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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  Priorities in order - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By TonyC - August 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle primarily because of the Great Gas Milage and the Super-Ultra-Low Emmisions for of the car. The ride and other items on the car were a secondary thing. I have nothing but good things to say for the car. It has met all my needs. I do wish it had more in-town range on batteries though so it ran on NO gas around town!

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  Great gas mileage!!!!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By green leaf - August 24 - 10:00 am

  The Prius has great gas mileage! The highest I have acheived is 58.8. It has surprising power too. I had five adults in the car with the A/C on, while passing 18-wheelers. There are problems with it. On my car, the build quality has been disappointing, and so has the reliability. It is in the shop now for a new rack-and-pinion.

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  Prius performance - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By flyfischr - August 18 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car to drive and the mileage it gets is great: 52mpg on the freeway,45mpg average up & down hills. It goes up mountains passing cars with no problem. Its acceleration is steady -- not sudden like a V8 but acceptable. the screen display is usefull to provide the feedback that allows one to become a more efficient driver -- example: take your foot off the accelerator long before comming to a stop sign and you save a lot of gas as well as the brake lining. Its also more roomier in the inside than one would think just looking at the exterior.

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  2nd generation Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By GBRACH - August 16 - 3:06 pm

  Have owned 04, 05, 06, 08, 09 Prius. No other car is even close. Very quiet, tracks perfectly, extremely fast. CVT is only transmission to have. Shift by wire is magnificent. Trunk space is incredible. Comfortable. If gas was 20 cents a gallon I would still buy Prius. Will get 2010 next. We have an 08 and 09 at present. Excellent brakes and build quality.

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  Disappointing - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By shawn - August 16 - 1:53 am

  Bought this car used. Wonderful first year. Very happy and proud to drive this car. Saved a lot of money in gas. Only averaged 37 mpg, less than I thought. Then check engine light came on. Cost $1200 to replace 12 volt battery and brakes. 2 weeks later light came on again. Dealer service said codes indicated I need new main battery cost is $3600.00. Called back 2 days later was told problem wasnt battery but transaxle, new cost $4600.00. All the money I saved in gas is shot to hell in one repair. It is outrageously expensive to repair this car. No more Prius for me. I no longer have faith in the car or the techs ability to diagnose and solve problems.

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  Fuel savings vs Ford Escape traded in - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim in Wimberley, Tx - August 15 - 11:30 pm

  My Ford Escape averaged 20mpg. I prepared a spreadsheet to compare fuel and cost savings with my new Prius. Everytime I fill up I write down the price per gallon, no. of gallons purchased, total cost of fuel, and no of miles traveled. So far, weve driven the Prius 3,500 miles and averaged 45 mpg, with a total cost savings of $365.00 and 97 gallons of fuel. Just think of the fuel and money we can save if those of us that dont need a truck or larger SUV any longer. Ive hauled loads of potting soil, mulch and pots in the back of the Prius without any problems. Its time to reduce the amount of oil we consume where possible.

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  I Love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff - August 15 - 8:33 am

  I did a lot of research before buying this car and it helped in my deciding to go with the Prius. I has so many features and is so good on gas, it has good power and very comfortable to drive. I am a 300 lb male and I fit very well in the car and can ggo for long drives with no problem. So far the best car I have ever had.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By noone - August 14 - 6:56 pm

  Getting the best mileage requires relearning how to drive. Either use cruise control where safe, or back off on the accelerator once cruising speed is reached. Use the feedback displays to optimize speed vs. consumption.

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  My Second Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Beth Webber - August 13 - 6:26 am

  No matter how many times car people tell me that the Prius is never going to pay for itself, Ill still drive one. This is my second one and I love everything about it, especially the fact that the pollution level is so low. My mileage for my 2003 averaged 45-49 mpg (actual mileage) and the new one is 49-52 mpg so far. Foo on the naysayers-this is a really comfortable and well handling little car. I love the back up camera and the 8 airbag option also.

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  What a car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Matthews - August 10 - 3:10 pm

  Ive had my Prius for three months and have loved every minute Ive been behind the wheel. My wife is not a car person or a "techie" but she has fallen in love with it, too. Its peppy, has nimble steering, corners easily and turns on a dime. Mileage averages about 50 mpg. On one 50 mile trip on the freeway I got 69 mpg crusing at 68 mph. Even if the real world mileage isnt up to the EPA estimate it still runs circles around most cars out there, especailly the 98 Windstar I happily gave up. After quickly adjusting to its unique controls and dash display we find everything about it to be logical and intuitive. The quality of the build is outstanding. Hands down the best car I have owned.