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:

• 

  Couldnt be better! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bs - January 6 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has met, if not exceeded, all of my expectations. I would recommend it to anyone, especially those who commute daily and dont like spending so much money on gas. And it rides better than my previous car. Its roomy and has lots of storage space. Its an all-around great car!

• 

  Pretty decent ride so far! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Erica Lee - January 5 - 6:29 pm

  We got ours at Longo Toyota in Los Angeles. The negotiation process was done through email, so no harassing phone calls from sale reps. With the July 4th rebate, I was able to get the best deal and the color of the car that I wanted. I believe July4th is the best time to get a car because the selection is larger. It has been the 3rd week I have driven the car, so far it is very smooth. I drove 400+ with 1/4 of gas left. I plan on letting it drive for an other week.

• 

  lowest cost of ownership vehicle for me - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By greencar2 - January 4 - 11:32 pm

  Purchase was purely a economic decision for me without much emotion. Extensive economic analysis with detailed spreadsheets yielded the Prius II as the most economic choice for my 70 mile daily commute consisting of 60% city 40% highway. Factored in were resale values which indicate lower depreciation than reported for Gen 3, significant improvements in reliability over 2010 model and long term increase in gasoline price at 10% / year. Also in consideration was the 10 year battery performance check done by Consumer Reports which indicated the NiMH battery showed no measurable degradation in 10 years and 200K. I think newer Li battery technology will take several years to mature and match

• 

  From Supercrew to Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Shawn - January 3 - 12:13 pm

  I dont usally write reviews but I felt I needed to write this one. Ive owned this car a week so Ive still got new car fever. Ive been driving a Ford Supercrew for 7 years so going to a Prius was a new view on the world to say the least. If you are a big vehicle driver you need to check this car out... no regrets. My 2 kids have enough room in the back even with me (61" 220 lbs) in the drivers seat. We all have room to spare. My wife and I find ourselves fighting over who gets the car. Our first tank of gas got 46.7 MPG and we are doing even better on our 2nd.

• 

  Best Car EVER!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By apl - January 1 - 11:36 pm

  I have owned several cars and SUVs... gas mileage aside, this is the best car ever! Its fun to drive, stylish, the interior and controls are incredible, and the 50+ MPG means you basically own the car for free. I spend about $16 a week for gas (in NYC). With my Jeep, I was spending over $75. This car pays for itself. Everybody should drive one.

• 

  Great car - but be under 65" ! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JD - January 1 - 5:53 am

  This is a great car (we get about 53 MPG), but I have difficulty on trips over 3 hours - I am 64" - and do not think anyone taller than me would be comfortable.

• 

  Love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By kpd651 - December 31 - 11:06 am

  Economical, practical, fun and, of course, reliable. Mine is the 2004 and the first of the second generation Prius. Had one computer recall and a tail-light issue done as a compliment of the Toyota dealership. I did not have any problem with either recall notice. In my opinion, this Prius is excellent, except, for two areas. It needs more seat support. It could use more thigh and lumbar adjustment(s). The one other area would be a light shield or visor type design over the center monitor.

• 

  Watch Before You Back Out!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Karl - December 31 - 7:23 am

  Our new Prius is truly outstanding in virtually all respects. However, the hatchback window design makes vehicle reversing a genuine challenge. While a standard onboard TV monitor presents an acceptable view [day or night] of the wide area behind the Prius when shifting into "R," there is no substitute for carefully scanning behind your hybrid. The rear window configuration makes such scanning difficult at best.

• 

  Great Car for a "Stay at Home Dad" - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Rick Stillman - December 31 - 2:00 am

  I have about 1500 miles so far. Its a great car! The ride is very smooth and it is able to get up and go pretty good. Equal to my wifes 2001 Camary LE. The handling is very good. Very sporty feel. I have a family of five and we all fit. I play in a band and have plenty of room for all my equipment. The experience we have had with this car has us very excited about getting the other one we have on order!

• 

  2005 Prius- we love it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By fstruck - December 30 - 12:00 pm

  I was somewhat concerned that my wife would not like going from a van, Dodge Grand Caravan, to this small vehicle but she loves it. It is very responsive and quick enough to enter freeway traffic with no problem. We use it at 70 mph and still get over 52 MPG on trips with a good load. Its typically 45-57 mpg in city.