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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  Our Second Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By drjohn - January 14 - 6:43 pm

  Whats to say. We have two Priui (plural?). Each averages 45+ mpg overall. Costs $14 to fill up for over a weeks worth of driving. A friends SUV costs him $76 three times a week!

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  Great Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By kramtrebor - January 13 - 5:20 pm

  Weve had the Prius for a month and love it. I am a big guy, but I feel I have room without cramping space. Mileage has been about 40 for the first 600 miles. I cant seem to get more than that. Most of my driving is local stop-and-go.

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  A timely choice - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gretchen - January 13 - 10:00 am

  We pay (today, 4/21/04) $2.35.9 per gallon of regular gas. Our old car (94 Jeep Grand Cherokee), which we had loved, got at 14 mpg. Our 04 Prius is satisfactory in every aspect. Fun to drive, frisky, great on hills, roomier than the Jeep (yes!), and the gas mileage is great - averaging about 45 mpg on our (mostly short) trips. WE JUST LOVE IT!

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  WHERES THE MILEAGE? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By steves - January 13 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2004 Prius in January. As of 3000 miles, am averaging 34 MPG. I had the vehicle checked today by a local Toyota dealer, but their tests showed nothing wrong. I have asked several other Prius owners about their mileage; none have had less than 45, most well over! I dont expect (or believe) the claims of 51/60 MPG, I expect something relative, and 34 is not acceptable. The dealer suggested having Toyota factory technicians test the vehicle. Whatever course of action they prefer is fine with me, Id simply like a rapid and comprehensive flow of communication, but Toyota has been completely non-responsive.

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  Excellent Auto - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert E. Wozna - January 13 - 10:00 am

  Ive had the 2004 Prius since October, 2003. Since then, have delighted in driving it. Live in Central NY State and took it to Florida. Drove 5 miles above speed limit (up to 75 MPH) and had absolutely no trouble. My in-laws live in the Adirondack Mountains of NY State. Have visited there in January,2003 and February, 2004. Car started there in temperatures of minus 36 and minus 31, respectively. No problem.

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  We love this car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Browne - January 13 - 3:56 am

  We had put 16,500 miles on our 2003 Prius, when we got delivery on the 2004, after a 6 mo.wait.While it suits us better because it is a bigger car, it is not as "peppy" a car as the 2003. While the EPA rating is 60mph, we have never managed to get better than 49mpg,probably due, in part, because we use air or heat almost all the time,and also carry 600lbs. Rear window visibility takes some getting used to,as does the keyless entry system. There has been a mysterious,albeit very intermittent squeaking "brake noise" which is improved, but still not completely resolved after 2 dealer trips.All considered, we love the hybrid car concept and this car is an excellent design.We recommend purchase.

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  Awesome Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Mandler - January 12 - 10:56 pm

  The Prius is just a perfectly awesome car. Toyota didnt miss a thing. I averaged 49 miles to the gallon on recent trip to Yosemite National Park.

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  Our Best Car Ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By VegasPrius - January 11 - 10:23 pm

  We did a lot of research before deciding on the Prius. Now we never look back. We steadily average 46 MPG. We are not disappointed that it doesnt get the 60 mpg as rated since we know the old rating system is inaccurate, but still, 46 mpg is pretty damn awesome! Great, smooth ride. Very roomy interior and still room for cargo. We got package 6 with the nav system which is great. Driving the Prius has become a game to get best mileage and has now taught me how to get better mileage in my Expedition. Im now just waiting to replace the Expedition with a big SUV hybrid such as Yukon or Escalade. We plan on getting the plug in Prius in 2009.

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  Super car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jack - January 10 - 10:03 am

  We only have 500 miles on the car but could not be more pleased. Most driving has been in snow and cold and it performs as well as any other front wheel drive. This car is easier to get in and out of and has more headroom that the Chevy Impala I traded. Mileage around town is only about 35 mph to this point but it is small town, stop and go and temperatures have been near or below zero. Expect improvement when it is broken in and temperatures rise.

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  No 60 mpg; has some bugs, but good car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By eyeonthescreen - January 9 - 2:50 pm

  Our Prius averages 44 mpg, not the 51-60 EPA mpg in the ads. It has been in the shop three times now on recalls. The GPS-controls and display software needs some upgrades to be competitive with other makes. BUT, despite these short comings, my next new car will likely be a Prius. It is a work horse, I can pile more stuff in it than in my Avalon, which is a much bigger car on the outside. Interior head and leg room is also better than my Avalon. Prius style is true 21st century; not some makeover of a 20th century design. It has great voice interaction capability and blue tooth connectivity. And despite being hard to navigate around, the GPS does an excellent tracking job.