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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  Just the car I needed - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By donpar - October 21 - 10:00 am

  I mostly do relatively (less than 10 mile) commutes which involves a lot of city street driving. Under these conditions, the mileage is excellent, never less than 40 mpg. Dont do a whole lot of highway and hill driving so cant comment on that. For what I need the car has exceeded my expectations.

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  A dream car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bhaight - October 21 - 10:00 am

  Though we have only had our Prius for a month, we are completely sold on it. It is fun to drive, has a sharp turning radius and corners well, and is easy to park. We plan to order a second one soon, knowing that delivery will be maybe almost two years away. We keep finding little extras like the light that shows one where they are stepping as they exit in the dark. Our overall mpg at this time is over fifty on the highway and over sixty in town for an average of 53.6 mpg.

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  Efficiency all the way! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Airplane Pilot - October 19 - 7:30 pm

  I drive this car and it is always a pleasure to not have to stop for gas hardly ever. This car gets superb gas mileage, and although I do not think it is quite as good as the EPA suggests, it is still higher than ever! It is a slow accelerator, but the brakes work pretty well. I would rather have a leather interior and this does not have it. The seats are fairly comfortable, leg room is solid, but they could be better if they were soft leather. Dont spill anything on the seats, because you will have a heck of a time trying to get the stains out. The car turns well and is a solid performer in all areas, and it is oh so quiet. Luv efficiency and the cool little high-tech look!

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve - October 19 - 10:00 am

  I was especially surprised in how it can fit comfortably a person my size (6.3 and 280 lbs.) after 5 weeks it is averaging right at 53 miles per gallon. The satisfaction of knowing that it is the best for the environment makes it a real bargain. Mine is fully loaded so still have all the toys of luxury cars.

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By escoandesco - October 17 - 8:05 am

  Im a retired car dealer so having always had access to a car, I left my family scratching their head when I bought my first new one in about 30 years or so. Even crazier was the fact that I was the co-owner of a Honda/Acura Dealership during the 90s. I was attracted to the Prius because of its 21st century styling and the experiences I had with them while out of town and using one as a rental. I never had to put gas in the darn thing, the needle never seemed to move. That was the real motivator for me ... "cheap to drive".

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  Double Pleasure - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Carol - October 17 - 4:30 am

  At 54 yrs of age and the owner of many cars this hybrid car is the best car I EVER owned. It is fun to drive, excellent gas mileage plenty of power and I definitely am doing my part for the environment. Over the past few years it has improved on the looks too. It is truly amazing how much power this little car has. The display on the dash shows in detail how the energy/gas consumption is being used. Its almost a year I owned this car with no problems. The only time it was at the dealership was for an oil change. To fill the tank it cost me about $24. It can get 61 mpg on the highway and 53 mpg in the city. When youre at a stop light or in slower traffic that is when the electric motor runs!

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  Excellent performance - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By artie - October 14 - 9:56 pm

  When 04 Prius came to market at first sight, I thought it might be a great car just for its look. I did more reasarch about it, I found out that the need of this car is so demanding. Since then, I have bought and sold about 6 of the 04 Prius. Drives so nice. So fun car to have at your driveway.

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  Love this car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By kkister1492 - October 12 - 5:13 am

  Ive had this car for about 6 months andlove everything about it. The fuel economy, the near-zero emissions, the versatility of the hatchback and 60/40 back seats. My family of 4 fits perfectly and they are around 6 tall. Plenty of leg room and head room. Andthe gadgets are so much fun. Love the navigation system.

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  Prius Rules! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By AspenGirl - October 11 - 8:16 am

  My Prius is the best item I have ever purchased. Im getting an average 51 MPG and love driving it. Its really fun and responsive. The pick up is so much more than I expected. Stop considering it and just buy it! The next generation needs clean air! BTW...I gave up my loaded Sienna Van and have no regrets. The Prius is loaded with high tech fun and comfort!

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  Love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Beth - October 9 - 1:43 pm

  Ive never been so happy with a purchase. Its exceeded my expectations in almost every way. Even the non-believers (i.e., the SUV and pickup drivers I know) who have test- driven mine admit that its a great car. Ive actually discovered that you get the best mileage when you use the cruise control on a highway as long as you dont go over 70 mph.