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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  10K Update to 03/07 Review - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - July 19 - 6:26 pm

  The comments provided in my 03/07/2008 review hold true. I have now reached the 10K mark and have learned how to drive to max the mileage - regularly getting 54 MPG in VA summer mixed city/hwy driving using pulse & glide. I am getting ready to switch to synthetic oil which, I am told, will show a slight increase in MPG. One long trip from VA to MA and back proved comfortable with 52 MPG hwy miles. The cars funky design still turns heads and all passengers are impressed with the roominess and cargo carrying capacity. If a Toyota fan, test drive the Camry Hybrid and then the Prius; for me... hands-down selection of the Prius was a no- brainer. Only complaint - hood dings easily.

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  Big Fan - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dan - July 17 - 10:33 am

  Recently bought my Prius V and am on my 2nd tank. I got almost 52mpg on 1st and am headed for 55mpg on 2nd. Has more then enough power for everyday driving regardless if on highway or just around town. The Radar cruise control and Lane keep assist features are amazing - once you set these on the highway you barely need to steer or brake. Great sound system and screen for the navigation system. There is plenty of room in this car, Im 6ft 2 and I comfortably fit in both the front or back of the car. LED headlights are great at night.

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  Standard Vs Touring - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Mead5.0 - July 17 - 12:50 am

  I just recently purchased my Prius used with 6000 miles. Here is a little information I havent seen. Toyota gives you a slightly better warranty on a used vehicle than on a new one. Mine went to 7 yrs, 100,000 miles. If you try the standard model and are not satisfied with the ride or handling, try the touring model. I had decided not to buy the Prius as I had taken it at a high rate of speed over rough road. The dealer said to take the touring model over the same road. It felt like a different car. Wifes opinion also. The only thing I dont like are the super bright headlights. They cant seem to regulate them. I told them if they cant, to put standard lights in. We just love this car.

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  Another Happy Prius Owner - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By gary256 - July 16 - 1:03 pm

  My model V had already been ordered by the dealer. The only other models available to see were a III and a IV, and they were already sold so I couldnt drive one. I decided to take the one coming based on research and the reputation of the Prius. Two weeks later it arrived. I am extremely pleased with my choice. The car met or exceeded all my expectations and is remarkably fun to drive. I find myself driving slower and enjoying it more. I love the Sandy Beach color and the wheels on the V really set it apart from the others.

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  Good overall car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By hard driver - July 15 - 10:00 am

  Have had the car for a month (1500 miles) since waiting 7 months. Gas milage is what we expected ranging from 41 to 64. My wife uses it to commute 85 miles a day and she is averaging 51. I am used to firmer rides, so springs in rear could be firmer but it handles adequately. Surprised that it could easily do 100 with 5 on board.

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  Toyota Prius 2004 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By erwin freund - July 14 - 9:20 pm

  This vehicle has electronic controls and features only found in high end model cars. The hybrid mechanism switches flawlessly on the fly between the gas and electric power. The car drives and feels stable at high speed, up to 90 mph in my case. The MPG is less than the advertised number but that is due to the EPA using a flawed protocol that yield misleading information about all cars. The design appeals to me as it represents a futuristic concept but it is certainly does not have a cool look. The interior is well laid out and practical but sparse. The sound system is superb. I would buy this car again, which sadly is not the case with some of the other cars I purchased.

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  Sound idea, design, and package - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By PowerNS - July 13 - 6:06 pm

  Interior design needs darker shades because the dealerships I visited had mostly tan interiors. The brake pedal has an odd feel. The initial acceleration from 0 to 20 mph in ECO mode is slow. And its a Prius I am not going to power mode it all the time otherwise I would have bought a "Only" internal combustion car. Rear seat legroom could use an extra 4 inches. Power seats would be great. The 50 MPG average is a farce. You have to coast and watch the mpg monitor to get 50+ mpg. I get 48 to 49 mpg around town to and from work normally. Otherwise the car is worth $23K and the design and mpg is what sold me. Previous car was a 2002 Infiniti Q45.

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  Extrordinary 05 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - July 12 - 11:23 pm

  Ive owned 40 cars over the last 45 years and my last one, an FX35, was by far the finest of all until gas prices went up and my annual mileage jumped to near 40,000 miles. Bye went the great Infiniti in came the Prius. This car makes the Infiniti seem like ancient technology. Cant figure out how anybody would prefer to buy anything else. The wait was well worth it. I was perfectly happy averaging between 40 and 45 miles per gallon over the first two months and then the rains came to Southern California. Since the Prius is not exactly a tank I naturally slowed down, avoided fast starts and generally kept a good distance away from other cars. Mileage jumped to 55!

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  My Consumer Vote - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Driver8 - July 11 - 10:10 pm

  I bought the Prius once they came out with the hatchback. I can carry a 3-person family and camping gear or an entire drumset with no problem. Besidese the great fuel efficency, you have one heck of a practical car as well. I call this my "consumer vote" because this is where Id like to see the auto industry go. Im getting ~46 mpg over the course of a year. Mpg in the 30s seems silly now!

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  Prius 4 Touring- good and bad - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Marianne McNair - July 11 - 1:44 pm

  We replaced a 8 year old Prius with a 2016 Prius 4 touring. We loved our old Prius and find some of the changes in the new a little quirky. The white console accents- really? White cupholders? i give them another week before they get stained with coffee. Our old prius was noisy, and this new one also has a lot of road noise. The roof peaks over the front seats and they feel wonderfully roomy. The back seats are a bit squishy on head room. The cargo room in the back seems bigger than in the older car. The new safety features- like blind spot monitoring and lane departure are wonderful. The car handles well and feels zippy. The range- 800 or so miles- on a tank of gas is incredible. The screens are easy to read. The navigation system displays on the main console screen, but also can show directional instructions up by the speedometer.