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: Great Car For Today - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By SamB - July 7 - 3:26 am

  I purchased a used 2005 Toyota Prius with 6600 miles on it in the summer of 2005. The car now has over 28,000 miles on it. I have driven the car in most kinds of weather. My longest vacation trip was about 1800 miles. The car has performed magnificently. I have gotten as high as 59 mpg on one short trip. I averaged over 51 mpg on my 1800 mile vacation trip where I traveled at 70 mph and more. Mostly, I get about 48 mpg in summer and about 43 mpg in winter in general driving around Mt. Vernon and Evansville. The dealer says thats about normal.

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  From 2 supercharged SUVs to a hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Heinz - July 4 - 6:16 pm

  I have always been into big horspower, performance cars. I finally realized it was insane to only get 12 -14 mpg. using premium fuel @ close to $3.00 a gallon in California. I laughed at this litte car until I drove one. It flys, it is very well designed with lots of interior room and more space age electronic features than I can currently understand. The mileage is a bit less than claimed at about 45 mpg. I think its great.

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  Prius Gets Around - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chopperman - July 3 - 6:16 pm

  My bottom line - Ill trade my Prius on a new Prius when Im ready for a new car. Much improved generation technology; drastic difference from earliest models. Handling and ride improve noticeably with premium tires. Great cornering abilities. Mileage and performance are very sensitive to air filter cleanliness. Excellent mileage at sea level and on flat terrain (VA Beach ~65 MPG/~61MPG along Lake Erie). No more loss of power on mountain drives (Sideling Hill, MD). Great in snow and on ice. Looks are OK, if youre into pregnant roller skates but very few of us buy it for the looks. So far, no repairs just oil and filter changes. I bought a 100,000 extended warranty with the car, not needed.

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  2003 Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Marzy - July 3 - 10:00 am

  I am a female above 70 years. This is the ideal car for me. Easy to handle, very inexpensive to operate. The car is very stylish inside and out, with plenty of interior room. It is fun to dr

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  All around fun car to drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Dougie - July 1 - 6:20 pm

  Ive never had so much fun driving a car in my life. Its a real kick employing special techniques -- like "pulse and glide" to maximize fuel economy. But even if you ignore special techniques, youll just love watching your mpg screen tell you exactly how well youre doing in terms of mpg for every 5 minute driving segment. I can often record 100 mpg segments when in ideal driving conditions -- i.e., infrequent stopping, mid-speed driving. And all the while youre having fun, you can feel good about reducing pollution by 90% as compared to the average new car. With a comfortable ride, more than adequate acceleration, and top safety features, this car is hard to beat. I love it!

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  Whats wrong with my brakes? - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jayr - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my car in May of this year as a used vehicle. I loved it until last week. I was sitting in my car, which was off, when i turned the car on it asked me to get to a level ground and take the e-brake off. I would have except I was on level ground, the e-brake was off and my car wouldnt start. My dashboard had all my brake lights on. 4 hours of assistance and towing and they told me it was my battery. Exactly one week later, I was driving down the highway, less than a mile from my exit when my car started making a beep noise, and again ALL my brake lights came on. This time my car was in motion and the brake pedal would not work, it was rock stiff as I went 60 mph on an exit ramp.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce - June 30 - 9:00 am

  We have owned our 2006 Prius for 3 years and have clocked 79,000+ miles to date. We also own a volvo xc70. The volvo may be more stylish but the Prius is really fun to drive and it has been totally reliable. We have taken long trips to NYC and Michigan and have done lots of in city driving. We were concerned about the life of the battery but read in a British Columbia Climate Exchange report that Prius taxis in BC have gone more than 200000 miles without a battery replacement.

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  Surprised and having fun - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jdonalds - June 27 - 2:40 pm

  We didnt purchase the Prius because of its fuel economy, but that was a factor. We actually selected it because we liked the car best. It looks small from the outside but feels bigger on the inside. This is a new type of driving experience, not just another car. Toyota really put a lot of thought into the technology and features of this car. We purchased package #2 which includes the smart key but not the GPS or blue tooth voice control feature. Quiet ride, great radio, nice features all around.

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  Youll just have to wait :) - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Chris T (20-17) - June 27 - 2:00 am

  Its roomy. It turns heads. Its super cheap to run. Theres a waitlist as long as your arm. Ive got one of the few, and Im very happy with it. Fuel economy is great. It corners well, and is sufficiently quick off the mark to keep pace with aggressive SUV drivers. But you may not want to. This is a very relaxing car. I just have no desire to drive it hard (although it responds well enough.) And that for me is the major benefit. Commuting is no longer the misery it was

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  Magnificent, but Dreadfully Boring - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Bob Sandon - June 25 - 5:40 pm

  I have put approximately 143,000 miles on this car. I bought it new. Oil changes with premium synthetic every 25,000 miles; otherwise, no service (except changing out tires). Ive only had to replace the electric-system battery (pay someone to do this; its a nightmare on your own). Pros: Reliability, obviously. There is also more storage space than many people realize, especially with the seats down. Two shepherds fit comfortably in the trunk; Ive made several moves with this car. The mileage has been good, especially with Ecotopia tires. I live in Minnesota; I averaged around ~53 mpg during the summer with them. I have Toyos right now; year round mileage with them has been ~43 mpg, mostly highway driving. The car is comfortable and quiet at lower speeds. I like the sound system and have found the GPS adequate. The keyless entry is surprisingly nice; I wish it had remote start. Cons: While the car while tolerate higher speeds (65 mph +), its obviously unenthusiastic. The mileage dips fairly dramatically in the winter, or with inefficient tires. For that matter, snow tires are well-nigh essential in Minnesota with this car. All-season will not hack it, especially in rural areas. Mostly, though, this car is boring. Really boring. Eye-wateringly so. A fantastic daily commuter, but - if you can only have one car in your stable - Id have to recommend something else.