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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  50-60 MPG? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Indiana Driver - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Very dissapointed in MPG so far. Have put 5,000mi on and the best so far is 47mpg. Seems colder weather affects MPG. Only get to about 380 miles on a tank before low gas warning starts to flash and then find out tank only takes about 8 1/2 Gl. to fill. Seats need more adjustment features, and leather would be nice. In town driving does not meet expectations.

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  Nice Little Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By A A - September 4 - 12:26 pm

  My wife and I bought the prius V about three weeks ago and we love it. The car has been averaging about 47.5 mpg. Has plenty of power and as mentioned in other reviews the CVT trans is nice. The nav system along with bluetooth and JBL audio are great and easy to use. One gripe ROAD NOISE, I might take it to an audio shop and have dynomat put in it. I would recommend to anyone wanting a nice car at a fair price.

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  The lIttle Prius that Could - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By MikeyA - September 4 - 3:56 am

  My wife and I bought our 2001 Prius in December of 2009 knowing we were buying a car with 90K miles on it. It now has 130K on and it running great with few problems at all. Its far more reliable and cheaper to repair than the BMW we sold to buy it. Of course the quality of the plastics inside the car leave a lot to be desired, I guess you cant expect too much for the price of these cars. The hybrid part is really great but I hope theyve improved "kicking" the engine does when it turns on at a stop. Its very abrupt.

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  A very smooth ride - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Tanya - September 1 - 3:30 am

  This is a great car. I am amazed at the gas mileage we are getting and love the ease of driving.

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  Issues with 05 prius you should know - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 2005 prius - September 1 - 2:30 am

  After purchasing my 05 prius with factory navigation and HID headlights, package 6 I believe. Just be aware that all 04 and 05 had the ugly painted door panels and dash, I strongly would avoid these if you can get the 06 and newer. the paint has peeled off on these parts. I went to a prius dismantler and purchased all the door panels and dash parts from a 08 prius to do the swap, so much nicer. The second and biggest issue is the HID headlight bulbs, they just shut off while you use them . The best solution is replace them with aftermarket HID bulbs, do not use the factory Toyota bulbs, they will go out again. Numerous owners have had this issue, ballast is not the problem, its the bulbs.

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  Overhyped mileage - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By corkoffice - August 30 - 5:03 pm

  60 MPG City??? NEVER. In real life I get 38-42 City and 45-50 Highway. Its time to get honest about Prius mileage. Why set up consumers to be disappointed by not getting a fictional 60 mpg?

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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marie D - August 30 - 9:26 am

  The Prius is a joy to own although I miss the sporty sleekness of my Toyota Celica. It has been a very economical car to own so far - fuel & no repairs.

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  Still Love It - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By teryev - August 29 - 7:33 pm

  Other than the radio control button being too small and tires that are not up to the braking and corning ability of this vehicle, it is still awesome. I have averaged 51.4 mpg since taking ownership.

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  Prius rocks for emf protection - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Yssa - August 29 - 7:00 am

  We were not crazy about the design (little more room in the trunk please! - and low rear view visibility) BUT if you are concerned about exposing your kiddies in the back seat to high - quite arguably harmful levels -of electromagnetic radiation and you want a hybrid, then Prius is the car for you. We measure very safe levels in all parts of the car - with only slight raise (several seconds) while breaking. We found very unsafe levels in other hybrid cars we tried and thats why we got a Prius. Toyota obviously has taken precautions to minimize a health risk - even one not generally talked about. Wow. How often can you say that about a big company! Way to go Toyota!

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  only my bicycle beats the fuel mileage - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By susen-marie ladd - August 28 - 2:08 am

  if you like great fuel mileage, comfortable seating on premium leather with seat heaters, a moonroof, and wonderful stereo tunes then this is the vehicle for you. the performance is smooth and the ride is comfortable and amazingly quiet! hate going to the gas station? you wont with this vehicle, as you will only have to visit it once a month or so with the 50 mpg average.