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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  The "Toy" in TOYOTA - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Harry R - November 15 - 9:30 pm

  It is fun to drive with many new toys.

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  Great big Little Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Pepe - November 12 - 3:53 am

  Purchased a new Prius 06, love it, I am 6ft 5in and 300 lbs fit better then the Accord, Civic, Camry or Corolla. Excellent features, fit and finish, was really surprised on the passing power. I was driving a Chevy 1500 HD with 300 hp engine so was used to power. But this vehicle did just great. Drove it back had to go up the Grapevine in CA, no problem maintained 70MPH. Just love all the technical features, i.e. rear view camera, Bluetooth, navigation system, power info.

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  Wonderful car, but... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By The Price Family - November 9 - 12:53 pm

  We were on waiting lists at 2 dealerships in Tampa for almost 6 months before we got our Prius. It was definitely worth the wait. We absolutely love this car. We use it as our family car and have very few complaints. We have found the joys definitely outweigh the headaches in this car. We have a fully loaded Prius (because that was what was available) and we thought the DVD nav system was a waste - now we cant live without it! Being able to monitor fuel consumption (we average around 50mpg)and the battery level are helpful features. We hope to keep this car for many years to come.

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  I wouldnt race anyone! But we get 50 MPG! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By William Parandes - November 9 - 2:30 am

  Rides well for a small car, pretty comfortable seats. Plenty of cargo space. No repairs, just maintainence, at 115,000 miles still gets 50 MPG highway. A keeper.

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ljh - November 8 - 1:06 pm

  I recently drove from Richmond, VA to Cold Spring, NY and averaged 63.5 mpg. It was the most comfortable trip I have ever taken. I wouldnt trade my Prius for anything (other than maybe another Prius). I would have given each category more than 10 if possible.

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  All good - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jim256 - November 7 - 8:53 pm

  One of the first production models, fit and finish is excellent, mileage is better than EPA (54 mpg so far in 3000 miles mostly town), no service issues, nothing to fix or have fixed, dealer delivery process and sales were excellent, car is meeting or exceeding all expectations.

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  Happy Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Owner - November 7 - 7:46 pm

  Every one I have shown this hard to get vehicle has been envious. Even other dealerships have been enthusiasic.

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  Love my 2003 Prius, named: "Petipa" - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Peggy B. Sherrill - November 7 - 10:00 am

  Having wanted an electic/clean air auto for many years, I am extremely pleased to have found a car that is ALMOST totally free of gas emitions, freeing up some of the worlds polution.

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  POOR RELIABILITY, MPG NOT AS ADVERTISED - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mikey316 - November 5 - 3:06 pm

  In the first 2 months I have been left stranded twice "Oh what a feeling!" Mileage has been 40-43, not bad, but much less than promised. Acceleration is week, but you have to give up something for 60 mpg, oh I mean 43 mpg. The Prius understeers alot when pushed in the corners, but I guess it was never ment to have sportscar handling.

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  If Everybody Owned a Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By B A Fridinger - November 1 - 5:20 am

  If everyone owned a Prius, there would not be long gas lines because they dont need fill-ups very often. Conceivably, there might never be a gas shortage. Based on my experience, each trip will yield 40 to 55 mpg, so you also save money. Driving this car is like riding the wave of the future. It is a quiet, effortless dream. You dont even have to fumble for a key; just push a button! I never before had a car that I absolutely looked forward to running errands in. You can even sharpen your driving skills to increase your mileage performance (like a game). Hint: it takes great concentration. It is my second Prius; had a 2002 (loved it), but moved forward to the new sleeker version.