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 Preview - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By rayfccc - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Lots of leg room front and back. Air conditioner very efficient for hot weather Sacramento. Playing with center display screen and trying to squeeze out better and better mpg after a while is a distraction. Best of four cars that I own.

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  GREAT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JOEL WEINSTEIN - May 4 - 10:00 am

  A GREAT CAR FOR MOST PEOPLE. IT IS A MUCH BETTER ALL A ROUND CAR THAN WE THOUGHT IT WOULD BE. AFTER THE TEST DRIVE WE DIDNT THINK IT WOULD BE A CAR TO USE ON LONG TRIPS, BUT NOW THAT WE HAVE IT AND HAVE BEEN ON SHORT TRIPS WE THINK ITS FINE. WE ARE PLANNING TO TAKE IT CROSS COUNTRY THIS YEAR.

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  The Near-Perfect Car for Me! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By George - April 30 - 10:43 am

  I drive in miserly fashion, which just happens to take advantage of this cars hybrid system! So far on two tanks, the computer has averaged ~55mpg. Im thrilled that Im able to travel so far on so little. Once I learned when the system takes advantage of the electric drive, I always strive to have it propel the car - of course, as the situation dictates. On one street near here Im able to move nearly one-plus mile on electricity alone. Also, its great to drive in parking lots knowing you just move on electricity and not gasin it and stopin. I should have bought one earlier! Just the right balance of power for the car! Get one!

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  Ah my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By BobbyJo - April 29 - 9:43 am

  The most surprising thing to me about my Prius, is the power. The handling would be second, just excellent! Finally, it is such a substantial car for the price category.

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  Great Little Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By RKendall48 - April 29 - 6:33 am

  Great little car that is fun to drive & gets great MPG..50+

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  Re-Review Of 08 Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By oldcoach - April 28 - 10:53 pm

  I am writing a re-review because this car is just super.Our Prius is with packages and option #2. Option #2 makes it one great car. We have driven it for a week and have over 300 miles on it and are getting 49.6 MPG, without trying, just driving. The no key system is great. Stereo sounds great. Like the back-up camera (but car is not that hard to see out of) really like the energy useage screen. The Prius is so high tech all on touch screen and also on steering wheel. Very easy to operate, only takes a couple of times driving and you are set. Just wish I could get my wife out of the prius so I can drive it. HaHa

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  Great car plus milage - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pbrook - April 28 - 10:00 am

  Bought this sight unseen after new york auto show in 2003. Wanted commuter car with good features. Mileage depends on the driver. Drive it hard, and you get less.

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  Very Pleased Prius Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By VeryPleasedPriusOwne - April 27 - 11:43 pm

  I have owned this vehicle for a few months now and am extremely pleased with its performance. Average consistently 50-55mpg (city) and 55-58 (highway). A very quiet vehicle (especially at lights when the engine is off and one hears nothing), very roomy, back seats fold for extra room for storage. Love the energy consumption display, encourages efficient driving and increases awareness of better driving! The energy display also helps learn mpg over a historic period of time. The vehicle is not an especially powerful car and is no sports car, but then again, its a hybrid. The Prius is a great buy for these high gas price times!

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  Happy but can be happier - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John - April 27 - 9:33 pm

  We have only owned for one month its much better than we thought it would be. At 62 215 I have enough head room in front seat but not the back, my wife is 53" so she is fine. Average 49mpg, happy with that. It is worth the money.

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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Georgia Williamson - April 25 - 2:35 pm

  I took one test drive and knew this was the car for me. Several years ago we drove a Prius hybrid rental and liked it, but it wasnt anything special. As soon as I started driving the 2016 Prius I was enjoying the ride, even in rush hour traffic. It handled easily, provided a smooth ride, easily kept pace with traffic, both slow and fast and was quiet. I bought it that night. The gas mileage is exceeding what I was expecting for combined street and highway driving. Even my husband can drive it. He is 6 5" and the joke has always been we had to try on cars rather than picking the one we wanted, we had to take the one that he could get into whether it was comfortable or not. Even with the moon roof, his head does not bump the top of the car. I can get 3 dog kennels in the back and still have room for luggage. AND it also fits into our garage even with the full size van, freezer and storage in the front part of the garage.