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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  Very Pleased!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff - February 2 - 4:46 pm

  Very happy with the car. My wife had reservations about the appearance, but she has grown to love it, too. Very attractive in white. My 13 month old fits nicely in the back seat. Im 62" and Im comfortable. This is a commuter car for me. I live 25 miles from where I work. Been averaging about 48 mpg.

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  Save Save Save - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lochel - January 30 - 7:10 am

  A smile all the way. Too many questions from the general public. Everyone is confused about how the car functions. Toyota out did themselves this time. I traded my Cadillac Deville and we are just as comfortable in this car. It has all the bells and whistles we need. We average 45 miles to the gallon. The caddy got 14. Its nice driving by the gas stations we fill up after we put 500 miles on 1 tank and buy 10 to 11 gallons to fill this 12 gallon tank. However ethenol does hurt the mileage.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By cwsch - January 27 - 7:13 am

  A very good car. Excellent build quality from Toyota. Has lots of pep and handles very well. There is a little more body roll in cornering than most sedans but it is not uncomfortable. Gas mileage is very good but it will flucuate depending on the steepness of the hills that you have to drive over, but still I drive in West Virginia and average between 46 and 55 mpg on the highway at 65 to 75 mph. It also has great aerodynamics and has no handling problems around large semis. City driving is high 50s to 60 mpg. Interior is very roomy with Lexus type build quality with few complaints. The back window takes getting used to but the car comes with a rear camera display for backing.

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  Engineering miracle - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Charlie S. - January 26 - 12:16 pm

  Best design ever from Toyota at a great price. Several years ahead of the competition. Top of the line model includes high end luxuries like leather, navigation, bluetooth, keyless entry, and rear-view camera. In 35 years of driving, I have never been more enthusiastic about owning a car. The electric motor assists the gasoline engine when power is needed and does not disappoint. Even with full time maximum AC, I still get 44 MPG which will save me thousands of dollars at the gas pump every year. Surprisingly spacious cabin and trunk for a compact car.

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  21st Century Choice - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 21st Century Choice - January 25 - 7:03 pm

  With the very first tankful of gas I achieved 51 mpg and have averaged in the low 50s ever since. The car is very comfortable, excellent storage space with the hatch back and folding rear seats. Every function of the car is done through the LCD screen with a constant readout of gas mileage so you know exactly how efficiently you are driving. During my research I had read that this car should be driven with the cruise control and that was correct. You can set it as low as 25 mph and adjust accordingly which eliminates the drivers ability to provide a constant gas pedal pressure. Not too heavy, not too light. Other cars love to zoom past me, but I always win at the gas station.

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  Prius ROCKS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Debbie - January 24 - 6:10 pm

  Averages 45 mpg city and 50+ highway, very peppy and so fun to drive. Best car Ive ever had.

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  Hot hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By James Pruitt - January 21 - 4:10 am

  With adjustments to driving style, Im routinely getting about 55 mpg. Interior more roomy than most sedans and with split back seat and hatchback, it can carry quite a load.

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  Good Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JRA - January 18 - 2:00 am

  I have not reached the MPG rating by Toyota yet. It may be the cold weather or break in period. The best I have done is 50 mpg on highway and city.

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  The Ecology and Economy Car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By chinoloco93 - January 16 - 9:56 pm

  When gas prices hit 4 bucks a gallon in San Francisco area, that was it. Bye bye Lexus, Hello Prius. Since I am a Lexus owner, was already familiar with Toyota build and quality. I learned to drive without the lead foot and after a week, I am still at 51 mpg. It is important to use the cruise control when trying to coax a few more mpg on the freeway. My wife and I find the car very fun to drive. We look at the energy and the consumption gauges frequently and try to stay over 50 MPG. Love it.

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  Worth the Wait - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ulev - January 15 - 8:53 am

  Despite a disappointing experience with my first hybrid (Highlander Hybrid) that resulted in a measly 22 mpg which I sold after some months of use. I still believed in the concept and did my DD on the new 2010. I was not disappointed! I have yet to fill up the 11+ gal tank! The puter indicates a 56.7 mpg!!! I will manually calculate after my first fill up just to make sure these unbelievable (I am a natural cynic) numbers are for real... Handling is not up to a Bimmer...but so what...it is made to be a transport vehicle, a modern version of the 60s VW bug. My most favorite feature is the SPEED button...which can be pressed at any time to get an accelerative RUSH then back to Eco mode.