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 an ALLSTAR - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By RickECU - March 24 - 5:00 pm

  Went from an SUV to the Prius.. Thought I would be laughing all the way to the gas pump, but expected some difficulty with the transition. Absolutely have no reservations and the car drives incredibly. Its just a GREAT vehicle...Would recommend to anyone! Get it before December 31st and qualify for a $2,000 tax credit.. Thats 2,000 more in refund..dollar for dollar.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By woodman - March 22 - 11:10 pm

  Fun to drive, excellent quality, great fuel economy, the fuel economy has been what is advertised, you just have to learn to drive all over.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By wfcondon - March 22 - 10:00 am

  The only flaw Ive found, after six months of driving, is that rear visibility isnt as good as Id like. Otherwise, this car is perfect. Its peppy and fun to drive, its economical, its comfortable (even for 66" me), and its a head-turner.

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  Life Changing - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Scott H. - March 21 - 9:03 pm

  My wife and I finally talked each other into buying a Prius 3 weeks ago and we are very happy. Very well built and fun to drive and it is a constent reminder about what we can do better if we are willing to make changes. They were smart to show the MPG and allow you to retrain yourself with how you drive. You never forget that it is a hybrid and I think that is smart design decision. Also a great way to educate my kids on pollution, smart technology that looks to solve a real problem and allowing yourself to try new things.

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  Love It, Love It, Love It - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Amy K. - March 21 - 11:43 am

  In the two years that Ive owned my Prius, it has exceeded all my expectations. Having previously owned three fairly high-end SUVs, I expected to feel cramped in the Prius. On the contrary, Ive found it extremely comfortable to drive, there is room when necessary for four passengers and my two dogs, and with the back seats laid down, theres plenty of room for over-sized items like small furniture. My husband was sure Id miss the luxuries of my other cars, but that proved wrong, too. The GPS and other in-dash or steering wheel features are great, and it does not have the "empty shell" feeling of other compact cars. I also expected not much power, but pick-up on hills and onramps is fine.

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  NEW PURCHASE - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MORT - March 21 - 1:40 am

  I PURCHASED THE CAR ABOUT THREE WEEKS AGO. SO FAR IT RUNS VERY WELL AND WE ARE HAPPY WITH IT. WE HOPE IT CONTINUES THIS WAY.

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  Best automotive decision we ever made! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ingrid - March 20 - 6:23 pm

  Purchasing our new 2008 Prius Touring model with option package #6 has proven to be the wisest automotive decision we have ever made. Many of our friends who can afford virtually any car of their choosing, have opted for the Prius — some of them on their second one all ready. This says a great deal not only about the Prius, but also the type of individuals who purchase them. I believe many of us who purchase a Prius have done so not only because it is such a superbly designed and satisfying vehicle, but also because it is the right thing to do (in so many ways).

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  Almost perfect - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tony - March 16 - 9:26 pm

  We live up a winding country road with a 55 mph speed limit ... at the suggested tire pressures with the supplied tires the car still tends to "wallow" through the curves. Increasing the pressure to 40 front, 38 back helps. Road noise is a big disappointment ... going freeway speeds over "gravel cement" pavement creates a harmonic roar that needs to be muffled. I would have been happy with more insulation, less mileage. Ford Fusion hybrid was much quieter. Everything else is great... maybe using better tires will solve the above problems.

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  great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By aldkj - March 16 - 10:00 am

  this is a great car if you are looking for something that give you great mileage and camry size interior.

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  Prius - Economical & Well Built - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By StevenR - March 9 - 1:53 pm

  I love my Prius. It gets great gas mileage (43-51 mpg). It is roomy and comfortable for me at 511" tall. I would recommend the Prius to anyone who wants to drive economically. Its even fairly comfortable with my wife and two children with me. My only complaint would be that it doesnt handle as well as some other smaller cars that Ive driven.