though, as it is the one I have to drive. Its got an okay stereo, and with my experiences with Toyota, these cars are really reliable too, and this one hasnt left me stranded apart from the time I had a blowout (they dont include spares :P). Its obviously got great gas mileage too. All in all, this is an okay car, but i just wish it was a tiny bit more lively!

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  Worse car Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Rangita - November 25 - 9:23 am

  I just sold mine at carmax. My Prius started to fall apart after two years and 55000 miles on it. The engine is great but the body part is the worst one you can have. Mine was loaded with full options because I was thinking its going to be our family car but I started to have problems after 18 months of use. Im glad to get rid of it.

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  I havent saved that much on gas - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Neal Connor - July 7 - 5:36 pm

  I have owned the car for a little over 3 years and have 70,000 miles on it. This summer the ac stopped working. Took it to my mechanic who indicated it was either an electrical problem or a computer problem and that it needed to go to the dealership for repair. The dealer indicated the condenser assy and compressor need to be replaced at a cost of $3,800. This Prius hasnt been what is advertised

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  I Expected More from Toyota - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Philip Anthony - July 6 - 3:08 pm

  I have really enjoyed my Toyota Prius... until yesterday. At 32,526 miles, I heard an odd sound under the hood. The dealership told me that my AC compressor had seized and would cost $2,600 to fix!!! They also informed me that, though I was under the 36,000 mile limit of my warranty, I was 20 days past the 3 year limit. I thought, " Surely Toyota will honor the warranty and take care of this repair". When I owned a 2009 Chevrolet Malibu, I was in a similar situation with my alternator. Chevy stepped up and took care of the issue at no charge to me. Surely, Toyota would do the same.... No. They were unwilling to even help with the cost, despite the diagnosis being that the compressor was faulty.

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  Want my other vehicle back..... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jan - April 28 - 1:50 pm

  It drives okay, handles pretty well. I think its pretty zippy, when I go to pass I just shift into B. It is very difficult to judge the front because you cant see it & backing up with the camera is deceiving-objects are definitely closer than they appear

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  Prius Touring 4 not so good - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By disappointed buyer - December 15 - 3:56 pm

  Oh man the seats are very uncomfortable, small and even on a short drive can create back pain. Also very difficult to get in and out of the front seat. Visiblity very bad, the back seat head rest impede view through the back window. Very little storage, crummy single cd player. Interior trim around instruments and center console made with very cheap plastic materials. No spare tire! Wow Toyota how the mighty have failed. I had a 2007 touring Prius and loved it but this 2016 falls short on every aspect in comparison other then mileage.

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  Piece of Junk, Insulting Manufacturer/Dealerships - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By uffdaje - September 20 - 11:05 pm

  , I completely agree. I have been taking the car back to dealership I purchased my car at as well as 3 others and no one can fix the issues. I contacted Toyota National and they told me that they will not do anything about this and that I need to continue to work with dealerships on these issues. I have to use earplugs to drive this piece of junk, the engine sounds like a race car at full speed, the ride is rough and vibrates clear up the seat to head, tires lasted only 25K miles, etc. Dealer I bought car at told me to turn up the radio, use earphone or earplugs, that Toyota reengineered the side mirrors and small window and that this is the cause of the wind vortex sound around doors, that

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  Not worth it - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By photo123 - July 13 - 8:34 am

  To buy a new hybrid is OK if parts are under warranty. It seems that the HV battery (High Voltage batter) at a cost of $4000.00 installed dies after 8 years and around 150,000km . Just when the warranty dies. Hmmmm!! The car is nice to drive, but, so is a Elantra and the Elantra is way more reliable and coat effective to fix for the same year. Then there is the converter!!! Another $4000.00!! Please read carefully the reports about the 1 gen Prius. The HV battery will go on you and they were a poor quality. If you are buying a Prius to save the planet, forget it! The cost and consumables related to keeping it going including maintenance and repairs will far out weigh the savings.

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  Glorified Tin Can - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 49er fan - May 9 - 8:13 pm

  I bought this car as a third vehichle for myself- basically to run back and forth to work in and for errands. I certainly did not buy it for its looks going in, but for fuel economy. This car did not deliver as advertised. I am averaging about 35 MPG highway/city driving- not the 50 MPG+ as advertised. I feel sorry for those who have this car as a primary vehichle- it is very uncomfortable after 1/2 hour- seats are hard and headroom is poor. The car is very slow merging on the freeway and keeping up with traffic. Very noisy at speeds of 60 MPH plus The "check engine" light came on, but dealer could not find anything wrong. This is a good car for a teenager or for short trips only.

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  Can you really see safely - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Alice - January 13 - 11:50 pm

  Dont be talked into any Series under a IV. You need the back up mirror since its impossible to see what is behind you especially if its low. This car has dangerous blind spots in the rear and the front. TEST TEST TEST. Yes, the fuel economy is great, but its not worth the injuring myself much worse someone else. The seat adjustments are stiff. Impossible to do from the inside. If you are 52" or under definitely dont buy this car. You cant see out the front either. The interior design is very confusing. Ive yet to find the trip odometer. Maybe it doesnt exist. Many rattles too. Im trading as soon as I can make time.