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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  Prius Pride - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lane Garrett - April 19 - 9:40 pm

  We are proud to own a Prius since it answers part of the oil supply and the global warming growing crises. The instrumentation and human engineering are supurb and quicky help train a driver for maximum fuel economy. We are now considering a second Prius. I only wish that Toyota would add rack and pinion steering for better wind stability. A larger battery with plug-in capability should be added for the next generation!

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  My2004Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By abernardez - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive.Great fuel economy!Looks like a space-age sporty car.I love my Prius!!

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  Great little gas saver. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Scott Gorbet - April 15 - 12:26 pm

  You really have to drive one to believe it. We were looking to buy the 2009 Corolla but after driving both, the Prius was the clear choice for us. We are averaging 48.34 mpg and what a fun little car to drive. We took a 160 mile round trip on the 2nd day we had it and were very pleased with the comfort and performance on the open road. If you are looking for a gas saver be sure to test drive one before buying a gas powered sub compact, and compare total cost to own and warranty.

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  2005 prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jeff winter - April 11 - 10:30 pm

  lots of power, good acceleration, better performance than expected. Braking is good, but could be better. Incredible mileage, when observing the speed limit, I have gotten outstanding fuel economy. 56 mpg highway. It is comfortable, enjoyable, and well thought out, great cargo and passenger space.

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  Happydriver1 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By edlee - April 11 - 4:43 am

  I have owned a 04 prius for about o month & have put about 5000 kl on it.I drove to from Winnipeg to Calgary about 1400 kl(875 miles) I traveled from appox. 100 to 110 kl per hour, (62 t0 68 ) mile phr,The best part is in the rolling hilled I had it on criuse and it stay exactly at 100, not 99 or 101, I did not take of criuse control, something that I was never able to do before even with V8s, gas milage averaged about (4.5 ltrs per 100 kls) (62 miles per imperal gallongal. emile

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  My Toyota Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Lindley - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Even though Ive only had my Prius for a relatively short term, I know already that I made the right choice.

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  The best car Ive ever bought - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By diesel power - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 03 after test driving the 04 model. I bought the 03 as 6ft tall adults can fit in the back, something not possible in the new model. I now have 16k miles on my car, and Ive had 0 warranty issues with this car. Lifetime fuel economy so far is 46.8 mpg. This number keeps climbing. Toyota has brought us the future of automobiles. The rest of the industry needs to take notice, or risk being left to oblivion. I routinely drive over 35k miles annually. Ive driven this car on a 3200 mile round trip from Dallas TX, to Haliburton, Ontario, and back. Its performance was nothing less than stellar.

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  Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Richard W - April 9 - 10:00 am

  Great car. Reliable, innovative.

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  Prius ROCKS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Deb WOlfe - April 5 - 10:00 am

  This car was a rental for four days for me and I at first was a bit intimidated but soon realized it was the coolest thing I have ever driven. The economy of it makes it the most alluring but you add comfort and convenience of the interior and it wins hands down for us! When shown to family they loved it as much and I possibly have 2 people actually wanting to buy it for their next vehicle.

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  Completey satisfied - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Maine-iacs - April 2 - 6:50 am

  We have tracked mileage for every tank of gas, averaging 53 mpg all around during summer months and 44mpg during winters. We do a 44mile commute each workday at 55-60mph. Two riders with total weight of 290lbs. We see no signficant drop in mileage when on the interstate at 70-75 mph. We plan to purchase another