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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  Needs a little design rework - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By solarweis - July 17 - 4:29 am

  Its not a bad little car, we call it our "road rat", I use it as a commuter car mainly on the highway. Ive expressed concerns with the steering wheel not being straight while going down a straight road, about it pulling and having to hold pressure on the steering wheel to keep it going straight, Toyota says the car is fine. I dont agree, I dont want to exercise the entire time Im in the car driving. It wears out the edge of the left tire, it took a while, but both front and rear exhibit the same problem, due to tire rotations. New tires and alignment indicate the rear Toe is out of spec, but its not adjustable. The engine is noisy when your trying to speed up, it roars, so strange.

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  Very Good, With Some Reservations - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Walters - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Summary: Great economy, solid but unexceptional performance, comfortable, streamlining forced some compromises in rear headroom and visibility, annoying problem with fuel gauge. Overall recommendation is BUY. Ive had it for about 4 weeks now. I get about 45 mpg in mostly highway driving. Thats great for a mid-size, but well below EPA estimates. Accelleration and handling are good, but its no BMW. Smooth ride and very quiet, except under hard accelleration. Cargo space seems good, but I havent had to use it yet. The hood slopes so steeply that you cant see the front end. You just have to know the car stops 3 feet past the windshield.

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  The most amazing car I have ever owned! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By priuspapa - July 13 - 6:51 pm

  I bought the 2011 model II Prius this January and each day I love it a little more. Perhaps the on-board computer is a bit enthusiastic but I average between 53 and 56 MPG(!) The car attracts a LOT of attention because Im constantly being quizzed by family, friends, and associates. In parking lots complete strangers are very curious and interested. My first test ride hooked me. The car has been manufactured for going on 10 years now and the build quality seems first rate. The Prius is quiet, smooth and very refined. Is it a "big little car" or a "little big car?" Its ingenius the way it accommodates 4 people or cargo.

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  This is The One! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By H - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Great vehicle. No negatives. Design and workmanship superior. Dont wait for anything better---this is it!

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  Smartest and Most Impulsive Decision - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By My Pree - July 10 - 10:46 pm

  I am absolutely in love with my white Prius. It was an impulsive buy on my part. While other dealerships are running wait lists of over a month for the Prius, I found my car sitting in the dealership lot. Within 24 hours, I traded in my 3-year old VW Golf that was giving me more headaches for a brand new Prius. I drove away very happy with my impulsive buy. I am still in awe with my car after 3 weeks!

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  Wake Up, This is the future !! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John B. Crain - July 8 - 4:03 pm

  This is like driving a dream! I really bought the car because of the clean burn, the gas millage was just an added benefit! I had been asking around for many years about this car. I went in cold without even a test drive. I was convinced that the damage done by the emissions of our internal combustion engines was going to kill us all after it destroyed our enviorment. I own a 96 Lincoln Town Car and a 94 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I use as a tow vehicle for my 26 sailboat. The Prius outpreforms both of my Cars!! I covered the Lincoln! I do use the Jeep in snow conditions. Im 74 and I guess you would call me an aggressive driver- I have never owned a better car!!

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  Love my Penguin Prius in snow ! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ed - July 6 - 11:43 am

  Just bought a used Prius w/ 116,000 miles on it + got a pretty good deal. Took it to work all w/e in heavy 2-day Boston blizzard as I am a nurse + cant call in sick or take snow days. It was surprisingly great in the snow + exceeded all expectations. It is no snowplow but got me through it. The car is a wonder of technology + if @ 1st a little overwhelming it grows on you quick!

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  My First Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ddrakopoulos - July 3 - 10:00 am

  my new vehicle drives great on the highway and city driving. It will get to 100mph but my average is 55mph. Driving in the snow this past winter was easy. Driving in the heavy rain the tires gripped the road well. Best of all cornering was excellent in bad weather. I am averaging 47.7 mpg. Still waiting for the big 60mpg. Currently, I am planning a long road trip to Fl, AZ, CAL, and back to NY for vacation this summer.

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  Fantastic Vehicle! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By C.R.C. - July 3 - 10:00 am

  Although gas mileage is a bit lower than the sticker indicated, 50 m.p.g. around town and on the inter-state is rather amazing. then there is the wonderful experience of filling up every two week for about $7 - even with todays high gas prices.

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  Computer problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By kdc - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We immediately started having problems with the prius computer saying check engine and take to service station immediately. Our dealership said it was safe to drive, and that toyota would have the fix for it in several weeks. Meanwhile, we were responsible for paying for the rental car while they took their time to have it checked out. Toyota customer service is terrible.