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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  our first hybrid car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Vic Lockwood - December 31 - 3:46 pm

  We think this the best small car that we have ever owned a great car to drive anywhere you want to go. Would recomend this car to the worst critic.

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  Excellent investment - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By janine - December 26 - 11:46 pm

  I love this car. It has never disappointed me in any way. If you know how to drive it, you can get 50-60 mpg. Dont let people fool you. Drive one and see. You wont be sorry. Handles good in snow and ice too. Best car I have ever owned and I have had lots of cars. I am 58 years young.

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  Fortuitous purchase - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Compucowboy - December 22 - 10:10 pm

  I bought my Prius before the gas crunch and I have never been more glad of a purchase since gas went through the roof. Now if Toyota only had a hydrogen fuel cell engine.

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  Hot Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Hawqis1 - December 20 - 8:50 am

  When I first test drove the Prius, it had this noticible drag to it. This was due to the regenerative braking system. I looked at the onboard displays and knew this was the car for me. Right now, thanks to the electric part of the car, I am getting almost 70 mpg. I cant say anything wrong about my car. the milage at the start of the fill is up to 160 without losing fuel. What a car! I like paying for gas, once in a while, not every week.

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  Fun, interesting, AND economical - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mhartley - December 20 - 2:00 am

  I have to admit I expected a fuddy- duddy car that would get great gas mileage. I was completely wrong. The acceleration is very good. I would say it is as good as any 6 cylinder sedan. The most amazing part is the lack of a traditional transmission. There is no engine noise, no whine, and no feeling of shifting, so you dont have the verbal clues as to speed. The toys on the high end model are as good as any car made. The navigation system also has Bluetooth phone capabilities. Calls come in and display on the car screen. You anser with a button on the steering wheel that also mutes the stereo.

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  all good!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jack Henry - December 15 - 11:10 am

  The touch screen provides excellent feed back on what the vehicle is doing, also the ease with making any necessary changes to climate control, audio etc. are easy and simple to accomplish. The additional command controls on the steering wheel are really handy to eliminate the need to remove your hands from the wheel. The vehicle drives and rides surprisingly well for such a small looking car, however the interior isnt small car at all. When sitting in the vehicle you have the feeling of being in a much larger vehicle and in fact the sq. foot room is spacious. I really like the vehicle and am not disappointed with anything about it. It is a super engineered car with many convenient features.

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  Moonstone Dashboard is Glaringly Bright - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By m r - December 14 - 12:46 pm

  I have been waiting for the 2016 Prius in hopes of buying one. I test drove one, and the dashboard was so brightly colored that it hurt my eyes. I dont like black interiors so I dont know what to buy now since these are the only 2 options. I hope that the dashboard color can be toned down to the color of the older models. My 2011 Prius with the gray interior is perfect. It would also be good to have fog lights on Prius 2 models. They are only available on the Touring 3 and 4 models.

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  I love my spaceship!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By SnakePuncess - December 13 - 5:43 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, and I recommend and "sell" them to others all the time. The only reason Ill give up my Prius is if they get a minivan with the Synergy system...

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  Love my Prius! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Meg - December 9 - 12:36 pm

  Have only had my Prius for three months and have already driven 12,000 miles. It handles nicely and the gas mileage runs 51 mpg on the average, but I do very little city driving and some fast interstate driving. Just love it and recommend it as one vehicle in a two car family.

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  Driving on Empty - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Tammy - December 7 - 2:23 pm

  What more can I say, I got this car to save gas and thats what its doing! And it has the Toyota name to back up the reliability! Ive owned 4 Toyotas now (still have 3 of them). I did trade my Matrix in for the 2001 Prius.