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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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nejos - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Nice car. Styling is great, I can finally win an ugly car contest. Everyone I know that has looked at it likes it. This car has definately been worth it.

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  Awesome Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By rocket - July 10 - 8:16 pm

  I love my 2010 Prius. I have never experienced less than 55 mpg since purchase and it is just fun to drive. It is very comfortable for extended trips and has a great dash display that I can see. I do not like behind the steering wheel displays.

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  I love this car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By IowaGirl - July 10 - 3:13 pm

  I bought this car in April and I love it. I didnt want a hybrid at all, but my husband pressured me to at least look at it and I fell in love with it. It is so fun to drive! And I am addicted to watching my mileage on that display screen. After driving it for three weeks, I have really learned how to "drive smart" to save gas. Its cute and sexy all at the same time, with plenty of room for my two year old and all his gear. He keeps asking if he can watch Elmo on the touch screen. Sorry buddy, this is mommys car! I love to make fun of my friends who are getting 12 mpg in their SUVs. Purchasing a Prius is a no-brainer in this day and age of high gas prices. No regrets!

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  Hard to beat! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Watermanjr - July 9 - 5:16 am

  Have moved from a Volvo into the Prius since July. I have been pleasantly surprised with every aspect of the Prius. If I could change anything it would be the seat design. The seat is somewhat less comfortable when compared to the Volvo.

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  One Year Synopsis - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Rugg - July 8 - 5:23 am

  I have driven all sorts of trips over the past year from long, 9hr cross- country trips to cross-town trips. The car performed well in each scenario. It does live up to its rated gas mileage (I get 50-55 MPG in town and 46-50 MPG on the road). I have noticed squeal in HI fan mode and an annoying squeak on bumpy roads. It could a little better lumbar support on those long trips. But the most annoying thing Toyota has to fix is the blind spots. This car is built so aerodynamically that it is like a cockpit. The only good visibility is straight ahead. The headrests block views, the extreme slope back window does too, even the rear view mirror obstructs views. Good A/C. Heat takes while.

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  Not Too Shabby - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Stillc - July 7 - 4:06 am

  I commute 100 miles a day so my motivation was economy. Theres no doubt the Prius delivers great mileage. I average 48 MPG or better. I traded-in a F-250 Diesel Pick Up truck for this car and was lucky to do so just prior to the big fuel crisis. The Prius saved me about $500.00 per month in fuel cost based on what I was paying for diesel. Im not crazy about the style (looks like a bug) but it has plenty of head room and can carry more than expected in the hatch back with the seats folded down. Power is so so. Very slow to start off but will kick in and move fairly quickly once your rolling. Its all about fuel efficiency. I have to admit though, it can be a little emasculating.

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  Best little car on the road - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Shannon - July 6 - 8:50 pm

  Great car ! Fun to drive. It has saved us a ton with gas prices so high. I would highly recommend this car to everyone. Especially, if you live were there are hills and mountains. Gas mileage is amazing. You cant go wrong with this car! Toyota has out done themselves.

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  looking like a genius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By barkat - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Feel I am driving the car of the future. Surprisingly roomy, lots of nice features including no key entry and ignition. Gas prices have been going straight up since I bought and it is more likely that I will more than recoup any extra purchase price in fuel savings over the years. No sales tax on hybrids in my state and federal tax deduction did provide some savings at purchase. Getting around 48-50 MPG in town and on open road.

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  we liked it - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jackd223 - July 6 - 10:00 am

  It sits higher and gives a good driving view. We liked the center console video touch screen. We were suprised at the acceleration. We rented this vehicle for 3 days and it made us want to check it out again when we buy a new vehicle.

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  My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob Smales - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Aside from the fuel economy (obvious), it is a fun car to drive although it takes a little time to get used to. The minimal or no engine noise can be disconcerting (you think it stalled at the light). You push the Power button and nothing happens other than the dash instruments turn on but you click on "D", depress the accelerator and it moves out. Surprisingly comfortable for its size. well built and very stylish.