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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  Ok but not great - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Roboman - September 9 - 3:46 am

  My biggest dissapointment with this car is gas mileage. Granted, I am averaging about 38 MPG, but nowhere near the stated 51 MPG. I could have bought a Chevy Aveo or Honda Fit for much less money. Quality is surprisingly poor - had to take car to dealer for leaks around the hatch area several times. Car is very uncomfortable for long trips- OK for jaunts around town. Seats are very hard and unsupportive. Performance is very iffy especially merging on freeways. When pressed too hard you get the feeling that the thing is about ready to break. Great second or third car, but not adequate for all- around duty.

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  Better than expected - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Matttt - September 5 - 1:56 am

  Excellent car, quiet, easy to drive, 1 touch to start (w/ smart key option), lot of usable storage room, nice touch screen, great mpg even on highway, more than enough power to get on the freeway. Body roll is slightly excessive.

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  Patty - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Patty - September 3 - 10:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven. I drove across country in, 2300 miles 31/2 days, just me and my little dog and neither one of us was tired when we got there. By the way I am 63 years old.

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  A Great Little Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Alex C Brown - September 2 - 2:46 am

  Firstly, the cabin space is surprisingly big with plenty of legroom all round. The toys are great - Bluetooth for the phone and a good sound system. On the motorway with rolling 40-70 mph traffic I get 60 mpg+, urban consumption is around 58 mpg and at constant 70 mph gets me 52 mpg. If there is anyone getting less than 50 mpg then either the car has a fault or they are not using the "float" method, i.e. very little pressure on the accelerator to keep the car spinning along at the same speed. Ever so quiet engine and with the ECVT drive it gives a very smooth ride.

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  Not well designed. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - September 1 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the package 6 which has navigation, upgraded audio, and leather. It gets good gas mileage, but not the 52-60 that was on the sticker. Audio system has respectable sound. Ride is uncomfortable on trips, mild winds pushes car around. Manual seats are hard to adjust, spoiler obstructs view, dash lights are hard to see in sunshine and there is a reflection on the windshield, gas gauge readings are not accurate, navigation system awkwardly placed.

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  Gas Mileage/Reliability - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mark.k - August 28 - 7:50 pm

  My 2007 Prius Touring model with Navigation is excellent in two areas: gas mileage (EPA 44-48) and reliability. People should not expect it to drive like a sports car, to ride like a luxury car, or to perform like a high clearance 4WD SUV in winter conditions. However for what it was designed to be, it is a very good car. Just dont have unrealistic expectations and you will be very happy with a Prius. I have also owned an Avalon and two Camrys and they were very good cars.

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  Excellent: SAME AS 2001 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Jimjohn - August 26 - 2:00 am

  dealer gets confused with reaction of braking when checking and keeps replacing the front rotors for free! Convinced they were fine. Great service and courtesy

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  THE GREATEST HYBRID CAR YOU COULD OWN - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By hellourself - August 26 - 2:00 am

  THE TOYOTA PRIUS WAS SO FUN TO DRIVE AND KNOWING THAT IT WAS HELPING THE ECONOMY, IT WAS EVEN MORE FUN. THE SEATS ARE PERFECT AND EVERYTHING ELSE ABOUT IT IS GREAT!

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  Make a difference - Buy this car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By racatalano - August 26 - 2:00 am

  This is truly a car of the future. It a fun car to drive and a unique driving experienc. It very well made with great high tech features (hybrid engine, keyless entry, voice activated navigation). It is a bargain for the money.

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  Very Satisfying - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brian Gillingham - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I only have this car because I was unhappy with my previous (new 2004 Corolla). I have always been environmentally conscious, so this car is the perfect car for me. I am also quite a geek -- so this also fits that bill.