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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  no review - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jo - June 15 - 8:57 am

  Too early in the process.

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  Awesome - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - June 13 - 10:56 am

  This is the most fun car I have ever driven. This car makes you stop and think about how fast you are driving because it can be fast but wait, if I go too crazy fast I may not get the neat mileage that it is all about. It probably has saved my life and make me do the speed limit because now I want to and I want this cool car to last me forever. Never will I purchase any other car. Why do people ask me if I have to plug this car in at nite. No it charges itself and never runs out. Imagine coming to a stop light and your car stops, I mean no sound at all and everyone else is burning up the gas or diesel. I have never had so much fun in my life as I have with my Prius.

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  Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By chuck37 - June 12 - 11:40 pm

  I was concerned about the small size and comfort when I bought my Prius. I was surprised to find it is neither small or uncomfortable. It is listed as mid-sized. My 66" 270lb son is comfortable in the back seat. The drivers seat will not move back far enough for his comfort, but he can drive it. We did not change our driving habits to accommodate mileage, but average 49.3 mpg. This has been for the last 8000 mi. I have only one complaint, at freeway speeds there is much air and road noise. I am very pleased with the comfort and performance. I eagerly await the plug-in model. I will get one at my first opportunity.

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  Mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By BDenny - June 12 - 10:33 pm

  We traded our 2003 Camry for the Prius, and there is substantial difference in the two vehicles. The most being the ride and the power. I purchased the car without having test driven one, which I have never done before. The salesman told me that 90% of buyers have not. The biggest reason for purchasing the Prius was Fuel Mileage. I am pleased with the fuel mileage, but it isnt getting what I had expected. It is getting 45-48 on the hwy and around 43 city. I am not sure why it is not getting better in the city, but I think a part of it is my wifes driving style. I have about 2500 miles on it so far, and the dealer told me that I wont see the best mileage until gets over 5000 miles.

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  Pleased in every way - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ED - June 12 - 8:20 pm

  After much research and soul searching, we purchased an 04 Prius in November of 03. It was love at first drive. A 2300 mile trip from Gulfport MS to Key West Fla confirmed our first impressions. We were less tired than we were in the same trip in my wifes town car, and had much more money for fun instead of for gasoline. We now have 18000 miles on the car and have average 48 mpg to our delight. Thank you Toyota. Wake up, U.S. companies.

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  Prius running strong - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pilot - June 11 - 9:33 am

  If you can tolerate slow acceleration, the Prius is a great car. In warmer weather mine can get 50+ mpg on a tank of gas after 117,000 miles. I have only replaced a water pump and tires during regular 5K service intervals. I have driven 400 averaging 60 mph and it still gets 43 mpg! The Prius struggles in very hilly areas but if you are patient you can make up for it on the downhill. It even handles well with the set of Michelins that are on it now.

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  Great car! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Liane - June 10 - 9:23 am

  I just purchased my car and have had it for a little over a week now. I LOVE it - its a zippy little car and you cant beat the gas mileage (47mpg)! Ive filled petrol 1x so far, and the pump shut off after taking about 5 gallons. When I turned the car on however, the gauge did not bump up to the 10 bar max... I find that strange.

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  You cant have mine..... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By erodlink - June 9 - 5:10 am

  Saw on CNN the other day, that a fellow was buying Prius and selling them for more than he paid. Well dude, you cant have mine, I love it! I traded in my Ford F350 Super Duty, because it wouldnt fit into my newly built homes garage. What a blessing!!! Of course I dont act like I am macho when the guys next to me rev their engines, but I smile everytime I gas up. Driving to my other home, 135 miles away and back, used to cost me about a hundred bucks in gas. Now I am paying about thirteen dollars.

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  Midwest to Calif & Back - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ala - June 6 - 6:46 pm

  Passing was good in the flat lands. Average speed 65-75 Mph. Gas milwage avg 41-49 mpg. Crossing the Rockies and certain areas in Utah with 6% grades could only get 52 mph and the engine was really screaming. I was real concerned about getting over the top of the hill. Next time Ill take the southern route to Calif. Interior needs something better then cloth, it got spotted up when I opened the door during a mild rain storm. Ext surface seems to scratch easily. Careful with the high pressure hose in the car wash. Dont get too close to the paint surface and dont use the soap brush. Get bird poop off of the car right away. Other then the above Im happy and would buy another one.

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  Prius: Engineering at its finest. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Boyd - June 6 - 4:53 am

  You have heard of the Shinkensen....the Bullet train? Well the same minds, somewhat further advanced from that technology, have produced a vehicle of exquisite refinement. Other cars I now own are the Volvo 850, Infiniti 35FX, and Porsch Boxster. All fine vehicles, but this one excels from the point of near-perfection and driving pleasure. I Would have bought it if it only got 20 mph after my test drive; but at 47mpg... hot damn! Negative is the rear bumpers which are scratchable in parking dings. Overall, a perfect 9.5 from me.