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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  Love our Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By paul5637 - December 13 - 7:50 am

  We have a 2010 Prius III. Loved it from the start. It has as much head room as our mini van or more. We haul it loaded full Illinois to Florida and back Fall and Spring and get on average 48 mpg overall. That surprised me with driving the interstates most of the way at 70 mph a lot. Definitely will get another one for our next car. When I see the price of gas going up it doesnt bother me nearly as much as it used to. With getting over twice the mpg as my previous vehicles, I figure $4/gal gas is like paying $2/gal.

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  My experience - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By cpaman - December 7 - 2:00 am

  I like my car. My milage is "only" 42. Not the 60 but otherwise the car is great Get up and go is fine and I am very comfortable in the car.

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  A total revolution in cars! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By duke - December 6 - 12:10 pm

  We sit in traffic with the AC, radio, lights all working. The engine is off. Unless the big battery gets too low it will keep car comfortable no mater what. Then it engine will kick on and fast charge. Not happend to us in 3300 miles so far. On the road we get 55 mpg at 65. 49+ at 70. In town it tops at about 50 mpg. Display can show just how well the car is doing in the energy consumption.

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  This hybrid is a Real Car. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By bobdavisnpf - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Rides nice and high; drivers eyes are above most passenger cars and only a couple inches below most minivans. Interior is very, very quiet. Ideal for folks who must use cellphones (dont forget your handsfree device). More roomy than a Corolla. Easily fits 5 full-size men for a trip to the local lunch spot. Family of 4 is comfortable for multi-hour drives. This car weighs over 3200 pounds. You will not be blown around on the road, no matter how close that semi-truck gets.

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  Cool technology - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Another Matt - December 5 - 10:00 am

  This car definitely delivers on its mileage promise. Like other reviewers, Ive been getting about 45-50 mpg in regular driving. The most impressive mileage I got was 53 on a roughly 500 mile journey -- did the whole thing with one tank of gas. Mileage seems to vary with weather (the engine runs more in the cold). I looked up a bunch of the patents behind this car. Man those guys are clever. The connection between the gas engine and electric motor is truly elegant.

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  I LOVE IT!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Liza - December 5 - 8:16 am

  425 miles and i still had a bar left on my fuel tank, this is the best car to have when you have to travel 68 miles to and from work everyday! i even went as high as 60/mpg, oh yes, i put that $4000.00 battery to use baby!!

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  New car owner - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By dave - December 3 - 4:26 pm

  I just purchased the car July of 2006. I have approximately 2000 miles. The MPG seems to be improving. If you stay at 55 mph , the MPG get better. I started at 41.1 MPH, and now I am up to 48.6 MPG, staying at slower speeds. Will update.

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  Happy that I leased it. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By DPJR - December 3 - 1:50 pm

  I replaced our 2005 BMW convertable with our 2008 Prius. My wife and I are enjoying the change except on occasion we miss having the top down. One day Toyota will build a hybrid convertible. The Prius is an amazing auto, when driving it you feel like you are driving large vehicle. Your mileage will vary on how you drive. If you drive it with a heavy foot and stomp on the accelarator and jump on the brakes your mpg is going to suffer. If you drive how the auto school advised, your mpg will be better than expectied.

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  I Adore This Car - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By joy2drive - December 1 - 5:30 am

  Ive owned my Prius for 3.5 yrs and put 55,000 miles on it. The reason...its a joy2drive! There is a 140 mile stretch of 2 lane highway on the way to Moms place. I pass everything with ease and avg 45 MPG combined. Of course MPGs are highly effected by head/tail winds, temps below 30 degrees, and driver "hybridability". My son has a hybrid touch (put 126K miles on an Insight). He can make my 45mpg go straight up to 60-75mpg (city). Only problems Ive had are the main warning indicator appears periodically on the screen and clears itself and the 12 volt battery drains periodically (both are mysteries). Great Car Overall!!

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  Love our Prius....Thanks Toyota! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By egordy - December 1 - 2:00 am

  We bought the car having never even seen one, and loved it from the moment we got in! I found its controls quite intuitive. It handles very well and I love the acceleration available for passing. We use it almost exclusively for highway/interstate driving (live in the country) and we are averaging between 48 and 50 MPG - and yes it will cruise comfortably at 75 --thats the 48 MPG. We now have almost 10,000 miles on it with no problems. Incidently the service (maintenance) has been great, our Prius technician is very competent and nice as well. We will need a new truck soon, and have decided to wait until the hybrid engine is available in a Toyota truck.