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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  Snub Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Dr. Rico - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Surprisingly fun and practical commuter. It can carry four but for two and luggage - no problem. a fully functional auto with no real compromises - unless you need to burn rubber

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  Not particularly impressed - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By phxbuck - May 26 - 7:23 am

  Ill give you the fact that the vehicle gets great gas mileage, but the savings in gas is offset by the cost to maintain. $500 to replace a headlight, $50 to replace a tail light, cost of replacement tires because the manufacturer puts an odd size on the car, $60 for a cabin air filter, and the list goes on.... Trendy car that needs a bit more disclosure as to what it really is - a really poorly designed car is easy on gas but hard on the wallet in other ways.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By maltesemommy - May 25 - 11:40 am

  I really love this car. Consistently 50 mpg (75% highway driving). More when I stick around town. The smart key feature is wonderful!!! When I get into my husbands car, I forget that I need to use a key! The ride is great for a lightweight car and I feel very secure with all of the airbags. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants great MPG and something fun to drive!

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  An excellent ride - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Tim - May 24 - 4:23 pm

  Havent had our 3rd Prius a full year yet, so Im not really sure how many miles Ill drive it / year. (My wife has one, and we had a 2001 1st gen. model.) Excellent gas mileage (this tank: 55), although is lower in winter (low-mid 40s). I always marvel at the tight turning radius. The backup camera makes parking so much more easy. Plenty of room - 5 adults PLUS a good amount of cargo room in the hatchback area. Once, I-66 was stopped. I get in the HOV lane, floor it, drop 0.1MPG, get to 60 in about 10sec. Ive gotten it to 85 before I realized how fast I was going - gotta watch it, the Prius is too smooth. Most fillups are about 7.5gal. Not bad at all.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By G. Nicklin - May 22 - 9:33 pm

  We waited 8 months to get the car and it has proven to be very worthwhile. We are approaching 15k miles and enjoying 45mpg city and 54 mpg hwy. Performance is excellent. Dash and door finishes seem to scar quite easily and should be remided to improve quality. Driving quality is near perfect.

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  A wonderful hybrid - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By priuslover - May 20 - 12:56 pm

  I have had my Prius for just under 3 months now. What a totally awesome car!! I am getting between 42-44 mpg. with no effort. I have had to fill it only 2 in 2 months and I use it every day for work. Comfortable drive, fun to drive, with an awesome navigation and bluetooth system with voice recognition. I purchased package #6, Silver Pine Mica.

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  TERRIFIC CAR!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By KATHYD - May 20 - 2:33 am

  We love our Prius!! Weve had it almost 9 months and are thrilled with the gas mileage. In warmer weather, (45-50 degrees or above) we have averaged 50 MPG. Now that it is cold we are averaging about 40-42 MPG. We have changed the way we drive, with no "Jack- rabbit" starts or stops, and we saw a big difference in mileage from when we got the car originally to several months after we got it. it was a definite learning process. It is a wonderful car!! We highly recommend it!!

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  Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By tom - May 19 - 2:03 pm

  With gas approaching $3.00, this was an excellent investment. I am getting over 48 mpg combined city/highway driving. The ride quality is excellent.

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  Made in Japan, and it shows! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Jim - May 19 - 10:00 am

  Love my Prius so far, I am averaging 54 MPG. Solid feel, good handling. Previously owned 2010 Camry and was VERY disappointed with many technical problems. Prius is my 4th car, and I must say I am very happy with my investment. I plan to keep it for a long while.

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  Good Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jt - May 19 - 8:46 am

  Bought the 2008 Toyota Prius with package 3. I love the Prius. Its so fun to play with and so easy to drive. Its a little slow from a dead stop, but it will really get up and go on the highway. The display screen is fun to play with. The seats are comfy for being a car. If youre over 60" you will fit just fine. I am 64" and i fit perfect. I can fit in the back comfortably with the front seats all the way back as well. I spent $30 to fill up. I used to have a cummins diesel and it took me $100 to fill up and I could only get about 400 miles off a 35 gallon tank. Now I am getting 500 miles off only 10 gallons!