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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  Toyota prius nearing 500k miles - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JOSEPH S. - December 30 - 5:27 pm

  I've owned a lot of cars. This prius is by far the most dependable, least amount of maintenance, and best mpg vehicle I've ever owned. I started using an oil additive after 200k miles and I'm currently at 492k miles. Still runs like the day I got it. My only issue is I'm getting tired of looking at it, but I refuse to buy a new prius till this engine quits.

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  Sing a song of Sixpence - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Randal Mapstead - December 18 - 1:26 pm

  I leased this car and plan to re-lease in three years. Bought it for the mpg and crash test ratings. I like the ease of the shifting selector. I like the "glide" factor when underway. I think the Dunlop tires wont last the 3 years. Cargo space is good for 2 people. Love the dash display info. Because its lower to the ground than my 2002 Highlander - Ive had to adjust getting in and out of the car. There are blind spots with the side mirrors. I removed the back seat head rests for a better rear view. The middle storage/cup consul is adequate. Like the 4 windows automatic up/down. Bought the Toyota brand rear cargo tray. There is a driver side door/window air noise. I have to buy after market sun visor extenders because it only covers half the window. Edmunds.com was helpful with negotiating the price.

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  Like This Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By C&C - December 10 - 10:33 am

  My husband bought this car for commuting to his job -100 miles one way. He gets approximately 41 mpg. I drive a Honda Odyssey around town, but I enjoy getting my turn with the Prius occasionally. The car is very roomy and the navigation has been very easy to figure out. It seems to have plenty of pick-up when needed. I find driving the Prius to be a peaceful experience, much more relaxing than the internal combustion engine.

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  Prius 3 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Amy - November 30 - 1:53 pm

  Just bought a 2010 Prius 3. My husband had really been wanting it so finally pulled the trigger. Has a nice ride but the acceleration is awful unless you put it in power mode. I dont feel comfortable merging or going uphill. Great gas MPG of course but other than that nothing special.

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  A Definite Upgrade! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Michael - November 27 - 7:23 am

  I purchased a 2013 Prius Three for work a few years back, which I really enjoyed. Traded that one last year and missed it, so I purchased a 2016 Prius Four in March, 2016. Wow! Loving this car. My 2013 was not super comfortable, especially on long-haul trips (which I did on a weekly basis). I purchased my 2016 (black exterior, white interior) about 10 hours from home and had a very comfortable drive back - the vehicle feels stable on the road, and the seats are more comfortable. Add the safety sense package into the mix and my long drive was downright enjoyable; I love the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist and would definitely recommend splurging on it if you can. I also got the upgraded JBL audio system, which sounds 1000% better than my last Prius (some may not care, but its important to me). Another improvement is the touchscreen - In my 2013 Prius and 2015 Tundra, the touch screen does not do well in sunlight - I would always have to shade the screen to see. This is not an issue on the 2016 Prius. I have only a few gripes to date. 1) The sun visor - it does not extend, so when the sun is hitting you from the side it is quite annoying. I will be ordering an attachment on Amazon to fix this problem. 2) Not enough front seat storage. My 2013 had a larger middle console and glove compartment; 2016 model is lacking in these areas.

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  Work Horse - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By MJ - November 19 - 7:03 pm

  I drive alot!! I put over 13000 miles on this little car since october 09. I have had no problems so far. With winter tires I get 43-44 mpg, and thats mostly at 74 mph. Windy conditions are a challenge for the prius.

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  Dont believe mileage claims - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Herb - November 7 - 4:43 pm

  I have had the Prius for a month. I love it except for two things. I am 6 foot 3 and it is hard to get into the vehicle because the steering wheel does not tilt up high enough. Once inside it is fine. To get 60 mpg you would have to fill up at the top of a mountain and then fill up again when you got to the bottom... there is no way. I am a very conservative driver and I am consistently getting 40 - 43 mpg. That is twice what I got in my previous vehicle but it is not what was advertised.

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  Car Dies in Snow and on Highway - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Cathie - November 4 - 12:33 pm

  People are going to get killed in snow. Ive been stuck twice where both once you go into a skid you have no power to get out of it. It took me 45 minutes to get up a small hill once I skidded. The car loses all power. actually had a cop behind me as I tried to get my car moving so I wouldnt get hit. Dealer said Toyota made it so you cant shut off the Vehicle control Stability for SAFETY REASONS HA! This is dangerous. Ive also had 2 incidents on back to back weekends where my car hesitates, the dash board lights go on and I lose all power. This happened 3 times on the highway and 2x on back road same night. This is a dangerous car and I will be getting rid of it once it is fixed.

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  evaluating our Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ann Talbot - October 29 - 9:50 pm

  There is a ratle in the dash but that is the only complaint.Mileage is 30 % less than advertised but 42 mpg is fine. I sorly miss instruments like tachometer compass temperature.The exterior is alarmingly velnerable to dings due to the lack of any "bump- strips". The ovehead sunglass tray looks and feels cheap. The upolstry does not look or feel in the same class as our old 1990 626. Im glad it says Toyota on it. Time will tell if it was a good idea.

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  good car with a few minor problems - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By ps - October 1 - 4:30 pm

  Overall a good practical car that I would purchase again. Gas mileage is greatly reduced in cold weather and on short trips. (motor need to warm up) Remove the rear center head rest so you can see better when backing up. Heater is not as powerful as with my other Toyota.