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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  Safety and reliability - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Snow - March 14 - 2:33 am

  I own a Prius for more than 18 months now. Its a fun car to drive with great fuel economy. The only thing that bothers me is how safe I am in this car. Had met with 2 accidents and the car got damaged badly in both. Luckily I was alone in the car on both the occasions. The body is not strong. A simple hit can cause bumps. Just wonder, is economy that better than the safety!!

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  Green Gem - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MUlrickson - March 11 - 10:43 pm

  This vehicle has surprising performance, quickly accelerating for on ramps and passing cars on two lane hi-ways. Turning radius is excellent. It has surprising interior room, with plenty of leg room in front and rear. Our vehicle was achieving 48 to 53 mph in city driving during summer and fall driving, but has fallen close to 40 during winter driving. We are on the wait list to receive another.

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  Love This Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Arizona341 - March 10 - 10:56 pm

  It is our second Prius. We will only have hybid cars. The car is everything anyone needs in a car. Quiet, reliable, and good for the health of the nation.

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  Love the Prius But... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pbonem - March 10 - 4:06 am

  Love the car for all the reasons everyone else loves the car. Always considered it one of my best purchases of any product ever. Never had a complaint until today and, now, Im think of selling the car. I park in a smallish garage with the hood of the car under a storage shelf; I cant open the hood without backing the car a few feet. And, two nights ago, I left the drivers door ajar, draining the 12 volt battery. Thats the 12 volt battery in the far left rear of the car, accessible ONLY via the rear hatchback door that DOES NOT OPEN WITHOUT ELECTRICTY. The solution recommended in the owners manual is to crawl into the back and start disassembling the car from the inside.

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  City driving was never so much fun - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Unagi - March 9 - 10:00 am

  Contrary to many other reports, we are happy with our gas mileage as we are averaging between 53 and 55 mpg in mixed driving. We love this car (have package 7), especially fit and finish of vehicle. Enjoy very much the display screen that has made us more peaceful and calmer drivers! Neighbors laugh that they never hear us coming. Other owners in town always smile and wave at us - its a small, but proud, club.

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  2004 Toyota Prius with Package #9 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dan P Russell - March 9 - 10:00 am

  So many new and moderan things to play with I felt like a kid in a candy store. The gas milage is unbelievable.. On a recent trip of about 340 miles I got 58.6 MPG. At age 68 Ive had 8 new cars and this one with out a doubt was been the most fun to drive.

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  Fun Driving - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By ReneeIF - March 8 - 5:30 am

  This is the first car Ive owned in which I can control the fuel economy. I love the leather interior: it makes the car look luxurious. The modern styling is super cool. The optional JBL 6 CD stereo could be better; the sound quality is not that great.

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  Perfect car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By George B. - March 4 - 6:16 pm

  Ive had this car for almost a year and wouldnt trade it for anything in the world. Ive hauled some things with it as well. When my co-workers and I go out for lunch, we use my car cause "Im saving the planet".

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  Amazed - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By hybridamir1990 - March 3 - 4:09 am

  I have owned many different cars, Jeep, Ford, Nissan, Pontiac and so on. I HATED all of them. from reliability to comfort to fuel economy. I have alwasy be skeptical about buying a hybrid but one day I was so fed up with the vehicle I owned, I went straight to Toyota and traded it in for a 2008 Toyota Prius. Two years later, it is still the best automotive decision I have ever made. Although it does have some road noise, the ride is amazing and smooth. I see alot of complaints about the comfort of the seats but I find them more then suitable, there smooth, soft and comfortable enough to seat five people. I live in North Eastern Pennsylvania and I am a Prius driver for life.

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  best hybrid on the market - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By nic-in-WI - March 1 - 2:26 pm

  Overall, we love this car. Weve had it for almost a year and a half. Handles reasonably well in WI winters and also performed very well in the mountains. Averaged 60mpg through Yellowstone National Park while being fully loaded with gear. Plenty of leg room for my 61 husband. Would definitely purchase another.