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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  What It promises - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By j - July 9 - 3:33 am

  I am a first time Toyota owner happily surprised with quality. My previous car only got 28 mpg, even if I get bad mileage on Prius it is still above best on the previous car. Very impressed with mileage over 51 mpg first tank, computer says second tank over 50 mpg. Lots of leg room, 6 foot son sits in back with out complaining

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  Driving the Best - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chris Rollins - July 3 - 3:43 pm

  Personally, Id prefer a solar generated vehicle but since that isnt available, I chose the next best environmentally friendly vehicle. I feel good about doing something constructive about preserving the environment.

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  Prius Rocks - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By drosich - July 1 - 9:43 am

  Prius is simply the best vehicle I have owned, and I have owned a number after driving for over 30 years. Reliable, comfortable and fun to drive - not to mention the best of all - super fuel economy. Although I dont get the 50-60 mpg that EPA says, I do get 45 to 48 on average, and thats still awesome. Only concern is that I am now on my 3rd set of tires, soon to purchase my 4th. But a really great car all around!

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  Went from muscle to green - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Hoshi - July 1 - 5:10 am

  Great car, marginal review mirror visibility. Went from muscle to green and loving it. Mileage takes a hit in hilly terrain. 48-52 mpg highway, <40 around town for short trips.

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  I like My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By olmesbobbon - June 29 - 12:13 pm

  I am impressed with the Prius. Very good gas mileage. Roomy for a small car. Very good acceleration. Comfortable and fun to drive.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Ron O - June 28 - 2:56 am

  Enjoy driving it, and it is comfortable. AZ freeway speeds are 75 MPH. Car has no problems keeping up with the traffic (I seldom go over 80, but have reached 90 and above, with no problems). I average between 40 and 45 MPG.

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  What a great CAR! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 64alpha - June 27 - 3:43 am

  Oh man this car rocks. The only thing I dont like is the acceleration of the electric engine. You can only accelerate so much then boom gas. But still it could use like a 60hp electric engine instead of 40hp to give it more acceleration without using gas. It gets great mileage and we fill $41 at $4.22 a gal. Only about 9.75 gallons. This car rocks. Buy it NOW! The waiting lists are rising! Best hybrid yet!

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  bvichi - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Vichi - June 25 - 5:26 am

  This car shows just what a company with a direction and focus can do for the consumer. There is a certain joy that comes when getting 47 miles per gallon. U.S. auto makers had better get with it...and fast!

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  I love my Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By MaryBB - June 22 - 11:56 pm

  I have had my Prius for two years now. I bought it used with only 18,000 miles on it. It handles the road well, with a minimum of turning base, and it takes these West Virginia hills like nothing. I would buy a new one because the seats in this one do not fold down, but its been so good for me I hate to get rid of it.

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  over all value - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By shirley261 - June 22 - 7:20 am

  These cars deliver maximum MPG in a city setting. My car requires a fill up only once every 3 weeks. I test my milage and have found that the mpg as listed in the cars figures and my figures agree. I have no complaints with the interior except that my golf clubs are about 2 inches to long to fit in the trunk comfortably. I am 53" and my husband is 63" and we both are very satisfied with the car, both comfort wise and performance wise.