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 prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By kathy - May 14 - 9:36 am

  I LOVE my Prius.Not only does it live up to the fuel economy ratings but it is excellent for the environment with ultra low emissions. It has more head and leg room than my previous car (Camry) and is tons of fun to drive. I like the extra features like the hands free speaker phone with the controls on the steering wheel.I also like the added safety feature of having the controls for the sound system and air conditioning on the steering wheel. The navigation system is a bonus with my job in the home health care field! AND most importantly - I LOVE not having to fill it up as often as everyone else! It is also very quiet - a very low noise polluter too.

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  Third Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Noel Marcovecchio - May 9 - 3:35 am

  This is my third Prius since 2002. They keep getting better.

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  Problems with Our Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Ken Horn - May 8 - 12:13 pm

  We have had repeated electrical issues resulting in the dash going blank. This has happened repeatedly and the car has been in 4 times in 20,000 miles for the same issue. Very frustrating. This is a safety issue, try driving at night with the dash electrical system all out. It gives no warning it still appears to not be corrected. My Ford has been much better quality.

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  Not as well as expected. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By LEE - May 8 - 12:36 am

  I am somewhat disappointed in the mileage. Over all I am getting about 46 mpg.And I baby it. I bought it used. in excellent condition. It had 5300 miles on it. I have not had any serious problems. GPS map feature leaves something to be desired. Toyota installed the latest program for maps. Some small areas I had are now not on the new level program. The paint is really poor. It shows the smallest maring.

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  55+ MPG and Getting It! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Steve n Donna - May 7 - 9:13 pm

  We purchased our Prius after waiting a month for it to come in. My wife drives 50 miles each way to work and we felt with the rising fuel prices, we needed a change from the PT Cruiser she was driving. This Prius has tickled us to death so far. Its averaging 55 mpg on the Hwy and around 58 mpg in town. We live in a rural area so we have more "country driving". The car is very comfortable with lots of leg room (6 tall). So far weve found nothing to grumble about, and Im picky. Treated extremly well at the Joplin Toyota dealership too. Kept up to speed on delivery and made it happen. Excellent all around sedan with great warranty too!

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  Great gas mileage, thats about it. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By BillD - May 7 - 10:36 am

  Ive owned this 2010 Prius IV for 1500 miles. Ive been getting 55-60mpg mixed city and highway. Thats about the nicest thing you can say about this car. For the $29k I paid, I expected a LOT more. A mazda3 or a civic and a big gas bill would have been a much better value. The brakes are ridiculous. If you go over a pothole, youre going to lose all braking power for about 3 seconds. For a car with traction control and electronic brake distribution this is simply unacceptable. In power mode the car drives well and has some spunk. Normal and Eco modes are just nanny modes that deaden the accelerator. Thanks, but I know how to drive and like to accelerate without having to floor it.

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  Love It, but Takes Learning to Drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bradley Rymoh - May 4 - 7:40 pm

  I truly love this car. My mileage in suburban Maryland averages 45 to 46 mpg -- a little less than EPA, but still double what I got with my Forester, so I am very happy. I have two small complaints. It seems not to turn as tightly as other cars Ive owned, making parking in tight spaces tough. And with its keyless power button and unique transmission, I am not comfortable giving to a valet to park, so when I visit my clients office I need to park a short walk away rather than in the valet lot right outside her building.

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  Prius happy owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron F Sheets - May 4 - 1:03 pm

  I am very happy with my prius purchase my wife loves it even more than me for the great overall view she has. Loves how easy it is to see the outside. Love the fuel economy although it is not as good as advertised but it is great. Love the smart key system so ingenious. Wife no longer has to find her keys just locate her purse. No complaints on any of the car.

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  Red hot 2016 Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara Martin - May 3 - 3:52 pm

  We traded in our 2008 Prius, it had all bells and whistles, low miles. Nothing wrong. Reason we traded was because of the safety features. We are very pleased with those features. Our old vehicle had more up front storage, but, not as much fun to drive. This is a great little car, that gets great gas mileage to boot!

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  Love a Hybrid - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By earth - May 2 - 10:00 am

  I chose the Prius over the Honda Civic Hybrid after much homework and I am glad I selected the Prius.Currently,I have 5,000 miles on it,just returnilg from a trip to the Ozarks and the Smokies;the car handled very well on the interstate mountains,even at 85 m.p.h.--had to keep up with the semis.I am exceeding the m.p.g.rating,averaging around 51 combination city and highway-- most miles are interstate.The 04 model sounds even better;I do not think that I will ever buy another car unless it is a hybrid,so clean and economical.I love to drive by the service stations!