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 is much more than youd expect! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bart - July 24 - 5:13 am

  I bought my Prius the day of hurricane Katrina. I was driving a Chevy Avalance which got 15 mpg and had a feeling that gas was going sky- high...and I was right! My Prius uses 2/3 less fuel and is a blast to drive! I never expected it to have so much power (yes, you can squeal the tires) or so much room (I can carry a string bass in the back!), or be so fun to drive! I have people looking at it all the time and have convinced several people to purchase their own Prius.

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  Prius is just about perfect - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By LDb - July 23 - 12:23 pm

  The car has more legroom and headroom,than my 2003 Camry. It is a relaxing and responsive road car. It handles the city-drive easily. I will only trade in this Prius on the 2009 which Toyota announced will get 100 mpg and cost less.

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  New 2016 Prius is better then ever - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Shawiak - July 18 - 3:52 am

  First, if you never have owned a Prius the 2016 is a great vehicle. If you are coming from an earlier edition the 2016 has many improvements. I would upgrade to a Model Four. My 2012 is a Model 2 and I think it is worth the extra money to get the options. Many improvements including build quality can be seen. The changes in the suspension do make a difference. The materials inside are greatly improved. I dont think they feel cheaply made. The only negative feedback I would give between the 2016 and the previous generation is drive sits lower in the car and the car feels lower in the from. Once you scrape the front end/ bumper you will understand. As a iPhone user the ability to charge an Android based phone is useless to me. The seats in the 2016 feel more supportive than those in my 2012. This car is for people are interested in getting good MPGs. I am a former Nissan Leaf (2013) and BMW I3 (2014) owner. So far I can say I am very happy with my purhase.

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  Excellent and fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Richard - July 17 - 8:06 pm

  I purchased my 05 Prius couple of weeks ago and Im already getting excellent gas milage. With 5 people and a/c blasting, Im getting over 49 mpg. The car has less than 800 miles and cant wait for the break in period to be over to see what gas milage I can squeeze out of the car.

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  I love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By cheers - July 17 - 4:50 pm

  I have had my Prius for almost a year and cant say enough great things about it. My only problem is that my husband, a salesman who is on the road almost all day, has decided that he should be the one to drive the Prius. Amazing since he has always been the type of male whos identity is wrapped up in the kind of car he drives. Now he gets off on all the money he is saving. It is substantial since his last car got between 11 and 13 mpg. In the summer, we consistently get between 55-60 mpg, which drops down to 50-52 mpg in the winter. It is fun to drive and has plenty of pep. Best car we have ever owned.

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  Excellent Choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ShadowRunner - July 16 - 2:00 am

  After the last gas price spike I knew my gas guzzeling days were numbered. When I saw this car being unloaded off the delivery truck I knew I had to have it and was estatic to see it was a Prius. It handles just as well as my 02 Camry - very smooth, nimble & quiet. I find myself watching the energy monitor a lot (perhaps I need to keep my eyes more on the road) but its facinating to watch the goings on in the car. Inside is very comfy. My tall husband has plenty of head room and its sure a head turner.

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  The future of driving - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Gazings - July 15 - 8:53 am

  You must drive this car! Crusing around with the engine totally off is a real trip. Sitting at stoplights in total silence is amazing. The ride is very quiet at all times, even on the freeway. Definitely spring for the touch-screen navigation system - worth every penny. Very comfy ride, great view out. Auto climate control is excellent, and the stereo has surprisingly good sound.

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  Loving it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Flocculus - July 13 - 8:16 pm

  Having owned a loved the Prius for a year and a half, were about to buy another to become a Prius-only family. I cant imagine going back down on gas mileage from our around-50 average. The ergonomics are terrific. The space is perfectly usable. It has all the zip we need. Despite Toyotas prohibition, Im about to start doing light towing occasionally, which I think will be great. We have had absolutely no problems. Ive looked and looked, and there isnt another car on the market that stands up to this one.

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  Great Little Tardus - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By GOCS - July 12 - 11:43 am

  The first thing that amazed me was getting inside--very roomy, though it looks small from the outside. Its a very light car, so performance depends upon the weight in the vehicle. But even with 4 people, it has plenty of getup and go. Full of gadgets. Great car. The fact that it is a hybrid just makes it that much better

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  Great Mileage - But Uncomfortable - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By E S - July 11 - 12:16 pm

  We love this car from a standpoint of the mileage, great GPS display, etc. BUT, after driving in this car for more than an hour - both my wife and I get so uncomfortable it is painful! The seats are very, very uncomfortable.