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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  The best! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By rjkelly34 - February 2 - 10:20 am

  Ive driven all types of vehicles and none can compare to my prius! Not only does it make me feel good that i am doing my thing for the enviornment, the car is fun to drive! Really nice pick up, smooth, quiet ride and toyota reliability! the optional DVD navigation is the best navigation on the market. Easy to use and quite direct! I am averaging 50+ mpg with over 25k. With todays gas prices (3 dollars plus) I can still fill up for under 30 dollars and get close to 400 miles a tank (sometimes more)!! Do yourself a favor, get yourself a prius!! Youll be glad that you did.

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  Very good car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By rodman - February 1 - 11:43 am

  I am more than happy with my car, I test drove Insight and Prius in same day and I can tell that insight has a really cheap interior and shakes really bad when it switches from gas to electric and vice versa. But prius runs really smooth and its really fun to drive. GO prius.

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  what an awesome car - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By joebob66 - January 31 - 6:21 am

  I purchased the prius persona in july and love this car, I previously had a Honda accord. I recommend the black cherry color, as this is a limited edition color, so there arent a lot of them out there. this car is loaded with features, and at only 26000 with o percent financing, this was just right for me. I am getting 56 mpg going to work everyday, 24 miles, 17 of them on the highway. I am currently getting about 52 on the highway and about 56 or 57 in the city, I live in Chicago, so the city driving is stop and go, which gets you better mileage, and I have learned how to drive to get maximum fuel economy without being "that guy driving like a grandma". would recommend

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  My second in two years - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bud Rudder - January 28 - 11:43 am

  No disappointments! Well worth the wait. I get mileage as advertised if I drive carefully. At 62"/240 lbs. I am comfortable. Amazing to buy this much technology for $21,000! I purchased an 04 and drove it 14000 miles then my 05 came in - both have not needed any repair other than routine maintenance. My 06 is due in January.

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  Toyota, go to the next step - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jakiefnh - January 27 - 8:30 pm

  There is no reason why this car cannot achieve 100+ mpg. Both the batteries and electric motors are underpowered. I would prefer that this be a plug-in electric car with a high-end on-board electric generator. That said, I achieve 40-45 mpg in the winter and 50- 55 mpg in the summer. I do not understand why the electric motor cannot power the car from a dead start without the gas-powered engine having to kick in.

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  Im in love with this car. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ralph Roughton - January 27 - 1:20 pm

  Ive had it only for 6 weeks, so maybe its still the honeymoon. I bought it to do my part for the environment and the economy; but its turned out to be a fun car to drive. Peppy on pickup, easily maneuverable, feels roomy, even for my 6 foot height. Plenty of power. I pushed it on a deserted, straight stretch of freeway -- and pulled back when it reached 93. Im sure it would have gone over 100. With careful driving, Im getting 52 mpg.

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  Prius is all it claims to be and more! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By biotwerp - January 27 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven! I drive nearly 40 miles each way to work over (mostly) country roads, I have several stops and turns. I average 50-53 MPG. My husband has more head room in this car than in any car we have had. The car handles great in all weather conditions. I arrived on time at work all last winter. My 87 year old father (a former mechanic and staunchly "buy American") has said, "If I were to buy another car, this would be it; it is a quality car all around!"

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  A great big little car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Katarra8 - January 26 - 11:00 am

  A fun to drive, economical car with a great style. It has more headroom than my previous Cadillac, more leg room, and the rear passengers have leg room, even with the front seats all the way back! I love not having to even take my keys out of my pocket to use the vehicle! Weve got a second Prius on order, because my husband and I BOTH want to drive the car!

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  Nice Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By ProudPriusOwner - January 25 - 11:53 pm

  Read about it, bought it, love it. The interior is amazing. Im just waiting for PHEV now.

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  does what it says it can do - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By greencar2 - January 25 - 4:57 am

  Vehicle was purchased mainly for fuel economy given my long daily commute. Delivered 48 mgp as measured at the pump on first tank. Driving style and accessory use make a significant diffrence in mpg. I was driving moderately with minimal use of heat, AC or lights. Toyota has listened to various on line postings and seems to have corrected every minor thing that was wrong with the 2010 model. Brakes work perfectly with no lag when going over bumps or pot holes in road. There is no delay as many had claimed for 2010 version. The radio gets good reception in all bands now. Glad I waited for 2011, I never purchase a new model the first year of launch.