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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  Need to improve build quality - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By eric - October 30 - 10:43 pm

  Only have the car a less than a month, already hear rattling noise right under the windshield; this noise goes away when I press down the panels (panels on both driver and passager sides are loose!!). Very disappointed.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By wayneswhirld - October 30 - 1:16 pm

  This vehicle has exceeded my expectations. Fuel economy is better than I expected (52-54 MPG) considering driving in an often hilly terrain. Quiet and smooth ride. Love the tech innovations. The Consumption display has changed how I drive. In a world where we are faced with issues of pollution and global warming, and reliance on fossil fuels and the related political implications of oil influencing our foreign policy, this car is a great alternative for a better world. Therefore, to me it is so worth spending thousands more for a company like Toyota to reward them for all the developmental costs they put into hybrid technology.

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  Downsize - for fun and "profit" - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Tomm - October 28 - 2:50 am

  Got rid of my relatively new Audi A6 with every option for a loaded 08 Prius a couple of weeks ago. Couldnt be happier. Maybe I am being small-minded [averaging 48 MPG of regular gas], but the car is fun to drive, holds the highway/road, and no difficult electronics.

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  Gas over $2.00/gal? No problem! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nancela - October 27 - 10:00 am

  While I had to wait for my new Prius for 2 months, I have only owned my Prius for about a month. I am really loving it so far. I took it for a road trip of 400 miles each way and averaged 47.5 miles to the gallon on the highway. No complaints there!!! And the hatchback style is very convenient. I waited for several years for someone to come out with a convenient 4-door hatch.

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  want more - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By spike8 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  We are shopping for a vehicle. The prius is high on our list. We are waiting for 2005 to purchase but would like to see additional features on this car. would like to see a bit of a size increase, not much but a little. We hear Honda is making a hybrid accord which may be the biggest compitition.

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  One Of the Best Ive owned - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By elom12 - October 27 - 10:00 am

  I own the 2004 Toyota Prius which is about 5 steps up from my last car, a 2002 Toyota Prius. I cant say enough of how much Ive enjoyed my first Prius and now the new one is even better. I have driven Lexus cars prior to my first Prius and appreciate a fine car, but the Prius has been great and I have absolutely no complaints but only accalades for the car.

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  After One Year - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By stef6 - October 26 - 7:15 pm

  The Prius has proven itself to be reliable and provide very good gas mileage. The seats are comfortable, however the road noise needs to be reduced. It may be the norm for cars of this class, but Toyota should do better. I have over 25K miles on the car now so I spend considerable time in it. The only complaint is the highway raod noise. I would gladly trade a mile or two per gallon for a quiet car.

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  Great automobile - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rds - October 22 - 4:46 pm

  No mechanical problems

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  Very Happy! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pdxor - October 22 - 1:43 am

  Just purchased my Blue 2007 Prius Touring a few weeks ago and have been very happy with it. You do have to work on driving habits to maximize fuel economy but the results are great. I have a short commute that is uphill in the mornings. I average about 38 mpg on the way there. On the way back I have gotten as high as 77 mpg though! I just completed 30 miles of errands and averaged 57.5. My last car was a 1997 VW GTI. It has been a big upgrade in terms of interior build quality. The fit and finish is superb. I have not had any rattles and the ride is much more solid than my VW. I have had not problems with handling and it feels very stable on the highway.

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  A Second Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Enjoytheride - October 22 - 12:56 am

  Our household just purchased our 2nd Prius. We have a Tahoe, Carrera C4, STI and a 2004 Prius and found we were always fighting over who gets to drive the Prius. Both Priuss have all options for the model year. The 2008 model has an improved display and easier Nav system operation. (I still prefer my Garmin.) The 2004 was purchased used and has been a great car. These cars are very well built (bulletproof), adequate acceleration, low CG flat handling, very quiet interior, very good sound system, comfortable for long drives and dazzling fuel stinginess. They are great daily drivers. I would not hesitate to buy a used 2nd gen one, 2004 or newer. They will hold their value well!!