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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  Great Gas Saver - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Fort Washington, MD - May 1 - 11:43 am

  I purchased the Prius due to the price of gas. My husband and I commute to work in DC and we normally drive our SUV and the cost of gas is outrageous. Our Prius average 50 MPG. We have only had our Prius for 1 month, but we are very happy with our purchase. We drive our Prius a lot, not only to work and we have to gas up approx. every 8 to 10 days.

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  Alls OK @ 65,000 miles - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By shihchi - April 29 - 12:35 pm

  Bought new 4 years ago. Avg. 50+ mpg summer, appx. 47 in Midwest winter. At 6, I find legroom a bit tight. Have driven in 6" snow storms and rain with no problems. Its not as fun to drive as my Mustang GT was, but its not boring. Have had no quality issues. Have been through all of the recalls. All in all, its just what we thought it would be when we bought it. Not sure why everyone says hybrids cost a lot....sticker was 22,000 and we got it for 18,700....a lot cheaper than many non-hybrids back then. Feels good to get such good MPG now and back in 2008 when gas skyrocketed.

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  Poor interior engineering, cheap plastics, cheap fabric - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By malansworth - April 26 - 7:24 pm

  Interior engineering was not well thought out and is deficient in many areas relative to comparable cars. Insufficient storage compartments. The large storage area under the "bridge" is awkwardly placed and leaves objects exposed. Access to seat heater switches and the 12-volt auxiliary input under the bridge is inconvenient and a potential safety issue if you reach for them while driving. The console storage is large and deep, which means that you must pile up objects on top of each other. The USB port is inconveniently located near the bottom of the console storage, so there is the likelihood that the USB drive will break due to contact with the storage contents. Seats lack lumbar support.

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  Theres more to a car than mpg! - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By baldeagle8 - April 26 - 3:57 pm

  Bought 2012 Prius two four months ago. Unless speed control used cant get the 50 mpg. Road noise worse than my 69 Bug. Think all that interior plastic contributes to the noise issue. Display is almost impossilbe to see in the Florida sun. This is of great concern because you cant see the performance icons. Not worried about speeding, this car couldnt win the soap box derby. Cloth seats hard to get in and out of. High beam lights are not adjustable and need it badly. Selling dealer staff not knowledgeable about features. Lastly, never had a car hydroplane so badly whcih is a problem with the kind of rains we get in Florida. Has Toyota gotten overconfident?

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  excellent vehicle for my purpose - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By radar17 - April 26 - 11:34 am

  I bought a 2013 Prius new, largely to drive on country roads with an annual cross-country trip. Vehicle currently has 40,000+ miles on it with zero problems. On the cross county trips I stick to the freeways and it stays above 70 all day long and fully loaded with luggage, average about 48mpg (unless big head wind) as measured by fuel used. Around home I consistently average above 50mpg. Impressive amount of interior space for size of vehicle. Before buying I checked with several taxi drivers who told me they often see Prius cabs with over 300,000 miles on them with no major problems. Im 62" @ 210. Plenty of leg room. Very happy with car and would buy again.

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  Great Car!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Hcobeerman1 - April 26 - 6:13 am

  Awesome vehicle - Average MPG is around 48.5. Though mielage is better in city driving, still an excellent value. Sorry I waited so long in getting a Hybrid

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  Car of the Future is here - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By xkater - April 25 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is amazing. It uses the best combination of engine, electric motor and battery to propell the itself. It recovers energy during braking and it minimizes engine use while stopped. I average 45 mi/gallon in the city and about 50 miles per gallon while traveling long distances. It is gentler to the environment and to my pocket.

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  AAA+++++ - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kelly - April 22 - 3:43 pm

  The only thing I could wish for that I dont have with my Prius is leather seats and wood grain dash/ Everything is on this car that a person could want including a great sound system, air/heat and power! I am in California and enter and exit fwys with no problem.

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  Great but needs some bugs taken out - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By larser - April 20 - 2:00 am

  First of all, the mileage is great. I dont know if Ill ever break even but time will tell. Happiness is only buying 9 gallons of gas at the pump so by that perspective, Im a happy camper.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gina - April 19 - 3:30 am

  I love my Prius, I feel I am contributing to a clean environment in the city rather than contributing to the pollution; It is silent, clean, has a smooth operation. It makes me feel as if I am flying an airplane with all the push buttons features it offers. Hybrid cars are the way to go if we want a clean environment and oil free lungs and mind :-)