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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  Toyota Hybrid is a Winner - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By homertcornish1 - June 21 - 9:16 am

  After 4 years of driving I have found the 2003 Toyota Prius an excellent auto in every category except for comfort. The newer models are 5 inches longer which should improve the comfort. My average highway mileage is over 50 mpg regardless of speed. In town mileage is closer to 45 (Toyota claims you get better mileage in town but its not true). It has plenty of power to go up mountains and can keep up with the best of cars and trucks on the Interstate. I have had only one minor glitch during the 4 years of my ownership and that was a minor computer that was replaced free by Toyota. Maintenance has been comparable to a regular gasoline car, except for the $700 cost of the 60,000 maintenance.

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  Great Car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Vetteman_LT4 - June 18 - 2:00 am

  The Prius has been a great car for the last two years I have owned it. My car is a 2001 and has around 50,000 miles. I have owned many cars such as Jaguars, Corvettes, Cadillacs. This is one very unique car. I bought the car new and have never had a problem. It is a great running car. No one believes me when I said I have had it up to 100mph just to see if it would do it.

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  Best Car Ive ever owned - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By ROE ODONNELL - June 17 - 2:34 am

  This is my second Prius. The first one was a 2006 model 2. It was a great car and I sold it with 137,000 miles. The 2016 model is so much better in every way: handling, technology, 20% better fuel economy, comfort. I especially like the self parking, the intelligent cruise control, and the lane warning system. I recommend this vehicle highly.

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  4th one is the charm! - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By James DAMATO - June 14 - 3:18 pm

  My 4th Prius. Love them.

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  Mr. Bill and his 2010 Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mr. Bill - June 12 - 7:26 am

  The vehicle rocks - beyond my expectations, beyond my MPG beliefs - Toyota got it right. I am a hybrid convert - 53 Mile per Gal. and its fun to drive. 50 plus MPG and no only even comes close - thank you Toyota for your innovations, vision and products that are simply the worlds best in class outstanding job by all. Thank you.

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  My 1st Hybrid - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mpgboy - June 10 - 6:54 pm

  Excellent build quality, but I was expecting that as a long time Toyota buyer. The Prius is comfortable, quiet at highway speeds and easy to drive. I commute 100 miles round trip every day. In the early morning, it is a highway drive, in the afternoon it is 1/2 bumper to bumper and 1/2 highway. This car does well in both. I am averaging 53mpgs after 3 tanks of gas. If I drive at 60mph on the highway, I can get 56mpgs. The car is very roomy with a large cargo area

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  Takes getting used to, but worth it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DJ - June 8 - 5:13 pm

  Several things about the Prius threw me at first: The unusual shifter, the digital dashboard and the rear visibility. However within a few weeks everything seemed normal to me and now I cant stand driving my wifes car because I have to look down to see the speedometer. The rear visibility really isnt that bad, but it does take getting used to. The digital speedometer is great, the seats are very comfortable and the sound system is very good. Lots of little cubbies to store things in, CVT transmission is great. Havent noticed the brakes being grabby as some people mentioned. Have noticed the dash squeaks in cold weather (10 degrees or below). Overall a great car

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  Best choice (after the wife) - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Stokes - June 5 - 10:46 pm

  I think my Prius was truly the best auto I have purchased.This car has been much better than any talk I have heard. It gets great mileage 48 to 62 regularly, is very easy to drive and handles very well on the highway such as in the back draft of large trucks. I gave my 98 Toyota to my son and park my truck most of the time. I will buy another if this one wears out. The trouble is I like the sedan and all I see now are hatchbacks? Come on Toyota more sedans. I want a trunk. Robert

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  The Prius exceeded my expectations. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Crewctlvr - June 1 - 1:43 pm

  Average gas mileage for 5700 miles is over 51 MPG. I keep a running total of use in my business. When you learn how to feel this car and use the onboard display you can increase your mileage and reduce green house emissions. This vehicle performs well and handles better than anticipated. My other vehicle is a Nissan 350Z so I understand performance. I would encourage everyone to consider this automobile because it is a socially responsible alternative to increased dependence on imported oil that comes from unstable sources.

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  Hot 05 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John Price - June 1 - 3:06 am

  We liked our 03 Prius so much we bought an 05 also. Its peppy, has an amazing turning radius, a gadgeteers dream, but DO NOT run out of gas in it. Bummer. We get 45 +/_ mpg around town, 54 on the road.