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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  Prius Driver Upgrades to Another Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By KlnAir4U - November 16 - 2:56 pm

  After driving an 03 Prius for 80,000 Km (50,000 Mi), I was so pleased with everything about the Prius, that I traded it in on the larger 05 Prius. Besides getting me to work in Toronto Canada and volunteer driving of seniors, I drive to the cottage, to Florida, to New Brunswick and just this weekend, drove round trip to Wisconsin. The drive is so quiet and smooth that I do not tire at the wheel and do not have a problem with "Road Rage" because my engine is off when Im sitting in traffic and this can be actually quite "calming".

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  1 Year Later - More Props for the Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By bluegrass in hogtown - November 16 - 8:53 am

  Its been exactly 1 year and just shy of 20000 miles, and my little blue "bug" just skitters right along, worth every dime! It still gets 50+ mpg, not one problem or glitch, and theres a big plenty of room for the upright bass, a passenger, and other guitars, banjos, fiddles - well, you know what I mean. We had some bitterly cold weather, and "little blue" stayed warm & toasty & CHEAP to run. The only "green" reason for me buying this vehicle was the "green" that I save at the pump, on maintenance... and oh, by the way, the "green" color some peoples eyes turn when they see and ride in it! Ha! I love it! I used to think these vehicles were ugly, ugly, ugly - but not any more...

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  none better - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ima10 - November 14 - 11:40 am

  great car, gpm, 44@80.best,56@55.speed counts when driving.Have had no problems whatsoever.I guess a lot of people never take a demo ride before they drive a new car. most poor mileage and problems can be blamed by looking in the mirror.Ill give up my prius when they pry my cold dead feet off the gas pedal.

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  Very pleased with my Prius V - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By peter_peter - November 14 - 3:44 am

  Overall, I am very pleased. Looked for months at many different cars (sedans) from BMWs to Acuras to MBZ but the Toyota Prius always stood on my list of options. Averaging between 48-51 mpg, half street and freeways. Perfect commuter car, I fill up my gas tank and spend almost half as compared to my wifes Civic. Nothing wrong with the Civic, but this Toyota has everything. Fully loaded with everything from navi, Bluetooth, leather, cold AC, 17 inch wheels, key-less go and the list goes on. The car does turn on and off when the engine is not needed,nothing major but not something I expected, no big deal. Highly recommend this car to someone who wants something different and gets great mpg.

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  Great for us seniors - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By larry - November 12 - 9:23 pm

  The auto is very easy to drive.Acceleration is more than adequate. Provides a quiet drive with few gas stops.

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  I love this car! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Lisa - November 12 - 3:33 am

  This car is outstanding! It is very comfortable, surprisingly roomy, quiet, fun to drive, acceleration is more than adequate when needed, and the gas mileage is unbelieveable. I drive 50 miles each day for work and Im averaging in the mid-50s. Dont listen to people who complain about their gas mileage. If you do not stomp on the gas pedal and drive it fairly conservatively, youll be amazed. Cold weather will affect your average. Mine dropped to about 48 to 49, but in the grand scheme of things, thats still excellent.

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  LOVE IT - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By hammdown - November 7 - 3:03 am

  I Am a home nurse in a very rural county and just love the mpg that I get. My husband and I try to see who can get the best mpg but I dont let him drive it very often though. I just love this car. We have owned Toyotas for years and this one is no disappointment at all.

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  Peaceful, fun, quiet - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By stan - November 4 - 2:33 pm

  I was surprised at how peaceful it is to walk up to the car without having to fumble around for a key, and just having to push a button to start the car (no engine noise at startup and at low speed), and the CVT avoids having to deal with feeling the gears shifting.

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  All around outstanding vehicle - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By melisrush - November 1 - 5:06 pm

  I went from a 2004 Pontiac Vibe to the 2007 Prius without thinking twice. This car is amazing. One month after purchasing the car, I took a road trip from Tampa, Fl to Toronto, Ontario. (That is about 3,000 miles there and back.) The cost for fuel both ways was $80.00. It was awesome to stop at gas stations to use the bathroom and not get gas. This car surely gets looks and many questions. I drove up for a family reunion and now many members of my family are in line for purchasing one. Also, when other Prius owners run into you, you have only great things to comment about. (I havent met one with a bad comment!) On average I fill up every 2 weeks for about $25.00 each fill up.

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  Great Car but... - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Paul in VT - November 1 - 12:03 am

  I have owned my 2008 Prius for 3 months and for the most part I love the car. I purchased a fully loaded model and I am shocked at some of the basic features that are sub-standard. The seats are terrible - very uncomfortable. Headlights are not auto! The DVD navigation systems many features are locked out while vehicle is in motion - even if a passenger is onboard. Makes the system really unusable. You cant view MP3 files, song listings on CDs, dial phone numbers on the screen, input destinations (like gas stations) in the navigation, all while the vehicle is moving. Better bet to not purchase the factory installed nav system and purchase aftermarket.