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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  free to drive - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By prius owner - April 19 - 2:00 am

  excellent car gas milliage is wonderful,drives with pep and hugs the turns

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  Kansan loves the Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry N. - April 16 - 10:30 am

  After four and a half years of Prius ownership we have sold ours to our son and bought a new one. The only real failure we had with the 2002 model was a computer failure that was repaired under warranty. We really love the way the Prius educates you to be a more economical driver. Would I buy another? Already have!!

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  very nice - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 2005 Prius - April 12 - 7:40 am

  The car has excellent power from the stop lite and it will cruise at 75 mph with no trouble.The car we have gets 47.6 Mpg right now on 60 mile trips through the city and suburbs.Seating is quite confortable and the beverage holders are in the right place.

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  Fits my needs exactly - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Retired - April 10 - 4:56 pm

  I purchased the car when in real estate to save on gas. I found it very dependable, reliable and fun to drive. I like the layout and the instrument panel as well as the 6 changer CD, the 2 glove boxes, and the cargo space in back with seats laid down. I do not get as much gas milieage as advertised, but about the same as I expected from talking with others. I would definitely buy another Prius or a hybrid vehicle in the future.

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  Better than 50 MPG...Really! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James Swisher - April 9 - 10:43 am

  It is hard to get less than 45 MPG. Yes, you can if you tromp the gas at the stoplight and race up the steep hills. But for us normal drivers, 50 miles per gallon is a given. It sounds like a golf cart (ie. nothing) backing out of the garage. It shuts down the engine when you cruise at 55 and you are on level ground. It will cruise at 75 if you want it to. It shuts down the engine at stoplights. It RECOVERS ENERGY when you step on the brake. What an idea!

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  prius delivers - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By berylrb - April 9 - 10:00 am

  The leg room is great! The cruise works and delivers performance, lots of hills for us. It certainly is a screaming 4 cylinder so dont think to push the engine like a V8.

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  A Vehicle Thats Appreciating - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By ML - April 9 - 1:20 am

  I traded in a performance luxury sedan (of the 3-letter ilk) expecting to make concessions in reducing my carbon footprint. I found that this vehicle, while not as zippy or cornering-agile, was as comfortable, spacious, and amenity-rich (Package #6) as any of my previous vehicles. It also boasts the best MPG (49 Hwy, 46 Cty) of any of my previous vehicles including my beloved Honda CRX in the 80s. As oil approaches $200/barrel, the demand for the Prius will increase and it will hold its value longer, adding to its appeal. I enjoy driving it more than any other car Ive had (and I’ve owned 25!). I remain excited to see the next model which I hope will include the improvements below.

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  Not What I Expected - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By New England - April 6 - 6:26 pm

  Purchased new in early 07, & was initially disappointed car only got 38-39 mpg. Salesman didnt mention anything about needed to learn to drive differently, or art of hypermiling. No one said this when they were hyping 61 mpgs on sticker. Not right. Terrible in snow or slick surfaces even w/traction control, & even after replacing odd size OEM tires with better tires. Feels like youre "slipping" when braking over potholes. Can be scary. Disappointed had to learn to drive like a lilol granny to feel somewhat safe in this vehicle. Though driving this slowly reaps 52-54 mpg during spring & summer months. Probably a very good car if one lives in hot, dry climate but not New England.

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  Park Your Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By peg dietz - April 2 - 10:00 am

  A great city car. Extremely quiet. Incredibly easy to park with its short length and tight turning radius. Also fine on the highway.

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  06 Prius Owner - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Patricia - April 2 - 5:40 am

  I admit I have only owned this vehicle for less than 2 months but I love it. The smaller steering wheel took a little while to get used to but now - no problem. The Prius is very responsive and even though I do alot of highway traveling my average mileage is about 45.