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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  Pleasant Surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By funpilot - February 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a very pleasant surprise....it actually gets the mileage it is suppose to, drives wonderfully well, and appears to be of great quality. On my first fillup, I calculated my average mpg to be 56. When it runs only on the battery (less than 32 mph), you get almost unlimited mpg at least until the engine kicks in to recharge the battery. I usually am bored with cars....this one is a keeper.

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  JUST ONE THING - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By carol barrier - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Everything you all say about this auto is right on, except one thing. You have overlooked one small detail. I live in snow country, guess what? I found out it is exactly 4.9 inches off the ground, and you might as well plan on keeping it in the garage in the winter time here. Otherewise it is just wonderful. THANK GOD my Toyota dealer is understanding, I now drive another Toyota product and am now happy once again.

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  2007 Prius: so glad I got it - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Himatee - February 18 - 12:00 am

  Its not just about the mileage, its about knowing that you are doing as much as you can to minimize your global footprint. Its about knowing that you are willing to sacrifice a tiny bit of speed and comfort for the greater good. But enough about that. Its got great handling, light and quick, very responsive. It has very high tech features, love the smart key and screen features. Could not live without the bluetooth that talks right out of my speakers. And its getting about 49 mpg for me. I love this car - it makes my roundtrip 60-mile daily commute to work a pleasure, instead of a chore.

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  One Month Old Impression - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - February 14 - 9:53 am

  This is a very nice car to drive. I thought the steering tended to wander a little, so you have to pay attention to the road all the time. Not a bad idea anyway! The ride is very smooth and quiet, even on the wash-board gravel road we live on. Im 62" tall and 240 lbs. The drivers seat is a little small for me, but the cabin is otherwise roomy enough for me to consider taking it on long drives. The Energy screen on the display can be distracting, so we default the display to the Consumption screen, which shows a bar graph of fuel usage in 5 minute intervals. The car is fun to drive around town while doing errands.

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  Prius is pretty cool - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - February 11 - 4:36 pm

  A great car if gas mileage and practicality are your primary considerations. Youll sacrifice a some luxury and performance if you are converting from a similarly priced conventional sedan like Accord or Camry.

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  2008 Prius 1st 6 months - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Lloyd - February 10 - 10:06 pm

  Most bi-polar (some pun intended) car I have ever owned. Great around town fuel economy 40mpg actual! Corners ok but absolutely numb road feel. Surprisingly roomy for size. Good utility from the hatch. Rear camera slow to come. Requires extra care when backing. Keyless features work great. Not sold on the touch panel climate control. Visors, shifter and steering wheel controls toy like. Too easily bottoms in some road conditions.

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  Love this Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - February 10 - 9:20 pm

  I have about 12k miles on mine 2005 now. It is the base model and I love the car. Plenty of power in my opinion and I have carried three bikes and three people for a short distance all inside the car. Now I have a bike rack on the back. Service every five thousand miles is only $55. I get about 38 mpg around town and 45 to 52 on the freeway. EPA estimates of around town mileage are irritatingly false.

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  Best Prius so far - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Bill M. - February 10 - 4:26 pm

  update - Oct 29, 2016 - 10,600 miles on the car and Im still delighted with it. Mileage has averaged 62 mpg -- by actual measurement, which is about 3 mph lower than the dash readout. My daily commute is 60% highway and 40% local roads but not much bumper to bumper. I always drive in ECO and drive sedately but at or above speed limit and definitely not hypermile-ing. No mechanical problems with the car. Still like the same features as in the original review - esp great headlights, comfy interior, enough power, great but touchy brakes, and esp love the rear cross traffic alert, the auto braking, and other driver tech package features. Original review: I have 2600 miles on a 2016 Prius Four. I have previously owned a 2007 Prius and currently still own a 2012 Prius, which my son now drives. Though Ive been hugely satisfied with the previous generations, this 4th gen Prius is even better. The gas mileage is averaging 60-62 mpg over the 2600 miles by actual measurement (not via the electronic read-out which is about 2.5 mpg higher). I dont accelerate or brake hard but I drive at or above the speed limit. My commute is 60% highway 40% city driving. The car accelerates a little faster than the previous gen. I got both the Advanced Tech package and the deluxe equipment package. The interior is very nice though not Lexus luxury. Great JBL sound system. Power driver seat with excellent power lumbar. The nav touchscreen is large and is not washed out in bright sun light. Speedo etc is not located so much differently than previous generations and is easy to adjust to. Headlights are fantastic - super bright, automatic low/high beams plus DRL. Nice heads up display on the windshield - easily seen but not distracting and you can turn it off if you want. When using the nav, the heads up display shows turn arrows. Neat! The dynamic cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind spot warning are highly useful. The best tech feature for me is the rear cross traffic alert, which greatly eases the worry about slowly backing out of a spot with obscured side vision. It detects cars 2-3 seconds before they cross behind you, leaving plenty of warning to brake. Large color backup monitor - via nav screen. Toyota wisely moved the transmission lever back to the dash and improved and lengthened the armrest. My 2007 had the best armrest ever made and then the 2012 backslid to a center console with trans lever. The 2016 corrected the error. Cons: not many and not very bothersome. The rear legroom is a bit less but still adequate. The rear headrests fold down - much like the 2012 -- so the rear visibility is about the same. No spare - not a deal breaker - so a little more rear cargo space. The brakes are touchy. Wind and road noise are supposedly better than previous models but seem the same to me (i.e. perfectly acceptable). The driver position is a bit lower than the 2012 - visibility isnt hindered as the window sills are lower - but I have easily adjusted (while admittedly preferring the old, higher level) On balance, this is a very significant upgrade. The tech package is worth every penny. Note that the Prius Four Touring does not have a sun-roof.

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  Love my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Julie L. - February 10 - 10:20 am

  This car is so fun to drive. Its quiet and has a smooth ride. I love the display screen on the console that displays current tank of gas mileage, has the radio and DC player controls, AC, and other features. The car has plenty of pick-up speed to pass other cars on the highway, though doing this often will certainly decrease gas mileage.

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  NEED MORE HYBRIDS! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Atlanta Sparky - February 10 - 10:00 am

  I have owned my 2002 Prius 6 mo and over 6000 miles. It is quieter than my Buick, fun to drive, gets extremely good mileage, is very comfortable, environmental and is an ideal everyday commuter vehicle. I am most impressed with the overall quality of the experience of driving a quiet, efficient, environmental and relaxing car back and forth to work every day. This little car is the ideal vehicle for the urban American! I see no disadvantages for the hybrid approach in a regular vehicle and it has numerous advantages over the conventional gas vehicle.