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 -55 MPG -- LOVE LOVE LOVE IT - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marge - August 27 - 10:53 pm

  We are getting 50 - 55 miles per gallon. Great ---It is peppy, fun, and the mpg makes it super. Love the Toyota reputation - put on 15,000 miles and no problems. My 17 year old is short and she can reach the gas and brake with no problem -- she is 4 foot 8 inches. Dad is 510" and he is comfortable. The computer screen is great. Make it in a mini van model so we can travel in it. Wow - that would be so great.

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  Mirror mirror - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Nole Buddy - August 26 - 7:13 pm

  Great highway mileage (56). Seattles hills cut into city driving mileage (48). I like its quiet creepy silence, especially on our bicycle warriors. But... I hate the auto adjust rear view mirror. It just doesnt darken enough nor stay dark enough for me. Dealer has no solution for me. And I just found out that Toyota doesnt have a repair (shop) manual for sale. Silly REVERSE bell rings, but ONLY INSIDE THE CAR!!!

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By george - August 26 - 7:43 am

  This vehicle is excellent!! The car of the future ahead of its time! I traded in my suv pickup that was getting 18 miles per gallon. Im getting 45+ now! Anyone that commutes a distance to work, this is for you. The savings in gas almost pays for the vehicle. The fact that it is smart looking and larger inside then it appears provides an enjoyable experience.

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  Great car, not very owner-servicable - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By kscommuter1 - August 23 - 12:36 am

  My 2010 Prius went 150,000 miles with NO unscheduled maintenance. Oil changes, tire rotations and replacements, filters, tune ups... thats it. And, of course there is that gas mileage (I get 46-47 in mostly highway driving). Sadly, this car is not very user-serviceable. Instructions, unbelievably, call for removal of the front bumper to replace the headlight bulbs. I ignored this and simply reached around behind them to unscrew... now I have pulled a wire loose. Plastic panels have to come off to access the oil drain plug. The windshield wipers and their motor have to come out to access the spark plugs-- seriously! Such thoughtless design is so very un-Japanese.

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  the fuel and fun of a prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By nbird - August 21 - 11:13 am

  We got our prius the first of May. We had to travel over 200 miles to get it. So we decided to make a fishing trip of it also. We were surprised with going up alot of hills we averaged 49.9 miles. We have already put almost 2,000 miles on the car and we are getting 55 around town and highway. So buying this car has been the best ever for us. Oh we dont live in a flat area.

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Darrel - August 21 - 2:36 am

  Bought the car and was apprehensive about the gas electric, but the car is really fun to drive and very comfortable. I am going to buy a 2nd one next month. Lots of room for 4 big adults and am getting right at 48 mpg all around driving.

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  Toyota Prius leaving others in the dust - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By prius51mpg - August 19 - 9:53 pm

  This is truly an amazing car. Getting 57mpg and just a fun car to drive. Considered the Insight and the Fusion and ended up going with the Prius and got $4500 for my clunker through the Cash for Clunkers program.

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  Couldnt be more pleased - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jkuhn - August 18 - 10:30 am

  After much consideration and research we took delivery of a new Prius a week ago. Were delighted with the car after just the past week. We have gotten 53.7 mpg on the first fill up and havent really fully learned how best to manage the gas pedal! We chose a package #2 vehicle and had it sent out to be fitted with the leather interior. We have spent most of the past 25 years driving european cars, many which were BMW and Volvos. No one would confuse the Prius with the aforementioned but the build quality, materials, ride, design and technology are exceptional. We couldnt be happier.

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  Leased it, loved it, bought it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By icehorses - August 15 - 1:16 pm

  I leased my Prius and at the end of the three years opted to buy it. No problems whatsoever, just change the oil, rotate the tires, and youre good to go. I average between 52-55 MPG (combined city/highway), it sips gas. When I first leased it I read up on how to drive a Prius to get the most effective gas mileage, coasting and avoiding rapid acceleration definitely helps to optimize your fuel economy. Im tall and I find it to be a very comfortable vehicle with plenty of headroom and pleasant interior. If you need to have a lot of power and acceleration at your fingertips, this isnt the vehicle for you. If you appreciate a quiet ride and phenomenal gas mileage, then it just might be!

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  Prius is #1! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - August 15 - 11:46 am

  I had a 2004 Prius for the last two years and it was great. Now I bought a 2006 and its even better! Aside from the great mileage, the backseat passengers are very comfortable and it holds LOTS of stuff! Its so relaxing when the motor goes off for periods of time. Its a great car!