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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  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Georgia Williamson - April 25 - 2:34 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.

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  Fun to drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By janie - April 22 - 10:16 pm

  Ive had my Prius for almost 4 months and love it more every day! Changing jobs brought a longer commute, but ability to drive in the HOV lane makes the commute almost painless. I laugh as I zoom by all those folks at a dead stop on the freeway. Gas mileage has also increased as I learned better driving techniques - now averaging about 50 mpg. Love the bluetooth and use it constantly - makes good use of the long drive and a much safer way to talk on the phone, plus its easy to use. Storage in the back is more roomy than it looks - all the junk I carried in my larger SUV fit with room to spare and the cover hides everything. Expected to like the Prius, pleasantly surprised to love it!

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  Worth The Wait - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mostly harmless - April 21 - 2:00 am

  Waited 6 months to get it but it was worth every second of it. Performance is very good, has a great cool factor. Getting about 51 MPG on mostly backroads with hills. What can I say, I love it.

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  Great little car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jo Anne Berg - April 20 - 9:40 am

  My Toyota Prius has far exceeded my expectations as a reliable, clean, economical car to drive. We had ours specially equipped with all the extras, and find it to be extremely comfortable even on very long trips. We are a family of four and find the car also has plenty of room for us. It makes us happy to think we are doing our part to help our planet. No regrets.

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  Love it! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By ed60 - April 19 - 10:44 am

  Have had my Prius for one week.Took awhile to get used to, coming from an "09 Pontiac. Fun to drive, almost no road noise, very comfortable seats. More room than I expected and the standard sound system is quite good.

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  Amazing Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 4ecofriends - April 18 - 3:56 am

  Just to report back that after 15,512 miles, 325.92 gallons of gas later (47.59 mpg), I still love this car. The car reports 48.86 mpg, slightly optimistic than what Ive been getting. There is no problem to date. I took it to dealer once for oil change at 5K and have been doing it myself since. I will buy the plug-in version with Lithium-ion battery when it come out. This car is not perfect, but come close.

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  2008 Much Anticipation - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Garloo - April 16 - 6:56 am

  I was very impressed since the first test drive. The navigation system is a wonderful thing. Years from now well all wonder how we got along without them! The instant mileage review helps keep me in check and will serve to boost mileage overall by at least 5-10%. And the 30 minute tracking feature lets me know my driving techniques are affecting my overall MPG. Ive got almost 1000 miles and it looks like I may need to get my 2nd tank of gas in the next couple days... doing over 100 per day... WOW.

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  The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly - 2013 vs. 2010 - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By piousprius - April 10 - 3:29 pm

  Recently upgraded from 2010 to 2013. Its the same car with a couple small new features. Everything I liked about 2010 model is still here, as is everything I hated. Overall, Prius is a decent car, but its only worth the price tag if you will drive it A LOT.

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  What a car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By steve - April 9 - 11:46 pm

  Averaged 50 mpgs plus in town in 6 months of ownership. On the hiway, 800 mile trip, avg was 46 mpgs at legal speed of 75 & 70 mph with air. This was with a fully packed car, 4 adults. Terrain varied from level to hills. Dont drive with a lead foot and youll pass tons of fill up stations. Backup beeper real annoying & people outside of the car cannot hear it. A definite minus. Be careful in parking lots. In electric mode it runs silent & people not paying attention will walk in front of you. Several cell phone use walkers have been sent sky hi when I hit the horn to warn them of what they were doing. 0w-20 weight oil is not the easiest to find. Its required! Oil filter is not a spin on.

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  Gas saving appliance.... - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By manu77 - April 8 - 11:33 am

  When the salesman first showed me the Prius Four with solar and moon roof, and all sorts of gadgetry, I was overwhelmed by all the fantastic features coupled with the great mpg that the Prius is renowned for and, plus its reliability, which it has proven to be a reliable car. But, and this is a big but....they have failed to address driving ergonomics. While this model four has power seats with lumbar support, I figured out about two months and 3000 miles later on the car that the driving position of the driver is quite awkward and this could not be addressed by changing my seat position. If you are planning to buy a Prius, I suggest you carefully observe your seating and steering first.