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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  Beyond my expectations - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By luvtoyota10 - May 17 - 7:56 pm

  I rented a prius because I wondered how it was, my moms friend has one and likes it so I tried it out. This car is amazing! The gas mileage is fantastic. I can fit inside of the car with 3 other people! This car handles well, better than my Venza. The steering has a decent weight to it. The car is like a computer, I loved the display and with the back up camera with the nav, parking is a piece of cake. On the highway this car was quieter than my Venza, It also had great pick up in power mode on the highway. I knew the car had a CVT so I was not suprised by the sound of the engine not shifting. The seats were comfy too. The shifter was cool too. IT felt like a real car.

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  Cant go wrong with 49.5 miles per gal - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ray - May 17 - 5:43 am

  We sold our 2001 BMW 330i for the Prius without thinking a second thought. The build quality is great, especially love the blue tooth hand free phone and voice activated GPS. Another nice thing is the MP3 DVD player, I burn 200 MP3 songs in one disk easily as oppose to the BMW that I have to burn separate CDs that can only hold around 15-20 sounds per disk.Trunk space is amazing in this car. We went to airport with 4 people travelling oversee and 2 lungages per person. Fit everything in the trunk.

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  Best hatchback on the market. - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By gregprius - May 16 - 2:46 pm

  This is by far the best car of its type on the market. It has a great ride, great handling, lots of room and helps reduce polution. Why would anyone pay the same amount of money and get a car with far less milage? Adds that say a non hybreed gets 40 MPG are lying. Real world drving milage is way less for a non hybreed. The Prius gets great milage even around town!

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  My best Toyota ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By winn - May 13 - 12:16 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned for fuel economy and has plenty of room inside and rides great. I got a package 5 so Im very happy with all of the features that are in the auto. It is easy to park and fantastic on a long trip. It has great pickup when needed and the fuel economy isnt as expected yet but more than enough to please me for what I spent for the car. Drive one & you will love it.

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  At 94k, its still like new - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By A very good Car - May 10 - 7:33 pm

  We bought in 2005 with 45K when I bought several new cars for my company at a Toyota dealership. I wanted a used Prius because I did not want my wife to get a new one and dislike it. She likes it because it is easy to drive in town and averages 45 MPG. I like it because I fill it up every three weeks. Recently, we got the "Triangle of Death" after replacing the 12V battery. Had it towed to the dealer and was informed that we needed a new traction battery. Bad news, $4,698.00 for the new battery & the good news is; Toyota picked up the tab including the towing. There are many expensive components on these cars and if they go south, you could pay but right now, its a great car to own.

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  The Best Car I Have Driven - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By John Coleburne - May 9 - 6:36 pm

  When I got the Prius I wasnt sure if I was going to like it, but after the first day I fell in love with it. It is just fun to drive, I love being able to take phone calls in the car withing have to take my eyes off the road and the JBL sound system is great. Filling up every 500 plus miles is just icing on the cake. Snow, rain, or shine it handles like a dream. I dont need to fumble with keys and take them out of my pocket anymore, the keyless entry system means I just touch the door handle and it unlocks and I push the start button and it starts right up. Who could ask for a better car.

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  THE COMMUTERS CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy E C - May 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It is heaven-sent for commuters...and the environment. The slower and more clogged the roadway, the better the mileage, and the bigger my smile. I know I am the only one content to be in a freeway creep. I turn up the stereo, turn the air on recirculate (so Im not breathing everyones exhaust), and creep along at 99 mpg. That is the key to getting 60 mpg. Those early morning and evening traffic snarls make up for the lower mpg that you get when traveling at higher speeds. This car is super, and if gas climbs to $3.00 per gallon this summer as predicted, we will be even happier to own a fuel efficient vehicle.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By phansen - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is absolutely wonderful! Fun to drive, more roomy than our old Honda Accord, a georgous, deep red color. Were getting 46 miles to the gallon and it feels great to know that the emissions are almost zero. Has lots of zip and a real sports car feel. Love it!

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  Not Without Compromises - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By wcascrs - May 8 - 6:52 am

  I like the car because its very easy to use with its Smart Key entry and Push Button Start. I also like the way the hybrid system works and sure dont mind the 50 MPG combined. But power and handling are lacking and it lets road noise right on in. Climbing steep hills around here gets the gas engine pretty worked up, and it lets you know it too, right into the cabin with the road nose. It has a torsion beam rear suspension and goes around corners ok, but it has a fair amount of body roll doing so and gets a little unsettled over bumps. it seat four really well, five adults not so much.

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  EPA test lies to buyers - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Stan Seamone - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Gas millage advertised on EPA is a fraud. Actual millage about 32 to 40 if your lucky, called EPA and they said Toyota gave them figures? I asked them to show me that my car delivers 60/51. I would be happy to get 50/41. I think Toyota has these big figures on the cars so they can sell them fast.