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:

• 

  A big surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bonnano - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Simply impressive. Gas mileage is simply a bonus on the car. It is comfortable. The steering actually feels great. The only issue contributing negatively to the handling I am guessing is the width of the tires but considering how great it is with the stock tires it speaks volumes of the inherent excellence. Comfortable, quiet, very solid, and fun to drive.

• 

  Finally,a car with all the things I want - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By AZstan - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I do not care about "head snapping" acceleration, however, this car has enough. I have read complaints about real world fuel economy versus advertised...but fuel economy is very relative to the driver and driving conditions and does not disappoint me whatsoever. Hatchback design is exactly what we needed to haul around our dogs and stuff.

• 

  Great - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Pagan - June 15 - 6:13 pm

  In practice Car provides about 400 miles per galon (considering combined rural and highway streets). Even though is not a family car, it provide enough space for a family of five. Also the fact that back seats cand bend provides aditional space when you need it. Music sound system is also good quality.

• 

  Terrific Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pongo - June 15 - 10:00 am

  Fun car. Get it with all the bells and whistles, including the map system

• 

  We love our Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By John Day - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Downside: Does not track well at speed on highways. Does not deliver advertised gas mileage. No wagon or 5-door sedan available. Upside: Noveltly never quits. Delight to drive in town. Quality throughout. Excellent drivers position, visibility. Easy entry and exit for us old folks. Peace and quiet, but not with max uphill or passing situations. Our riders like it, nice back seat.

• 

  I Miss My Cabrio... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Melanie R. - June 13 - 6:30 am

  Purchased 2010 Package III w/the sunroof/nav and added leather. Two months and 2,200 miles later Im still waiting for the fun to start. Car is cool looking and very roomy but simply cant get used to the hitches in the engine or the sluggish starts and the braking flat-out frightens me. Its a good thing the sunroof is there -- when I opened my window slightly the ensuing wind force almost blew my head off my neck. And Id rather dial a number from my cell than listen to the Voice Guide go thru her spiel again. Toyota really needs a lesson on designing user-friendly interfaces. Package not worth $$. Mileage not much better than Cabrio because I dont drive like my grandmother.

• 

  My Blue Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By whisperlee - June 13 - 2:10 am

  I was so impressed with the car the very first time I test drove it that I got one for myself 6 months later. Great interior room, great mileage, smooth ride... very satisfied. Even the exterior design grew on me over time. Lots of storage, and the leather seats just made the car even better!

• 

  Something different - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By GaryL - June 12 - 6:40 am

  Overall, a wonderful vehicle. I like: gas mileage, ride comfort, hatchback storage, reliability, price. Handling & performance are good, not great. Dont like: digital odometer, gauges, controls and LCD panel that substitutes for these; complexity of built-in GPS (buy a free-standing one); a too small gas fill pipe; complexity of rear-view mirror, which doesnt open my garage door, as advertised; bar across rear window that limits visibility; occasionally HAL (the computer) gets confused about when to turn the engine on and when to turn it off; Id prefer a handbrake instead of a footbrake. Its easy to leave the car on when leaving it - remember push "off."

• 

  Face the Facts - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Edward G - June 6 - 11:36 am

  Why this car? It saves gas. Also, it is HIP and very TRENDY. Why not an Insight? Prius gets a better MPG. Why not a hybrid Civic? The new thing is the hatchback and cost less. Prius still gets better MPG with more storage space. It doesnt matter whether you are a middle or an upper class of society, it is Cool for all. For a smaller family it works just as well as a minivan. It has enough room for two car-seats and storage space for quick trips. Saves GAS, GAS, GAS. When I first started driving I only average mid 40s. After learning, yes you have to learn, the techniques, I now average mid 50s on regular streets (saves even more in downtown areas) and high 40s on highway.

• 

  Car of the future...now - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Bassman10463 - May 31 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased my 2010 Prius 10 days ago. Id looked at a Fusion Hybrid and a Camry Hybrid, but the small trunks on each turned me away. As my first Hybrid experience, the Prius took a little getting used to (engine shutting off at lights, starting silently, watching the MPG gauge while driving) but once I got used to it, I found that my previous gas-conscious habits worked well here too. The Prius is comfortable on the road and quiet (for a hatchback); there is feedback from the front wheels (something reviews of the prior model complained about), and the engine and drive-train are sufficient, if not overly powerful (the Ford Fusion clearly beats it).