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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  So far so good! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By retiredtiger - June 1 - 12:20 pm

  Weve just purchased the vehicle and I hope we like it down the road as much as now! So far excellent mileage, great comfort and sharp appearance. Replaced a Camry and surprisingly the Prius had as much if not more room inside. We have the 17" tires which make the handling very good although they do make the bumps more noticeable. This is a good trade off in our case. It was almost like learning to drive all over again as this is the first hybrid weve owned. It is fun to drive! Really like the ability to expand the cargo area - it is huge! Learning to work the navigation is a chore for an "old dinosaur" like myself, but it works great! At this point we love the car!

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  2012 Prius Two - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Randolph Murdock III - June 1 - 4:00 am

  Good car, very comfortable for someone who is average build and 58". Interior materials are chintzy, but well laid-out. I have had the car a little over six months now, and have had only normal maintenance. The one nagging thing with this car is the right air vent near the passenger door. It refuses to stay locked in place, after having been replaced. I have learned to live with it, as it doesnt pop off, but does not fit flush with the rest of the dash. The Entune stuff is not that useful, as the few apps on my phone are far better. The bluetooth connection with my tracfone is flawless. I love getting an average of 46mpg in winter mixed highway/city driving. The USB and power ports work, but are very oddly placed in the center console and under the hump between the seats in the front. The road noise is acceptable, but a bit on the loud side. I know part of this is due to our not-so-great roads. I am now a bit over a year in owning the car, and still getting ~46mpg average. The right air vent problem I have had is gone now, as a friend of mine found the proper tool to pop it in and out with for the cabin air replacement, and it has stayed in place since. I am not sure why the selling dealer doesnt have the tool. Life has been boring with this car, as there is nothing to do but regular maintenance, and washes... my kind of car!

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  Great Car with Caliper lower Pins noise - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Cook - May 31 - 3:33 am

  This is our second Prius. We purchased a 2007 new and have loved it with no problems. My experience so far with the 2010 Prius is that it is an improvement in almost every way over the 2007. One problem arose after a 1000 miles or so. The lower pins in the front rotors rattle loudly when I go over certain bumps, ruts, manhole cover dips etc of which there are many in our area. Our dealers service dept says that this is a known problem with the 2010, with no current solution. I have taken to driving with my window up so I dont hear the noise. Our Service Manager says that Toyota is aware and working on a solution.

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  owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Glenn - May 28 - 4:53 am

  I have only had this vehicle for two months. I like the idea of the good gas milage. The ignition and door unlocking system is nice since you need not dig out your keys. The heater system is slower to warm up than our Camry. The slow heat-up is somewhat a nuisance in Iowa in the winter. The lower part of the hatch where the hatch latch is located seems to collect dirt rather quickly. I am very pleased with the vehicle and would recomend it to people that are conscious about energy consumption.

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  Prius makes it fun to drive again! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By COPhil - May 26 - 2:06 am

  My Prius is just over a year old and it is the first car that Ive owned in the last 20 years that has actually been fun to drive. Ive always had big cars, (Detroit Iron) for the comfort but we have just completed a four thousand mile motor trip and the Prius was more comfortable than my Chysler LHS or Buick Park Avenue and at 56 mpg. The car looks small from the outside but has plenty of head and leg room and the seats sit high so that you can see whats going on around the vehicle. I really enjoy this car unlike my last several vehicles that were just transportation.

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  New 2010 Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By JC - May 24 - 3:50 am

  I just got my new prius yesterday. I drive around 30K miles a year and went from a 2009 Mercedes C350 to a 2010 Prius. I have to say that it has every luxury I am used to, Bluetooth, DVD Nav with traffic updates, 6 disc CD, etc.. Its not fast by any means but with the savings at the pump I can live with that. So far I love this Prius and would recommend it to anyone who drives a lot and wants fuel savings.

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  Happy with it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Falcor - May 21 - 7:36 am

  I went from a comfortable mid size SUV to the Prius a couple of months ago. I knew I would save money on gas but thought I would be giving up comfort (or something) in return. I didt, granted I cant tow a boat with it but for everyday use and even long trips it really cant be beat! We have traveled a few hundred miles with 4 adults and no problems. The acceleration for highway driving is fine, no different than most other cars. It is a challenge to reverse everything we have learned as drivers to conserve fuel, ie: stop and go gets better mileage. The EPA estimates at 55hwy/60city I find a bit over rated but I have been averaging 48 mpg and did reach 50 mpg on my last tank.

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  Great Car. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Fan - May 20 - 12:00 pm

  I have no regrets about my purchase. This car is fun to drive, and the usual Toyota quality. I have now driven 5600 miles, and no complaints or problems what so ever.

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  Great purchase - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - May 20 - 11:50 am

  Great purchase, especially with gas going up the way it has. I have done the best I can to conserve and got a new car in the deal. I used to drive a Highlander and do not miss the size etc. I would highly recommend a Prius purchase. The car delivers all the quality one should expect from a Toyota with the bonus of 45 miles per gallon around town.

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  prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By swochap - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Outstanding vehicle for the high mileage commuter. Great fuel economy, I have avgd 44 mpg combined during the first 11,000 miles over 3 months!! Fun to drive. Plenty of power. Rides nicely. Only minor fault is interior quality--fabric could be better grade.