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:

• 

  Amazing Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Green Tea - March 30 - 10:10 am

  Weve had our Prius for almost a year now, and Im impressed with how fantastic our experience has been... so much so, we sold our second car to buy a second Prius. Dont believe the stories that you wont see anything above 35 mpg with the car. I drive a little faster than my wife, and Im getting 48 mpg routinely; shes a stickler for the speed limit and gets 54. The car is amazingly fun to drive, very responsive on the steering, has some of the best braking Ive experienced, and its technology is so far beyond anything else available today. It continues to start conversations with people in the parking lot who are skeptical of the fuel efficiency claims.

• 

  Prius V - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By wil7 - March 29 - 6:44 am

  Excellent vechicle, gas mileage is better than rating. Only negative is the back up video system, slow to come on, then part of the screen is blacked out to tell you what radio station you are tuned in to, location is by the radio, so you do not even look at it, since you look in the mirror when backing up.

• 

  Proud Portland Prius Proprietor - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Proud Portland Prius - March 29 - 12:36 am

  We purchased our Prius in June of 2004 We were on the wait list for just under six months. The car is simple to operate, handles well, and is easy to manuever in and out of tight spots. Some specific highlights and lowlights: 1. City MPG ranged between high 30s in the winter to mid-40s during the summer. Highway MPG has ranged from high 40s to low 50s. Keep the tires inflated; the loss of pressure has a big impact on MPG. 2. Im addicted to the navigation system. It is hard to read on sunny days and its a bit cumbersome to use - especially compared with Hondas system. 3. My gas engine in my car occasionally toggles on and off, while Im waiting at a traffic light. Kind of odd.

• 

  Car of the Future - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By David Knutzen - March 28 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 Prius is an amazing automobile. It is a car of adequate size for most transportation tasks and yet achieves over 50 MPG. It is a very nice looking car with good ride characteristics which is fun to drive. It is extremely environmentally friendly and, if driven by everyone, would reduce gas consumption in the USA by half. Truly the auto of the future.

• 

  Prius = Excellence - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ChasSuitt - March 28 - 10:00 am

  What a great engineering accomplishment. Performance remains the same as a conventional sedan or coupe but fuel economy and overall maintenance savings are excellent. 90% less polluting than conventional cars, too. Then add the Navigation system and electric air conditioning for even more features. Another consideration is the 5-star (front/rear) collision rating and 4-star (side) collision rating. The Multifunction Display encourages improved driving habits to decrease fuel consumption. To repeat an OLD comment: "Damn clever, these Japanese!"

• 

  Ill Never Go Back - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lehmann Boddicker - March 26 - 4:13 pm

  This is the car of the future. I have a family of 4, and we are all comfortable in it. I spend $40 a month in gas, instead of $200. I will never go back to my usual gas guzzlers. I am too excited by the mileage I am able to get, while teaching my kids how to take better care of our planet. Rush hour was never so enjoyable as it is now!

• 

  Ten Gallons a Month - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By bcwhitcomb - March 26 - 10:00 am

  Pros - very peppy, fun to drive, average mpg 43-44, excellent quality and reliability, cutting edge features, i.e., keyless fob, touch screen, steering wheel controls for stereo, heat/AC. Unusually quiet as highway speeds. Just completed our first trip on interstate from NC to PA in I-81 and recorded mpg of 50+, we had averaged 43-44 mpg in combined travel. 50+ on the highway was not expected. Cons - driver seat cramped for tall drivers-2 inches more seat travel would do the trick. Bottom line - well worth the cost if you plan to keep for more than 4 years.

• 

  Travel In A Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By M.B. Cowen - March 25 - 5:10 am

  My wife, 60 lb. dog, and I drove to Chicago. and back to Florida through Knoxville, and The Smokies. During that time the temperature averaged 94, and we went through two significant rain storms. The Prius averaged 52 miles per gallon for the 2900 mile trip, got us up and down mountain roads and the highway with no problems, and performed on the road as well as the Lexus and Mercedes sedans we previously owned. What a great car.

• 

  Drives just like a normal 5 person sedan - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By charliej0hns0n - March 25 - 2:00 am

  You never have to plug it in. This car is fast, safe, reliable and fun to drive. It seats five persons. It handles just like a normal five person sedan but it get about 45 mpg. I tend to drive around 75 - 80 mph on California freeways to keep up in the fast lane, so my mpg is a bit less than some people get. Ive taken the Prius to Tahoe, Mt. Hood, Death Valley, Mt. Shasta, Joshua Tree, LA, San Diego, San Francisco. Its great in the snow, desert and everything inbetween. SUVs must hate it when I take em at stop signs and red lights, or pass them on the highway uphill.

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Jim and Cindy - March 23 - 12:06 am

  We have had this car for only three weeks but have over 2,300 miles already. MPG has been consistently over 52 and as high as 54.6. We would highly recommend this car.