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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  Fun to Drive Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chaep on Gas - January 25 - 2:36 am

  I just purchased this car a few weeks ago, and I have driven it for over 2000 miles. Very fun car to drive, and for a small car it is pretty spacious. I love the fact, that I can drive in the carpool lane alone. The gas mileage is overrated, I get about 45-47 mpg average, not 60 impg. I guess its still better then the alternative, but not as nice as I thought it will be. Other then that, cool little car.

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  More than what it looks like - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Ray W - January 24 - 2:00 am

  The acceleration and response was better than I expected, although it still revs pretty high going up hills and merging onto freeways. Once on the highway, I can cruise along at 70 no problem. Five mid-sized adults can legitimately fit; headroom in the back is exceptional for a small sedan. Ive found synthetic oil improves gas mileage, as well as keeping tires inflated to the upper recommended limit. Consumer Reports said it had acceptable side crash results. Trunk space is modest, but deep enough to fit large suitcases. An excellent first car / commuter car.

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  Difficult to buy gas cars in the future without co - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By James Eng - January 22 - 7:37 pm

  Drives like a normal car

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  Hey! 58 mpg aint bad! 2016 Prius 3 Touring - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Colorado Jack - January 21 - 6:34 am

  Four tanks of gas on my brand new 2016 Prius 3 Touring. Each one @ around 500 miles. Tank 1 = 56 mpg. Tank2=58 mpg. Tank 3=61 mpg. Tank 4= 57 mpg (driving over 11,000 ft. continental divide twice same day). Total AVG = 58 mpg. Most miles are highway, but drive it nearly everywhere including all my short shopping trips to store, etc. Im very pleased. Before this, I owned a 2004 Prius that I put 175,000 original miles on it. When I drove the 2004 over the continental divide, the mileage dropped into the low 40s. As shown on tank #4 stats above, the new Prius 3 held up immensely well at 57 mpg. One thing my wife definitely doesnt like is the lack of storage, but then again, you ought to see her purse! I actually wanted to try out a new 2017 Volt, but after seeing several write ups of inverter problems that are a huge mechanical problem to correct, I decided to stay with the Prius.

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  I love my prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By mdrobins - January 16 - 10:26 pm

  I love this car. I love the MPG monitor, it allows you to re-train yourself into better driving habits. If you dont speed, accelerate easily, stop slowly and less often you can get up to 52 MPG. I can go over 430 miles on one tank. If you do this, it is worth the price tag.

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  Bonnies Lean, Green, Clean Machine! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bonnie C - January 13 - 7:10 pm

  I love my lean, green, clean machine so much that I racked on over 64,000 miles in 3 yrs. I live in ski resort mountains and travel with my 5 person family. I really put this car to the test! I usually get 45 mpg in the winter, 50 in spring/fall, and 55-65 all summer. These numbers are a packed car (500+ lbs of psgrs) and mountain travel. The numbers depend on the driver. If my lead-footed husband takes my car, he only gets 42-45 mpg. The only problem that I had in 3 yrs is that the gas door started to stick, but my husband lubricated it and bent something and it is fixed. Gas prices being what they are, my Prius literally makes its own loan pmt in gas savings each mo! What a pleasure!

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  Go Hybrids - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Fernando - January 8 - 8:53 pm

  While not giving the advertised mileage, nothing comes even far from what this vehicle will deliver. The car is simply too fun to drive. I own and drive anything from an F-250 diesel double cabin truck to an XJ8 Jaguar and find this Prius the best overall car yet. I even call it the "Medicare transport" because it provides the best interior space and comfort, all in one car, to allow me to carry my 83 y/o parents around. Driving my Prius in the city, where the mileage significantly increases, provides the greatest ease of use any car has ever given me. While not a tire screaching beast, it will accelerate and handle fast enough to safely evade impending dangers of closed quarters traffic.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By P F Hamilton - January 8 - 8:53 am

  This car is not all it claims to be. I am very disappointed with the mileage I have achieved, thus far. The main reason I bought the car was for its above excellent gas mileage.

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  The wave of the future! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Linda_0201 - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome!! Ive only had it for about 2 days, but already I LOVE driving it! I purchased the BC package with the dvd system, smart entry, 6 cd changer, everything! Fully loaded. The ride is incredibly smooth! The car is so quite when you start up the engine, and when I was at a stop light, I almost thought that the car had cut off (its THAT quiet!!). There is ample room in the front and rear seats. I cant wait to drive this car! I wake up in the morning excited and anticipating my drive to work! (haha..I wonder how long that will last??)

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  The first no-compromises hybrid car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By scotto - January 6 - 2:00 am

  The new Prius brings hybrid cars into the mainstream. Power now feels comparable to many sedans and it gets up to 60 mpg! It’s also much larger and more refined than the old model. It has remarkable space inside, with generous rear seat legroom and lots of luggage room with the new hatchback and fold-down rear seats (very Saab-like). I got mine fully loaded with SatNav system, Bluetooth, side curtain airbags, Smart Entry (*very* cool), and much more. All this for about $26,000 (base price is about $20,000). In summary, this is simply a great midsize car that happens to also be the greenest car on the planet. There are clearly no compromises in this hybrid.