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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  Super saver Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By wayne - December 29 - 2:46 am

  We purchased the Prius in March 2006 trading in a Toyota Avalon. Was concerned about the ride and handling compared to the Avalon. We find that the Prius is equal or better. Love the gas mileage. Now have 18000 miles and not one problem. Its a great car.

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  Gas Mileage - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By KO - December 28 - 12:10 am

  Thought it would be good to be ecologically thoughtful and bought a Prius. Other than the good gas mileage, everything else about the vehicle just ticks us off. Seats are lousy, cant see out the back, if something breaks it will cost you a fortune because the average do-it-yourself person cant even change the headlight bulb. If all you are interested in is getting from point A to point B with using as little fuel as possible, this is the car for you. If you plan on driving more than 10 miles or hauling anything, buy a mini-van. You wont get 45 mpg but you can get a nice one for 1/3 the cost of this Prius. 20K buys A LOT of gasoline and you can ride around in comfort with tons of space.

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  A DRIVING PLEASURE - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By LANNAHOE - December 26 - 10:00 am

  INCREDIBLY QUIET DRIVE, GREAT POWER WHEN YOU NEED IT. COMFORTABLE, RELIABLE, A SHEER PLEASURE TO DRIVE

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  Fuel efficency - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By npecz - December 26 - 10:00 am

  So far i have noticed that the Prius does not preform to its milage. Im getting about 46 mpg, which is still very good. I think that the New England hills might have something to do with the fuel usage. It is very roomy, bigger than our SUV!! Other than the fuel economy, i would highly recoment it.

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  very nice! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By 10sne1 - December 26 - 10:00 am

  What a great car! Very roomy and easy to drive. Lots of extra features. I am only getting about 46-47 MPG which was a little disappointng with the advertised 50-60.It has great pick up and is very quiet. I love it!

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  Hot car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By B Green - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I have only had the car 10 days but am averaging 48 mpg already, unlike some of the other reviewers. Really really pleased with its handling, high tech. features, and interior room for such a fuel efficient car. I purchased package 9 for the navigation system and extra safety features (which should be standard by the way) and am so pleased with this car. FYI: I have driven a Mercedes station wagon and Volvo wagon in the recent past and this car is just as much fun to drive, is far less costly, easier to park, and, of course, much greener!

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  THE PERFECT CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By LANNAHOE - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN SUCH A QUIET CAR. YOU CAN ACTUALLY HEAR AND FEEL THE ROAD. I HAVE NEVER DRIVEN SUCH A WONDERFUL AUTO. THE ONLY CAR THAT CAN CLOSE WAS A GERMAN MERCEDES I DROVE THROUGH THE ALPS ON THE AUTOBAHN IN AUSTRIA. PLUS WITH A $2000 CASH CREDIT FROM THE GOVERNMENT FOR BUYING IT (NOT AN EXEMPTION A CREDIT - MONEY IN THE BANK), THE CHOICE WAS CLEAR. I DRIVE A LOT YEARLY, MY LAST CAR ONLY AVERAGED 15MPG. I GET 50. IF EVERYONE HAD A CAR LIKE THIS WE COULD TELL THE MIDDLE EAST AND THEIR OIL TO "DRINK IT" AND GO TO HELL!!!

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  Getting used to it ... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GLA - December 26 - 10:00 am

  I ordered my 2004 Prius last October & took delivery in November. After 5800 miles there are still lots of differences. Not the gas mileage, that is easy to take. But letting someone drive it is something else. I have yet to have it valet parked, even with the printed instructions. The most fuel I have ever pumped was under 9 gallons. The gas gauge flashes at you but I rely on the computerized mileage data to decide when to refuel. And, after a side-impact collision that required major repairs, it still drives wonderfully!

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  First Hybrid - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mindcrime67 - December 25 - 7:26 am

  I traded in my 2004 Acura TL for a 2007 Prius Seaside Pearl with options package #4. I was looking to downsize from my TL due to low mileage, 6K a year, and the desire to just have an economical commuter car with great gas mileage. I looked at the Honda Civic Hybrid but felt the Prius offered better gas mileage and features. So far I like my Prius. It is simple, drives well, has good pickup, great features,and great gas mileage plus Toyota reliability. For some, choosing a Prius is to help the environment, for others its saving gas. For me it was needs vs wants. I love nice sedans but only need a commuter car. The Prius is that and much more. Saving gas etc. was just a very big plus.

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  PRIUS -- THE ONLY HYBRID - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By daveb - December 24 - 9:36 am

  I have logged 140K miles in five years, averaging 45+ mpg. The greatest feature of the car is its rock solid reliability - it still has the original brakes. I like the car so much I just purchased a new 2009. This car may not be everyones cup of tea, but it fits my lifestyle - plenty of room for my family of 4 and the hatchback makes it useful for those occasional runs to Lowes or Home Depot. It is a well engineered vehicle that has retained it rock solid feel over the many miles that it has traveled.