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:

• 

  NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JOHN SMITH21 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  WHEN I COMPARE THE HONDA VS THE TOYOTA THE CIVIC WAS A BETTER BUY FOR THE PRICE

• 

  do not buy. drive & quality poor - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Anonymous - November 19 - 2:00 am

  I hate it, wife loves it. had the car 2 months and it is covered in dents from acorns (tree above our parking space). this is not just my car, I have looked for and seen this in parking lots on several priuss. drive is not comfortable, poor seats and acceleration makes the gas engine rev wildly but have little effect. interior ceiling feels like recycled cardboard. (feel roof when you test drive). rear view mirror shakes with stereo base. only use is for short runs where you dont go over 30mph. (wife uses it for these) unfortunately I drive 99% on the freeway and the car shakes at 55mph (center console esp.). windshield fogs up quickly at all times.

• 

  Great Value, though quite annoying - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Joe - July 24 - 5:44 pm

  This is a great car, it gives you fantastic mileage and it seems very reliable. Toyotas flagship hybrid car does what you expect it to do. Now, there are a few EXTREMELLY annoying features on this car that will make you think about it twice before buying it. Firstly, the beeping: You are going to have loud beeping for almost anything you do, being the most irritating the one when you hit reverse. Its piercing, loud and cannot be heard outside of the vehicle, which kind of seems kind of idiotic. Why would you want an annoying loud beep sound INSIDE of your vehicle when you are in reverse mode? To warn you that you are in reverse mode? but you are the one hitting reverse, so you know, and as you are going back, you still know you are going back, so why a beep? I still have no answer for that, but it makes parking very unpleasant and it CAN NOT BE SWITCHED OFF. I repeat: IT CANNOT BE SWITCHED ON, E.V.E.R.. Also, every time you open the drivers door, you also get a LOUD beep, and it CANNOT BE SWITCHED OFF. Guess what? You already know you are opening the front door, because you are the one doing it! So, why that loud beep? yep. Surprisingly, you can exit the car, close the doors with your remote still leaving the car on, and it will remind completely silent, even though that WILL FOR SURE HAPPEN to you at some point if you never owned a keyless car. I can guarantee you that. There is a nice screen that allows you to read text msgs from your phone and even play video and watch pictures. However, it will not do that unless you car is stopped (and I believe the engine is off). So even if the co-pilot decided to watch pictures in the larger screen from their phone or just use the screen during a long trip, they cant do it. This feature cannot be overridden either. The car basically treats you like you are 4yo and its loud. I have been driving for 20 years, If I buy a car, I want a car, not a baby sitter with a loud piercing horn. Period. Another thing is the location of the mail panel. If you are tall or average height, your right knee will hit it. I get it, this is not a big car, still there are other ways to configure the inside so things dont get in the way. While that may not be a big deal as you drive test it on the dealer, it will became painful in a daily basis. I can also guarantee that. In conclusion, this is a great car, with a terrible computer built in computer. If we could just switch it off all together and just drive the damn thing, it would be a very valuable vehicle. But thats not the case.

• 

  Great Mileage - But Uncomfortable - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By E S - July 11 - 12:16 pm

  We love this car from a standpoint of the mileage, great GPS display, etc. BUT, after driving in this car for more than an hour - both my wife and I get so uncomfortable it is painful! The seats are very, very uncomfortable.

• 

  Toyota back-up camera - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Meg Jacobs - June 29 - 4:20 pm

  The biggest scam I see in the Prius is the back-up camera. The distance is so distorted as to be dangerous. Cars and other objects in the back-up camera always look much smaller than when looked at in the rear-view mirror or looking behind (reality). I just ignore it, but its supposedly a big selling point. Also, MPG on the freeway seems to be about the same as my former car, my beloved 1995 Acura. And parking it is inherently hard because I cant see the front of it as it slopes down steeply. It does have good pick-up on hills, and I bought it for the solar panels that bring in ventilation when parked in the sun to avoid that furnace blast of hot air on hot summer days. I want Honda/Acura!

• 

  Be sure this is what you want - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By demetrios999 - March 7 - 5:01 am

  Run the numbers before making your decision. 50 mpg is impressive, but the Prius costs several thousand dollars more than a comparably equipped gas-only vehicle (think Corolla). If you drive 15,000 miles per year, the difference in annual fuel costs between a car that gets 30mpg and a car that gets 50mpg is only $600/year @ $3/gallon, or $800/year at $4/gallon. You may never make up the cost difference. Power is acceptable (not great) when you punch "Power Mode", otherwise it is a road hazard. I always punch that button when driving from a stoplight or getting on the highway, and turn it off when I am up to speed.

• 

  avoid prius!!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By poorvic2 - January 8 - 3:54 am

  Unless you are Bill Gates with very deep pockets i strongly advise avoiding a Prius. They are overpriced, do not get the gas mileage claimed and, worse of all, have the same build quality as a Yugo! I dont know where all the positive comments are from by my experience with a 2008 prius has been nothing short of a disaster. Ignition battery went out in less than 2 mnoths. Cost 200. to replace. Water pump failed and warning light did not come on. Computer had failed and repair of 1000.00 added to my cost of running this junk. Mileage? less than 60.000 miles!! Come on a Ford Pinto would have run longer than that. Well, i learned by lesson – no more overpriced Toyotas!

• 

  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By m3cg - December 22 - 6:30 pm

  Totally disappointed with the gas mileage. We are lucky to even get 40 miles per gallon. For the price we paid, could be in a more upscale car and still get respectable gas milage.

• 

  Has been to the dealer twice in a wk - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mervyn J.Samuel MD - November 10 - 11:23 am

  Bought the car less than 4 months ago. Happy with the gas mileage. Three times I had to jump stat the car. The fourth time, even after charging, the car would not start. I called the Toyota emergency service, was told there is no free towing service for the Prius. We had it towed to the dealer. They reset about 8 codes and said the car was fine. Two days later at noon, the car would not start and had to jump start and took it the dealer. They charged the battery and said it is fine. I think this model has some electrical problem. They should have tried a new battery, but did not do it. The display panel in the middle of the car is not ideal. To look at it, you have to take your eyes off the road.

• 

  Unreliable - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bellmel5 - October 26 - 9:40 pm

  I was very excited when I bought this car last November. It only had 24,000 miles with one owner. When I bought the car the dealership said they installed a brand new battery. After a month or two, the battery would not keep a charge. I had to go buy a battery charger (dealer suggestion) and now have to charge the car every other week or it wont start. The dash electronic system shows that the battery is being charged as I drive like normal. But, it wont hold the charge and drains VERY easily. The dealership wont do anything about it. Wont buy from them again. Normal battery cost $250-300! It has turned out to be a very unreliable car because I never know if it is going to start or not.