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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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By SK - October 17 - 10:30 am

  This is the best car I have purchased, great mileage, fair acceleration for a 4Cyl engine, lot of room, bucket seats give good back support.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By BillR - October 16 - 3:10 pm

  Great mileage, no defects noted. With gas prices going higher I am smug about driving a car that its on board computer says gets over 53 MPG.

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  We love our twins - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Angela - October 14 - 4:10 am

  We actually own 2 06 Prii, changing over from a minivan and a 4Runner, we are loving the gas mileage. I expected to miss the cargo space but so far have not at all. Even after a wk long vacation. I avg about 45 and DH avg about 50. I tend to take shorter trips. This vehicle has changed the way we both drive having your mpg showing on the MFD makes you very conscious of what you are doing. We continually get asked about our cars and can say nothing bad about them. Oddly there are now 3 or 4 in my color in our area and we seem to have a commrodery even though I have never met these people. Highly recommended this car is great for people in all walks of life, college grad to retired.

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  Great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By USMC - October 13 - 10:40 pm

  This is a great car! I am averaging 50 MPG in combined city / highway driving. The GPS navigation system is great. The stereo has good sound quality, the interior is large enough to seat adults in the back seats, and the acceleration is suprisingly good. Get the "package six" options package - it costs a few bucks but makes the driving experience great. The only negative is the seats (hard, no lumbar support, no electric controls), but a set of Wet Okole seat covers makes them comfortable and better looking.

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  Prius IV - Great Experience Since August 2010 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By grimey2 - October 12 - 8:40 pm

  I reviewed this cars traits as compared to other hybrids presently on the market. In "Power" mode, plenty of pickup is always available. Its like driving a regular Corolla (has the same engine) but I find "Eco" is perfect for every situation. Leather seats are high quality/durable & dash layout is easy to read. Nice XM radio & BT interface for handsfree - works well. Agree with center console squeaks. While worse in cold wx, UNSAT for a Toyota. Have had no issues mechanically/otherwise with regen brakes, lurching, etc. 45-50 Avg city/hwy - love it

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  Sporty eco drive. - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Pwagon - October 12 - 6:31 am

  This car is fun to drive. It gives feedback and rates your eco driving on the go. Actually, it teaches the driver to proceed with economy. The cars driver visibility is a tremendous improvement over older models. The screen is a great improvement over the previous generation. We are impressed with the economy of this vehicle.

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  Build more cars this good! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jastertx - October 11 - 12:10 pm

  What a great car! 50 miles per gallon without losing spirit and spunk. A couple of more features (auto feature for headlights, DRLs, rain-sending wipers, power seats and steering wheel) and this car would be absolutely perfect

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  Prius owners rating - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James Hodges - October 6 - 9:00 pm

  Our 2004 Prius is not as fuel-efficient as our 2001 Prius. We averaged 42 MPG+ on the 2001 and average 40 MPG on the 2004. We did average over 52 MPG on a trip to Colorado but that was downhill most of the way back. We use the air- conditioning in Southern California constantly and drive 70 MPH on freeways much of the time. Sometimes we can get up to 43 MPG on freeway trips of 50 miles or more but the around-town average is about 37-38 MPG. The rear window spoiler is a safety hazard for blind spots in traffic. Other than that it is a fine automobile. See the suggested improvements section for other complaints.

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  Its Been Magnificient So Far! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By drbb - October 3 - 12:03 pm

  Four months and no complaints. After 7000 miles and one service, runs like a dream. Only surpise so far is the salesman cautioned against trusting EPA mileage, say 45 MPG more realistic. But in mixedhighway/local driving, getting almost 50 (started lower but increased and leveling off). After driving a Sienna, braking takes getting used to, because Prius (it is smaller) brakes much more responsively. Only negatives so far: 1. Navigation system still drives us crazy, though. Too complicated--but I cant compare it to others on the market. 2. Bluetooth cell phone feature not compatible with all phones. This is a software problem being worked on by phone cos. and Toyota.

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  50 mpg - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mike - October 2 - 8:40 pm

  Have 3000 miles my 2005. Pros: Build quality is excellent, gas milage great. The vehicle stability control works impressively -- should save many lives. Can exceed EPA city with the right driving style. The GPS is really nice, the seats comfortable and the car is quiet. Cons: High end stereo is not high end, ivory interior shows dirt quickly, stock tires are a little too thin, and car is sensitive to cross- winds and steering input. Toyota needs to put a little more road feedback into the steering system. The ratio is quick enough that small inputs change direction. This can be good when you want it to turn. I used to use tactile feedback to alert me of steering drift - no more.