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:

• 

  the best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mary Bowman - May 9 - 11:30 pm

  My Prius is the best car Ive ever owned. I love its peppy feel, comfortable ride, roomy interior. Most of all, I love the 45-50 mpg Im getting. And I even enjoy the looks I get from other drivers, and questions from people about the car... I love bragging about it.

• 

  Fun, Economy, Reliability - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Preston Walrath - May 9 - 8:03 am

  Constantly on the road, great mileage, great reliabilty. Its the best car I have owned.

• 

  Fun to save gas - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Lois Phemister - May 7 - 8:13 pm

  I love this car. When I am slowed down in a traffic jam my car switches to the electric battery and gas mileage is terrific. Makes a traffic jam not so irritating. Furthermore, I know that my car is not adding to the fumes everyone is sitting in as we inch along. I have taken long 14 hour trips and am quite comfortable while averaging over 52 mpg. I find that noting the continuous mpg analysis on the screen on the dashboard has helped me to learn good gas-saving driving habits. It is like a computer game. My big dog rides comfortably in the hatchback area with the seat down and a quilt spread out. My grown children love to drive my Prius when I come to visit.

• 

  Its great but.... - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By driveone - May 7 - 6:40 pm

  Of course the mileage is not the 60mph advertised- more like 42mph. The rear window is very difficult to see out of- must always use side mirrors. And the phone charger is so far from the drivers side I cant use the phone and charge it at the same time. Otherwise, its all its cracked up to be...

• 

  99% Love It - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - May 2 - 3:46 am

  Having just driven the car on a road trip, I love the car even more. With part of the trip involving driving through heavy rain, I have some interesting insights (below). HUGE style improvement with Prius V. Wish the antenna was shark fin, not antenna.

• 

  Blue Bell - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By embell - April 26 - 8:20 pm

  My husband first had his Prius arrive in 11/05, I signed on the list and received my Prius in 4/06. I got rid of a Mercury Grand Marquis to get this car, and was pleased to find how comfortable and useful it is. The space in the car is amazing. We camp, and find we can fit all of our equipment easily into a Prius. The ride is pretty hard, but you get used to it. Handling is very tight, there is no play in the steering wheel. There is plenty of power for passing, with both the gas and electric engines engaged. We get about 47 miles to the gallon overall; we live in an area where there are hills and ski slopes. When stuck in a traffic jam, it is calming to hear your gas engine go off.

• 

  I love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Prius - April 26 - 5:13 am

  This is a great car and good for the environment. Lots of cargo space with the back seats folded down. Quiet and comfortable. I love it. Getting around 50 mpg around town and 47 on the highway.

• 

  Great car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By raykpt - April 24 - 9:36 pm

  This is the most fun Ive ever had driving. The technology is fantastic. The car has a quiet smooth ride and is very roomy. It looks like a small car from the outside, but a midsize on the inside. Very pleased so far.

• 

  I LOVE MY PRIUS - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By gavin34 - April 24 - 8:13 pm

  Ive had my Prius for about two months now and I dont know how I ever lived without it! I do a lot of driving for work and needless to say, the gas mileage is great (although I usually average around 45-46 mpg) but the extra features like bluetooth, backup camera, mp3 jack, navigation, and in-dash cd changer are what I really love the most about it. The interior is really well designed too with lots of compartments and a cool dash that makes it feel kind of like youre driving your own spaceship!

• 

  Love my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Selma Lieberman - April 19 - 11:30 pm

  Was surprised at how well it handled and how much room there was inside. It had more power and pickup than I expected. And all my passengers are amazed at the space and comfort of the interior.