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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  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - May 25 - 8:43 am

  2007 with Option 6 (leather, nav, backup camera). Drive car daily in both city and highway conditions. Have not had a single problem. I average 57 MPG in the summer and 52 in the winter. Usually can drive around 525-550 miles per tank. Surprised by the acceleration, it moves! Love the car, highly recommend it, especially for commuters.

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  What a car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tim Edwards - May 21 - 10:00 am

  This is a $60,000 car with a $25,000 price tag. Outside takes some getting used to, but inside is like a state of the art luxery car. The high tech accessories are fantastic. The 2004 Prius will surely go down as a classic car in the league with the Ford Model A. It is clearly the best car choice I have ever made.

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  What a great car. Just love it! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert T - May 21 - 10:00 am

  Best car that I have ever owned (including Mercedes and Lexus.)

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  must have - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bertbee - May 21 - 10:00 am

  road hog with a bit of green. Prius is a must have for every family. Great for commuter/city drives. Good quality and above avg. performance.

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  My Second Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By 4 Dr STD Hatchback - May 19 - 4:26 pm

  My first Prius was the 2002 compact model. When I saw the larger 2004 model, I traded. Ive driven it on long trips over mountains and averaged 51.7 mpg with a mixture of 70 mph Interstates and 45 to 55 mph 2-lane roads in the Mountains of KY, WV and VA. It has lots of room and is most comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Better than expected - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - May 18 - 3:40 am

  This car is an engineering masterpiece. It is quiet with almost no wind noise at highway speeds. It has plenty of room. I enjoy driving it on a daily basis more than our RX330 or 740il. It is a great commuter car.

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  An Overall Winner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Vic - May 15 - 11:23 am

  I bought this car to use as my commuter vehicle into NYC from New Jersey every day. It was all about fuel economy. After using it, my whole family prefers to take the Prius on trips rather than a larger, less economical car because of the room and the ride. I am considering getting rid of that to get my wife a Prius. My fuel economy is less than I expected, but still better than any other car my 63" frame would fit in, at an average of 44 mpg in mostly stop and go driving. I have gotten as good as 52 mpg though with "regular" driving. I have not had any problems with this vehicle, so I cant complain on that front. All in all this car is a winner!

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By James A. Hobart - May 15 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding; fun to drive, good handling, more than adequate pick- up,keeps up with traffic on highways and inter-states, comfortable both in front and rear seats. Screens provide useful information on fuel consumption,cooling/heating and audio. Warning lights are helpful.Hatchback provides large storage area. Gas mileage is not as good as EPA estimate but still strong at high 40s per gallon. Front and side visibility are great but rear visibility is limited, requiring extra caution when backing or changing lanes. Lots of storage areas for smaller items. Plenty of cup holders. It is the best overall of any car Ive every owned.

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  I love the car -but not for snow country - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PriusOwner - May 15 - 10:00 am

  After 10 months I still look forward to driving the 04 Prius each day. However, the car is useless in snow due to the full-time traction control system which prevents engine power to spin wheels if needed to dig out of snow. Instead, accelerator to the floor yields NOTHING - the wheels stay motionless rather than spin! This is a truly major diesign flaw (easily corrected by Toyota installing an on/off switch for the traction control system -but not currently available). Until this flaw is corrected I could not recommend the Prius to people living in snow country.

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  2004 Toyota Prius Review - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - May 15 - 4:46 am

  Great car, an extinction level event for the rest of the industry if they dont move fast. This is a product that is transformative, one that changes your expectations about the entire automobile universe. Case in point is the fact that the computerized control system shuts down the engine when you stop at a light, while the air and radio play on. Why any automobile should have to burn gas while it is not moving forward is a mystery unexceptable trait. The weight distribution is great the handling is nimble, this is one great car!