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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  Livin the Dream - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Brian B. - October 26 - 9:43 am

  Made the switch from driving a 2006 6-cyl. RAV4 Ltd to my new Prius 3 wks ago. My first hybrid experience has gone pretty well so far. Purchased the technology pkg with my vehicle, but have come to believe that the added features are not worth the extra cost. Took a little while to adjust to digital speedometer location, but I love the futuristic design of the upfront cabin area. Leather seats are comfortable, with height adjustment on drivers seat appreciated. DVD nav system has led me astray occasionally. Ride with 17" tires is reasonable, but youll get jostled inside on rougher roads. Interior noise can become extensive depending on the road surface. Audio system is avg, at best.

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  Interior Concerns - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jask001 - October 26 - 5:23 am

  Great car and lots of fun. I purchased the NL package but I should have considered leather seats because of the current material. It seems to be a velour type material that stains and retains... currently at 45-46 MPG

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  Great Touring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 2Hybrids - October 22 - 5:00 am

  My Touring Edition is still in the early ownership phase. Its current gas mileage is in the upper 30s with mostly city driving. I attribute this to a couple of factors: its new, its winter and cold, and winter blended gasahol dents the mileage. I love the handling. The interior room is OK but foot/leg position for the driver isnt quite right for me. Fit and finish are great which is typical for Toyota. Like other hybrids, there are some driving techniques which really boost the gas mileage.

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  The greatest - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By all one needs - October 18 - 5:00 am

  I rate the car an easy 9.4 and should be higher. The Prius is a perfect urban car. Easy to park; very much fun to drive; very comfortable regardless of the weather; and high 40s mpgs. The quirky styling only adds to allure of this well-designed , well-engineered car from Toyota. This is my 2nd Prius and though I tried the Camry Hybrid and the Honda Civic Hybrid the Prius is my overwhelming favorite. Even on very long trips low 50s is not uncommon and the comfort exceeds that of bigger cars. Hooray for Toyota on this one. This car represents to me the epitome of design and engineering. I am a complainer about cars and enjoy griping about this and that. I cant do that with the Prius.

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  Love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mary White - October 17 - 4:06 am

  The only drawback, as far as we can see, is that the paint job is pretty cheap. We have experienced some chips on the hood already, and it is only three months old. Otherwise, I am really happy with this car. Great mileage, neat-o design, lots of room and comfortable to boot. I have not experienced any of the "stalling" problems that we have heard about. Even my father, a senior citizen who is partial to pick-up trucks, likes it and wants one. A great buy.

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  Twue wuv - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Katherine - October 15 - 2:56 pm

  This is the best car ever! Its replacing a Volvo V90, a big station wagon, and I dont miss a thing. My husband, my son and I ride into town together every day [saving more gas] and always have room to spare for our stuff. The car feels solid, looks gorgeous and our gas expense averages $15/week [and we have a 20 mile daily commute--each way]. Im paying this car off as fast as I can so we can start paying for another one!

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  PRIUS THE GREAT - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JBALD64125 - October 8 - 10:56 am

  IT IS EVERYTHING YOU WANT IF YOU WANT COMFORT & GOOD GAS MILEAGE. RIDES QUIET & REAL SMOOTH

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  Its normal - Really - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jbr214 - October 7 - 2:00 am

  About 9 months ago I started to look for a new car and did the usual research. I had pretty much decided on getting a Passat. Then, I heard about the new version of the Prius. Truthfully I hadnt heard much about the old version. After doing my research on the new car, it did seem like it might be the first no compromise hybrid car. I liked the more powerful engine and the larger interior space. But, the thing that tipped the scale in favor of the Prius was the amount of high end features available for the car - smart entry and start, voice navigation system, blue tooth cell phone integration . . .

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  The Technology has arrived - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dickson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Amazing space, power and gas milage. It feels like a normal car without sacrificing for great gas milage.

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  First Prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John Riley - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Less than 500 miles thus far. First Average milage 46.5 per gallon. Like the Matrix the exterior design takes getting used to, but it grows on you. People are very interested in the hybrid engine system and Toyota has a good thing incorporating hybrids in their other models. I have had GM cars, Acura,VWs and rented Fords,Chryslers, but Toyota dependability is tops. Resale value or trade in values stink!