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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  A Great Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - September 18 - 4:03 am

  I just crossed 130K with my Prius and it will be five years old next month. I had done nothing but buy tires and change oil for first 100K. Then I had a rear wheel bearing and now a recent inverter fluid pump. No big deal for 130K. I almost always average over 50 MPG, for life of vehicle probably 51. 53/54 in spring and fall and 50 in winter. Ive had maybe 10 tanks less than 50 almost all in the winter and they were usually 48-49. I am not an aggressive driver and I keep it under 70. I commute 30 miles each way each day with about 16 miles on the highway avg about 67. I can beat cruise control on the Prius on long trips by using the hills to my advantage. Over 70 big loss of MPG.

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  Prius Has Pluses and Minuses - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Midwest Guy - September 17 - 10:21 pm

  Look no further if you want a car with excellent gas mileage and reliability. Average 55mpg on the highway! Toyota has done a great job on the seamless transition between the gasoline engine and battery power. Assembly quality is very good. Now for the not so good. The windshield on this car is a rock magnet. Have had more windshield rock strikes in 3 months than in years with other cars. Plan on replacing the windshield, if you drive a fair amount on the highway. Dealer was unable to fix a recurring clunk in the trunk experienced when driving over uneven pavement separations on the highway. This is not typical for a Toyota. The 2016 Prius sits lower than the previous generation. You will tire of climbing out of the car after awhile. Navigation system is not easily accessible and quite frankly mediocre. The small sun visors are totally useless when pivoted to the side window in an attempt to block the sun. No spare tire. Lastly, the resale value is poor. The money saved on gas will be lost and then some, unless you keep the car for 10 years.

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  Fun Drive-To The Poorhouse - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe - September 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car! Runs as well today as it did 1st day I bought it! The issue is maintenance costs, which are considerable IF you dont do your own maintenance! Weve had no recalls, no repair under warranty, BUT the maintenance costs to-date approach $5000! That breaks down to about ($995/mo to be exact!) $3900 more than my 12 yr old pickup that I drive everyday! Ask to see the maintenance schedule & visit the repair shop and checkout the listed maintenance schedule prices! A REAL EYE OPENER! Oh, if I only knew then what I know now! OUCH!

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  Awful road noise makes otherwise good car unbearable - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By gregarious988 - September 15 - 10:27 pm

  Yes, claims of 50+ mpg are true. In summer in Wisconsin I find myself getting 49 to 54mpg with each fill up without trying. The car is also functionally practical and the rear hatch is nice. All of this is countered by the fact that this car does seemingly nothing to insulate/dampen road noise. Quite literally, you will hear your tires going over ever pebble composing the blacktop pavement underneath you. In the 1998 Civic I used to drive, road noise was very noticeable above 55 mph. In the Prius, it is noticeable quite literally at 15mph and above. Trips of 1 hour or more at 55mph+ on anything but a freshly paved blacktop road will leave you feeling partially deaf.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Lover - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Toyota have really put together a fine car here. I drove the 2002 Prius and, as other Prius drivers have found, that the 2001 - 2003 Prius lacked in a few areas. Well Toyota listened to these complaints and redesigned the 2004 Prius to meet and excede everyone expectations. I am very pleased with the preformance of the 2004 Prius and look forward to seeing what Toyota will come out with next.

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  Car of the year! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By felger5 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Car is SUPER QUIET. Seating position is excellent,with excellent view of road.Car has adequate power.Excellent response to wheel. Excellent suspension.Rear window takes a bit of getting use to as to visibility.Toyota engineers are incredible! Get one if you can. You wont be sorry.High quality throughout.Cant wait to drive it again. It is my wifes car. I drive a 2002 Camry V6, also fabulous!

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  Great Car but..... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Cebu - September 10 - 7:56 pm

  I Love the car! I think its the best Prius so far. I opted out of the 2009 Prius because of the bladder fuel tank problems and lack of power. The only problem I have with this car is I cant drive it! For some reason the seat presses on my back in a way which causes me back pain. I only discovered this after buying the car. The seats felt good at first but long term driving over 3 hours caused my back to act up and I got a pinched nerve. So really try it before you buy it, if you have a bad back like I do. Other than that the car is amazing I really like almost everything about it. Sadly I will be selling mine because of the seat problems. Toyota had no suggestions.

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  Nice quality hybrid - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Nice quality hybrid - September 9 - 12:53 pm

  I have had the car for 2 months. I bought it as an investment against the rising gas prices. I believe this car is a better city commuter and I use another car for longer distances. I am averging 44 mpg but do take to the highways at 70+ mph. The turning radius is exceptional. The speedometer is set much further out than a normal car, meaning that you can see it and the road without much eye movement. Cruise control is a good way to save gas. You get used to saving more gas by being aware of how you are using your gas and what action will burn more or less. Large cargo area. Get the 16" tires on the Touring Model.

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  Im in love with my Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PumpkinsMom - September 6 - 2:16 pm

  "Everything about the 2008 Prius is great! I ordered mine and have had it now for 3 months. It just keeps getting better. I am averaging 52.6 - 53.4 miles a gallon, "WOW" did I say that loud enough "WOW"!!! I have package # 6. Before I ordered my 2008 Prius I read many reviews, what surprised me was how folks said the break in the back window bothered them. I am 5 9 and in no way is it in my way. They also spoke about the back up signal beeping. Its no big deal, I do kinda wonder why they made the sound inside versus on the outside. I have been so pleased with the car over all. I have told my family and friends all about my new 2008 Prius, they have ALL been impressed.

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  The Last Car Ill Ever Own - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By LMBwillbeaPhD - September 6 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I both drive a 2002 Prius and will never own a different make or model. Its evenly weighted, easy to drive, and really does get 50+ miles to the gallon. The gas crunch has not been a concern for us! It has a smooth, quite ride with a huge interior. Four adults really can be comfortable inside. Weve had nothing more than routine maintainence since their purchase. Even here in the mountains we have found no problems with power. It is the families car of choice for long trips. Its a great car even for people who arent conservation minded.