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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  The most enjoyable car I have ever owned - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank - August 17 - 6:06 pm

  I have had no problems with this car, it drives great, and is quick when taking off from a stop, quicker than most cars because of its electric motor that provides a lot of torque when needed. It is a fun car to drive and has a great resale value. I enjoy driving and owning this car very much.

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  "Irresistible" - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce - August 14 - 4:06 am

  I have two one for me and my wife. This is the best car I have ever owned. Ive had the cars for ten months and average from 41 to 45 mpg in the winter and 46 to 51 in the warmer weather. Its comfortable, has good pickup and I really enjoy driving this car. I love the GPS system and although that was not a priority for me I am glad I have it and will never buy a car without it. What is surprising about this car is the amount of interior room. at 175 inches in length 3 inches shorter than a Nissan Sentra with much more interior space. In fact the exterior dimension, this car falls into the small car class and the interior has about the same amount of space as a mid-size car.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mikie Ray - August 8 - 2:00 am

  It is like a little space ship. Definitely fast, which was a bit of a surprise! The ride is especially comfortable as the seats are "made to fit". In sum, it is fun to drive, to ride in.

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  Fun Way to be Eco-Friendly - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Whirling - August 7 - 10:00 am

  I recently bought my Prius, after test driving both it and the new Honda Civic Hybrid. I opted for the Prius because it seemed to have a little more "spunk," it has the reliability of a not-first-model-year Toyota, , the toyota is a SULEV, while the Civic is only a ULEV, and the turning circle is incredible. So far, the gas mileage has been between 45 and 48 mpg. The mileage varies a lot based on how fast one drives. Toyota charges a huge amount for either the CD player option. If possible, get these when you buy the car, because they are more expensive later.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By LuvMyPrius - August 5 - 5:40 am

  We knew going in that we would not get the MSRP mileage but we do get 45-55 mpg on our normal weekly driving. Just having a display showing constant and historical mpg has improved our driving methods - thus saving us even more gas. The lay-out of the controls on the steering wheel is awesome. The night mirror and 6-cd changer are wonderful editions that we love. We cannot say enough good things about this vehicle other than we wish we had two more!

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  Very Cool Car! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By JBL8686 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I felt good buying this car because of all of the environmental stuff but I really just wanted something that was reliable and had good gas mileage. What I got was much much more. Thanks Toyota for such a great experiance.

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  Prius Satisfaction - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bud Johns - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I was optimistic when I bought this car, but I could not have know how much my family and I would love it. Simply put, I never recall being 100% satisfied with anything, but I cant think of one reasonable improvement for the car. An automotive grand slam.

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  An excellent car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jjflowers - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great preformance and punch, especially up hills and on to freeways. VERY powerful.

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  Most fun car ever made. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Darrin Silverman - August 2 - 2:00 am

  I got my Toyota Prius when I traded in my for Expolrer SuV which I hated. I traded in a $35000 Eddie Bauer Ford for a $20,000 Toyota, took a huge loss and have never been happier. After one 10 minute test drive I bought the Prius. Mine came with the package 8 that has the DVD navigation and 6cd player. I have been averaging about 52mph and at $2.00 a gallon I save $50 a month on gas

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  Prius Gen 2 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By poolpaul - August 2 - 12:33 am

  Great car! Its a little sluggish on two lane passing, but other than that it has great handling. Mileage drops a lot in the winter. Better engine compartment insulation would undoubtedly help this as the engine runs a lot just to provide heat.