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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  Part of the solution - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Pip - June 5 - 10:16 pm

  Coolest car on the road! I got the white with tan leather, package #8. Traded my Lexus LS 430 for it and have no regrets, only praise and Ill be dumping 2 and a half tons less CO2 per year.

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  A Great Transportation Appliance - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By teamsc10190 - June 2 - 8:30 pm

  Purchased in June, the car now has more than 10,000 miles while averaging 48 MPG with 95% freeway driving. It is clear that Toyota spent most of their money on the technology platform and it all functions pretty seemlessly. This car offers great economy with few compromises. Wonderfully reliable, the car has yet to be back to the dealer. After the previous seven years driving a Volvo S80 T6 that couldnt stay out of a dealership for two consecutive weeks, reliability is a real treat.

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  Great Car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kris - June 2 - 6:40 am

  I bought this Prius to replace my 2002 Prius, which was a great car. The new 2006 Prius handles well on the road and is very comfortable to ride in. The computer readout is very helpful in optimizing mpg. The new, more stylish design, emphasizes the high tech capabilities of the car, but even with careful driving, I have not been able to match the 54 mpg I was getting on the old Prius. The new one is getting about 49-50 mpg. The navigation system in better than in the older model.

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  2008 Toyota Prius (Canada) - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Kitchener, ON - May 30 - 11:00 pm

  Purchased 2008 Toyota Prius (Special Edition) in September for my wife. This vehicle has navigation system, backup camera and JBL premium audio. Very pleased with the vehicle, especially with the interior layout - highly functional yet not overwhelming. If you can afford it, I highly recommend purchasing the nav system, it is easy to use and contains latest updates. The backup camera and Smartkey system is also very practical. Initial gas mileage at -5 to 10 deg C is 5.5 L/100 km combined. Ive fitted the Prius with winter tyres and taken it into deep snow - no problem with take off and stopping performance phenominal. Highly recommend this vehicle, considering purchasing another one!

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  my blue car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By amberpi - May 29 - 2:00 am

  The prius is quicker and brakes better than my camry. It had no defects on delivery and the gas mileage is as promised. The display screen is a distraction while driving and I suggest that you use it gradually. This is a great car and it came with a $2000 tax deduction too.

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  2004 Prius - A Joy to drive - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mel &Gladys Roseman - May 29 - 2:00 am

  As a 74 year old adult who has always considered cars as tools to get from one place to the next as quickly and painlessly as possible, I have fallen in love with my 2004 Prius. I now look for any possible excuse to get in it and drive somewhere -- anywhere. This is a new, exciting experience for me late in life.

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  Best Car Yet - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brennan - May 29 - 2:00 am

  It is not a car, it is a personal transportation pod. Built in phone, GPS, 6 CD changer, start button, touchscreen everything. Plenty of room, nice cargo layout. What more is there?

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  I like my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bku - May 26 - 2:40 pm

  I believe this car has defined a new category of cars I like to call "Luxury Economy". It really shines around town in stop and go traffic but also does surprisingly well on long road trips. Center gauge placement keeps your eyes closer to the road and you can forget having to duck your head around to see that one gauge that is always obscured by the steering wheel. Very smooth and comfortable ride. Dont let its exterior size fool you. It has lots of headroom even for someone 6 ft tall.

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  prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jtt22 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  outstanding and comfortable and spacious. much more appealing than the insight or the civic hybrid. i dont think honda knows the meaning of hybrid

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  Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ploiku - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. The central LCD displays power and consumption, which makes the car a blast to drive. Its nice to be able to drive home when its late without the noise from the engine. Most of all, its great to be getting 50mpg. The car looks good to me, and its performance is surprisingly good. It made the trip over the Rockies without any problems, and passes on the highway almost too well. The ride is better than my Corolla, but not quite as smooth as the Camry.