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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  I love it! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By David Block - April 1 - 10:00 am

  When you are sit at a red light, the internal combustion engine stops and you run just on electricity! Its like a golf cart. The car gives the feeling that it has stalled out, but it is fully functional! I LOVE that! I also love that if you run the car in Los Angeles, the exhaust is cleaner than the ambient air!!!! Not a month goes by that some stranger stops me and asks how I love it. And I do. Its a brilliant concept. They do it very well. Oil changes are every 7500 miles, and Toyota has paid for every one of mine. The only thing I have ever paid for is a new set of tires.

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  Tires bad already - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bea - March 28 - 10:40 pm

  We had a 2001 Prius sedan. The tires didnt last very long so when we went to buy our 2005, we specifically asked about tires. We were assured the problem had been taken care of. However, the tires on the 2005 havent lasted any longer. We are at 20,000 miles and have been told we need replacements at next service. Evidently, the sales people and service people have never communicated about the problem. What you save on gas, you spend on tires so gas saving is not a good reason to buy this car. Also, the sedan was easier to drive. The hatchback has blind spots. The hatchback open so high, you have to be careful of overhead garage doors. Be careful not to shut door when hatch is open.

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  So Happy - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Harley Sexton - March 28 - 1:16 am

  We just completed a 4500 mile trip to Vegas and back. Average mileage was 52.4mpg. Every aspect of the car was a joy. Especially in 108 degree weather, when we could leave the air conditioning on while we were away from the car. Coming back to a cool car was such a delight. Catch up, American manufacturers!!!! I would like to buy American.

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  High tech sleek gas sipper - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kevco - March 26 - 2:00 am

  The Toyota Prius has the most seamless powerband I have ever had the opportunity to own. The second generation of Prius is the best yet! I have been averaging 51.5 mpg, with my first tank ! A little tip for getting better mpg... is to get up to speed and then let it go into electric mode. (for city driving under 40mph) I feel so lucky to own this Hybrid.

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  New but excited - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By golfandjan - March 26 - 2:00 am

  We have had it only one week, but love it so far. It handles very well and has plenty of power (although power is a relative thing, and its always fun to have more). The gas mileage is great although I dont think it will ever be close to the 60 mpg in town that its rated. We have it loaded, so the Navigation system, cell phone through the car system, controls on the steering wheel etc., are lots of fun, and work well. We havent needed to use the vehicle skid control yet. Im looking forward to owning a hybrid van.

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  Convinced! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By satisfied - March 25 - 5:33 pm

  Drive a lot and couldnt be happier with the mileage. Lots of space, headroom, love the bluetooth. Traded my sports car for the Prius and thought I was compromising the power but was happily surprised. Love the car and will buy another. We use the car for all our driving whenever possible.

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  Ny Army green - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By warrior8@charter.net - March 19 - 12:33 pm

  Outstanding. Test drive in the Sierras. Handled just fine. Averaging 51.1 MPG Ive only have had it 6 months, unable to enter annual mileage.

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  Hybrid Happiness - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By goforward - March 19 - 2:00 am

  Toyota, follow-up by Honda, leads the world in the practical application of driver and Earth friendly hybrid vehicle technology. Toyota’s redesigned and reengineered 2004 Prius is in another league altogether from its present day competitors, offering comfort, five passenger practicality and added cargo space. Toyota delivers a next generation gas-hybrid system that excels in both performance and driver/passenger design. A joy to drive, wonderfully engineered with power to spare. The real reward is at the gas pump, where saying no to big oil translates into filling up on less than 9 gallons, and not having to pay for premium fuel.

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  The car of the future is here now - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Rene A. Doess - March 19 - 2:00 am

  What a wondeful car! I did own a 01 Prius for 3 years. To drive the 04 model is like stepping into a different dimension. The fully loaded version offers a wonderful voice guided NAV system, bloetooth cell phone system, a smart entry & smart start system, lots of cargo room and is just fun to drive. Oh, I almost forgoth the excellent MPG! Anybody who buys a conventional hatchback vehcile must be ignorant to our enviroment. All I can say "you have to drive a 04 Prius". Sincerely, Rene A. Doess

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  Why? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jalen72 - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I am the proud owner of a Ford Excursion and a former owner of a Mitsubishi Montero Sport, the latter was wrecked recently and we rented a Toyota Prius, this car is sooooo nice. Did I mention I had an excursion and now I am in something that gets 60 MPG, let me see, 12MPG vs 60 MPG, I can put up with the narrow seats, heck I need to drop a few lbs, I can put up with the slow take off,the excursion cant go over 85 MPH anyway, to make this simple, with the recent situation in the Middle East, I have nothing but praise for this car, I would save a the equivilant of a car note by trading down. Did I mention 60 MPG. Enough said.