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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  Better than anticipated - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By william - December 7 - 9:20 am

  Thought car would have small car performance and was blown away by acceleration, ride, quietness and braking. Seats very conf. on 100 mi. trip. Got 55.2 mpg. wasnt planning on buying car but after test drive I was hooked. Ive owned bmws, hondas, lexus, mercedes, and porsches. This car feels so good in so many ways. Toyota is definitely ahead of the pack!

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  Love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Caroline Gardner - December 1 - 7:56 am

  I have had the Prius for a month and came to love it after the first week of getting accustomed to it. The car has a lot of pick-up; it gets 50mpg most of the time and handles really well. I am hooked and in addition, I feel I am doing something good for Mother Earth. It is also roomy inside. I had a Nissan Altima for 7 years and loved it but the Prius has won me over.

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  Great car the Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JohnP - November 30 - 12:13 am

  I have a 2005 Prius and could not ask for a better car. After 26 tanks of gas last year I averaged 53 miles per gallon. The only thing I would suggest to Toyota is to make the seats a bit more comfortable. Im in real estate and this is the car to have if youre an agent.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By tarlos25 - November 24 - 4:06 am

  When first researching this car, I was concerned that there would not be enough power. I drive through mountainous terrain, and especially with snow, it can be challenging on a vehicle. The Prius has held up wonderfully through mountains and snow. The OEM tires are bad in slick conditions, but that can be accounted for easily enough. Even with not driving perfectly and going through non-optimal conditions, the Prius is averaging 45 mpg. Its not a sports car, but has enough pick-up to merge directly into interstate traffic with no problem. The smart key system is awesome, I never have to take out my key. And I love how quiet it is.

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  The Greatest Car I have ever owned - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By JoJa - November 24 - 2:00 am

  I love the car for its design, economy, enviromental concerns, and comfort. Out on the road, it is great. I am old enough to have had many cars, and this is my very favorite.

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  Toyotas Complacency and Arrogance hurts - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - November 22 - 6:10 am

  Im VERY disappointed. Not as refined as it should be. The strange dash design is different for no purpose other than novelty. It is neither functionally nor space- efficient. Any departure from "normal" in something like a car where there is a huge does of safety involved, by golly better offer HUGE benefits, and the Prius doesnt. Not enough tactile identification and feedback on the dash controls. Thankfully they kept Toyotas "best in the world" cruise control multi-function stalk. The ride is harsher than need be, and the seats are extremely hard and uncomfortable. And no power adjustments? This is 2010! Outward visibility is poor. Too many distractions, including a split rear window.

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  WOW!!!! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By cwm - November 19 - 8:10 pm

  I just traded in my 2004 Mazda rx8 for one of these. I was very surprised for how much power it actually has. Really cool to see how the engine is working, the push button for park is a little strange but over all seems like a great car. The bluetooth works great. The JBL stereo amazingly loud!!! I never thought I would want one of these but after I heard about how much they have changed I had to test drive one.

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  Junk - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jeric - November 18 - 4:40 pm

  Ive had this car for about 5 months now and it is really a piece of junk. It does get very good mileage when it isnt having transmission problems at 8,000 miles. I thought Toyotas were supposed to be reliable... not the case on this one. Two transmissions later... Im trading this beast in and buying a dodge caliber next week. The Prius is what I waited months to get.. what a joke.

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  BUY THIS CAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By CM & LM - November 17 - 7:56 am

  NEVER LOOK BACK! Liked it so much, traded in an 04 for this one. Ride could be quieter. Love the mileage of 42 with my lead foot. Have the loaded option package and would not do without any of the features. Navigation system is unbelievable! Interior room galore for full sized adults (I am 350, 6). Exterior will scratch too easily but not too badly. Voice recognition needs improvment due to interior noise levels in traffic. I will never buy another gas only vehicle. Thanks Toyota.

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  Great looks, Great Car - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Robyn - November 16 - 3:17 pm

  So Ive owned hybrids for quite a while -- mostly various Prius generations. My 2005 Prius was an absolute workhorse -- never an issue. I decided to try a 2013 Ford C-Max, and the thing was in the shop *every single month* since the moment I bought it (sold it 8 months later). When the 2016 Prius became available, I was really torn. I love the look of the Chevy Volt, the ability to plug it in, and all the features it has over the Prius (remote start, parking assist), but reading reviews for the 2016 and 2017 were shaky at best. I test drove a couple of them, and although they were quiet and responsive, they had a few cons as well, and I just couldnt bring myself to spend that much money on something that doesnt have a proven track record for reliability. So, I test drove the Prius 4, with technology package. Although the acceleration isnt meant for drag racing, the car is pretty quiet, and it is such a smooth ride. Brakes are leaps and bounds better than the Volt -- seriously. I read a lot of reviews on the 2016 from other Prius owners, claiming theyre getting in the high 50s, and that Toyota really underestimated the MPG this time. Let me just say... I do NOT drive like a grandma, Ive been in Normal mode the entire time, and over 600 miles later, its showing Im averaging 64 mpg. I thought, "No way!" My husband also has a 2013 Prius, and his just barely gets 50mpg. First fill up (over 500 miles later), I double checked, and its 100% accurate -- 64mpg. Between the reliability and the gas mileage -- I absolutely adore my Prius!