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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  Best car I have ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By terry martin - October 2 - 5:13 am

  I have owned approximately thirty cars and trucks. This little but practical and roomy family car is the best. I can flip down the back seats and haul as much as I did in my small chevy truck! My family loves the car and the gas mileage makes my commute to work possible with todays high fuel prices! I would recommend the Toyata Prius to anyone!

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  Best investment made - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jon - September 27 - 9:46 pm

  The Prius is even better then the hype. The smart key feature is an added safety feature, especially for women drives and hanles very well, surprising pick up, only drawback, is that you do not get to meet your friends at the gas pump that often. very quiet ride

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  I Cant Beat This Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bob Wozna - September 27 - 2:16 pm

  First, I should say that my present Prius is the 3rd Prius Ive owned, not because theres problems with them. Ive had NO problems. I avoid keeping cars too long. I take this car everywhere, on short trips and on long ones (even 1200 miles to Florida). My wife has a Camry which she likes but wants to take the Prius when we travel far because its comfortable and to save the gas (she gets about 29mpg and my average since I purchased it on January 2nd, ia 49.4. Thats the amount since I purchased the car because it gets less mileage in winter then in summer (as I suspect all cars do) and I wanted to see the average of both seasons, winter and summer. What more can I say--the car is GREAT!!

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  Fuel Economy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Snappy - September 25 - 3:10 pm

  Just made a 2000 mile trip. Averaged my MPG and it came out to 55.2. Thats a big Wow!! Drivers seat very uncomfortable for me on long trips.

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  Petes Prius Experience - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By SanPedroPete - September 25 - 3:46 am

  This is my wife and my 2nd Prius. We also own a 2004. It has 62,000 mi and has averaged 47-48 mpg combined city/hwy. I currently have 4400 mi on the new one and am averaging 52+ mpg combined city/hwy. I regularly get 54-55 mpg city by using the surging technique. Hwy mileage for both cars is 51-52 mpg going 65 (I know thats slow by todays stds) w/air conditioning on. We both like the finish of the car. And, they are fun to drive. They have an amazing amount of room inside for the size of the car. Our 6-5" sons can sit behind us (Im 6-2") and have knee room. Head room is a little tight due to the slopping roof line though.

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 1ljsurfer - September 22 - 4:30 am

  My wife and I love driving this car. Its great on gas, averaging 46 - 48mpg, mostly hwy driving. Im able to get my 10 surfboard inside with no problems. We got this thing fully loaded w/pkg 6. Its comfortable, easy to drive and doesnt lack the power to blend onto the freeway.

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  Dominos Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By alexx52093 - September 22 - 1:25 am

  I work for my local Dominos Pizza store. Its one of the bigger stores in my area, covering a HUGE area for delivery. My boss has two Priuss as company cars that us drivers get to drive (as well as other vehicles as well). The main Prius we use has been at this store for 3 years now. Its an 04 and was bought with 90K miles on it. It is used all day long every from opening to closing of the store. It now has 186K miles after 3 years of service. There has no been one single problem with it! It is always taken to the dealership for regular maintenance when it is needed. We drivers average about 44-48 MPG when we can. During dinner rushs we can pull around 38 MPG! These things are troopers!

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  Best Car Ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By opus132 - September 21 - 4:46 am

  Loved my 2001 Prius, but the new one is even better. Quiet, smooth, fast enough, roomy, comfortable, and feels good to drive knowing it sips gas so slowly.

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  Love it, but... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By john wish - September 19 - 10:30 am

  Love the car but I have three minor concerns: 1. GPS/information video screen is very difficult to see in bright sun. A small design change of tilting the screen some 15-20 degrees would help. 2. road noise on certain kinds of roads. Needs more insulation? 3. Id like something like the On-Star system for automatic crash notification.

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  Traded a 2008 touring for a 2006 base - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By mike - September 19 - 8:46 am

  I drove a 2008 touring prius for 1500 miles and averaged 42 mpg. Then I bought a 2006 base prius and Im averaging over 48 mpg for the first 100 miles. Maybe the weight of the car and the tires makes a difference in the mpg rating. I do think the 2008 has better sound deadening insulation which may make the car heavier. I previously owned a bmw 335, bmw 525, infiniti m35, toyota avalon, subaru legacy, mazda 3, saturn l200, mustang gt, saab 9-3, honda accord, honda passport, nissan truck, and chevy cavalier but the prius is my favorite simply because of the gas mileage, low maintenance cost and quiet ride. Bought the 2006 base with 49k miles certified for $13,500--excellent condition inside/out.