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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  My Prius experience - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Paul Durbak - April 5 - 2:16 pm

  The car is fun to drive, and owners belong to an informal club. We wave to each other.

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  Damaged Power Cable - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ron Gano - April 5 - 4:20 am

  After driving over a curb and hitting a pipe sticking out of the ground, I damaged the plastic protector to the main power cable running from the back to the front of the car. The pipe cut in to the cable, and the car sensed the voltage drop and shut down, and generated a $1,500 repair bill. On the brighter side, the dealership was well equipt to handle the repair and had several Prius-trained mechanics on staff. Because of the unusual repair, it took two days to get the part, but the work was done professionally and quickly. Overall, were very happy with the cars performance and gas mileage. However, we really arent careful in trying to raise the mileage, which is about 48 average.

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  Just OK - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Phila - April 5 - 4:20 am

  Traded from 09 civix EX. Purchased in Nov now ith 2,500 mi. Hatchback offers much greater room. Mileage severely down from avg 47 in fall to 36ppg in cold weather due to addition of "winter Fuel" in the NE and the generally less efficient nature of a battery hybrid in the cold. The IV has the lumbar support that provides a pretty comfortable ride. Acceleration, outside of the passing gear is poor.

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  Spunky and Funky - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - April 4 - 8:36 pm

  I have my Highlander hybrid set aside as my comfortable, long trip vehicle and bought the Prius for my daily compute (25 miles each way). The car is surprisingly comfortable with only adequate power (spunky). I got the package 6 (high end) version and am very happy with the leather and the bells & whistles (funky) - others warned me about the cloth seats comfort and its affinity for picking up dirt and stains; leather was expensive but worth the $1400 extra fee. The visual feedback on the electric/gas interaction makes the hybrid owners secret "pulse & glide" process very easy - it changes your whole way of driving!

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Howard J. Huemmler - April 4 - 5:40 pm

  Got 53 mpg avg. for 8700 miles. Old car got 23. Go figure, literally. At $2.70/gal and 20000 miles annual usage, were saving $2240/yr. So breakeven time for purchase price difference should be a couple of years. It is also comforting to know that we are killing demand, not people. This in addition to emissions reduction. Isnt this a no brainer for these three reasons?

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  Love My Prius! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Davidnesc - April 3 - 12:23 pm

  Wow this car is like driving the car of the future! I am getting about 53 mpg average. Sticker said 61 mpg but here in Ky we do not have the stop and go traffic to get the higher mileage. It is quiet, smooth, powerful and the interior space is amazing. The back seat is far larger than anyone would imagine from looking at the outside.

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  Best of Cars - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Patti - April 3 - 8:46 am

  My Lexus SUV has been parked over a year now,I LOVE this car.It can make a U turn on a dime with a lane left over.It consistantly gets 47 mpg plenty of power and acceleration on hills.Parking it is great in crowded lots because it is too skinny to get dinged but much more roomy than a Civic and almost as much as a Camry. If you havent driven a Hybrid it takes some getting used to it dieing at a light...and then taking off like a golf cart but totally cool! My parents love my car so much they are buying one.I might add I am 47... worse thing I can say is it is a bit noisy on the freeway and using Bluetooth is a bit rough for the other party to understand you clearly in that condition.

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  Great Drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Buddy - April 2 - 2:36 am

  This car is great on long trips in fuel economy, comfort and performance. It will keep up with the best on the highway.

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  Fabulous Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By thymetobe - April 1 - 2:33 pm

  I love this car. You need to know that unless you are constantly in bumper to bumper traffic you will not get 60 mpg. A dealership service department told me 43 was the average. Still not too shabby.

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  A Marvelous Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By bob mc - April 1 - 1:06 pm

  I have only had this car a very short time,but I truly think that this is the wave of the future. It is a real value, I purchased the package#1, the basic model, it it is very nicely equipped. My average mileage is now 45/mph , and has gone as high as 52.It is comfortable, all controls are very accessible, extremely quiet, and a lot of fun to drive. The only fault I can find with it , is the upholstery, very light in color, and seems it would get dirty quite easily.The interior room is very good, lots of cargo space, with and without the back seats folded down. This is a marvelous car, and I would recommend it to anyone.