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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  Economical and fun! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dan H - October 5 - 1:23 pm

  Weve only driven the Prius for 5000 miles, but love it more every day. We chose option pkg 4 to get the safety items. Now that the weather is getting warmer in Pittsburgh and the car is getting broken in, were averaging 48 in combined (congested) suburban/ highway driving. Our only concern is the FWD in our winters, but we kept a Subaru as a snow car.

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  Best Car I have EVER Owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dena - October 4 - 10:03 pm

  In St. Thomas, we have mountains, curves, scarcely a level highway on the island. The Prius maneuvers all this as well as my Buick LeSabre, but I fill the tank only once a month, instead of three times a month. Gas mileage here is around 32 mpg. I love my Prius.

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  Three day review - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By 140Mandak262Jamuna - October 4 - 12:26 pm

  Level 6 options. Bought it out of state and drove 500 miles on highway bringing it home. 48 MPG at 65 mph mostly. Within the city highway driving at 55 mph gives about 52 mpg. Hoping to get 60 MPG within the city at mostly 40 mph and 35 mph driving. Will report later. Lots of features, would take me a week to find all the features and test them.

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  Lots of Room - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jerome - October 2 - 10:20 am

  My husband plays acoustic bass and I have a wheelchair. With the rear seats folded down we have room for the bass, amplifier, other instruments and my wheelchair. Then we get 52 mpg driving in the mountains to get to music jobs. The car feels solid, the interior is very ergonomic, and all of the amenities that are standard make the car very comfortable.

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  Very Reliable - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By kelh - October 1 - 2:00 am

  The car is very reliable, no repair problems. It gets plenty of pickup for daily trips over the mountians. The heavy wind does pose a stability problem, as it gets buffeted around. Also, the tires are a little unstable on bad pavement, causing the car to be squirely.

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  Love My Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By allura - September 30 - 5:30 am

  This is the first prius I purchased, when I finished signing the paperwork, I made the salesman go over all the driving info I needed, he did. I was amazed at the interior, it felt luxury all the way. The engine is totally quiet, everything about the prius is awesome. The color is light green and interior is beige, and drives brand new, comes with 7 yr 100 miles warranty. I would not trade this car for anything, wanted one last year but the price and waiting list was long, worth the wait. Radio could be better. All I can say is test drive a prius and you will be sold, take my word.

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  The Best of Hybrids - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill B. - September 27 - 6:33 pm

  Great car with ample room for a family of 4-5. Gas mileage combined road/city is 50 mpg. Driving the Prius is an enjoyable experience.

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  Great MPG - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By alfon - September 26 - 10:43 am

  Great MPG, we averaged from 46 to 56 MPG during the last 8,000 miles. Base on miles driven and gallons used. The MPG dash display always over estimates by 2-3 MPG. Plenty of power and room. Quite comfortable for even 4 people on board.

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  Not a basic Econobox but some flaws - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By CA Kid - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have a 50 mile daily commute so when it came time to get a new car fuel economy was a priority. The Prius fits the bill I average in the high 40s. In addition it ahs lots of storage and room for 4 people corfortably (better than my old Camry) Its fun to drive, gets lots of comments. Down sides, the interior is too light showes dirt easily, The drivers seat is a little narrow. Steering at freeway speeds is a little twitchy, like having a sluggish joystick. Paint chips easily. Panic stops the brakes grab oddly.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Eleanor Hare - September 25 - 11:23 pm

  We bought this car because we wanted to drive a car that did as little damage to the environment as possible. It has surprised us by how luxurious it is (compared to our last car). The seats are really comfortable. There is leg room for both front and back seat passengers. We have another car that we will be replacing in two years. As of now, we are planning for that car to also be a Prius.