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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  A Symphony of Creaks and Rattles - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By LF - February 28 - 2:30 pm

  The only real complaint we have is the many creaks and rattles in the car which make for a very unpleasant environment. We have had to buy self adhesive padding to try to stop glove box rattles, armrest rattles. We have yet to discover cause the rattles that emanate from the rear of the vehicle. Clearly a good eal of the annoyance is due to an overabundance of plastic used in the interior design.

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  great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By nedlaw - February 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun, zippy, quiet, safe and comfortable, and you feel good about minimizing impact the environment, and minimizing our national dependence on oil!

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  2010 Toyota Prius III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dancergirl - February 27 - 10:40 pm

  We had wanted to buy a Prius and were relieved that my 63" husband could fit in it. We bought Prius III for the better sound system and Bluetooth (although we dont yet have a need for Bluetooth; thought it best to plan for the future).

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  Best Surprise on the Road - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By winband - February 27 - 2:36 pm

  I bought my Prius on the day of hurricane Katrina... had a bad feeling about gas prices since I drove an Chevy Avalanche and had just filled up for $75. I needed room, comfort, economy, and dependability and the Prius has not disappointed me one single bit! This is a MOST surprising car! I suggest you drive one before you think it cant be for real - its absolutly great! Im saving about $250 a month on my gas bill and loving every minute of my driving time!

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  High quality, excellent ride, exceeds my expectati - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Don Rohde - February 27 - 4:44 am

  When I bought my 2009 Prius, I was very pleased with the car and the gas mileage. However, I was disappointed I had to give up certain creature features that I had in my 2005 Prius. However, my 2016 Prius exceeds my expectations as compared to my 2005 Camry. I have the moonroof I gave up with my 2009 Prius. However, I now have all of the features I use to have with my Camry. All of the electronic safety are fantastic. It has an excellent ride and is very quiet on the road. Some minor disappointments. Less internal storage in the car. Lost the above glove compartment storage and storage area under the center console. Also lost the limited storage area located over the spare tire. Oh ya, I got a model 4. The problem is, I no longer have a temp spare tire, but a repair kit and inflator. The is a [non-permissible content removed] moment when I realized that I paid more for a model 4 and didnt get a spare tire. My salesman is trying to get me information on why. We looked at a model 3 and it had the temp spare tire. This may have been an engineer decision where because of the additional safety features in my model 4, they had to balance the overall weight of the vehicle by eliminating the temp spare tire. Come on Toyota, that is not right. Positive, on a recent 30 mile round trip, I averaged 60 MPG with normal driving condition. Love that!

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  Not A Bad Little Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Tenlee - February 26 - 5:16 pm

  As a 14yr SUV-veteran, I had to face the fact that it was not long for the road. I thought of going for another SUV but I figured gas would be going through the roof and I needed a more economical vehicle for the frequent short trips I was now making. It took a few months for me to adjust to the change in height and performance of the Prius but the tradeoff has been worth it. It has a surprisingly smooth ride on the highway and doesnt feel like its going 70 mph. Pickup from a stop is decent, maneuverability is good, not crazy about the backup alert, passenger room is comfortable for 4 people. My trips to the gas station have been cut in half compared with the SUV guzzler.

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  Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Tyler - February 25 - 8:43 pm

  This is the greatest car I have ever bought, and at a great price too.

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  Great Car - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By nick1936 - February 24 - 3:44 pm

  Love this easy to operate I drive mostly with cruise control and i am getting 55+ mpg only had the car for a month and have already saved $350 in gas over my old van.I will continue to put the difference in gas savings in a saving account for a year to see what the total saving areand subtract them from my sales price including tags and taxes which was $ 22,245 a think was a great buy.

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  Has flaws, but still loving it... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By XOXOPrius(= - February 21 - 4:20 pm

  I absolutely love this car the gas mileage is excellent and even meets and exceeds the mpg when in ideal situations (lots of stop and go, coasting down hill, etc). However I dont attain it too often because I have a lead foot and live in a small city that doesnt see too many stops. Most of my gas usage is spent when the gas engine recharges the battery after starting. The spoiler in back seems to be a little delicate. Im afraid Ill break it if I slam the trunk too hard. Also, the interior should be more resilient. Ive already noticed that the paint is peeling on the glove compartment. Maybe Toyota or an accessories shop could design covers to customize or conceal the original look.

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  Code Red! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Audrey - February 19 - 2:46 am

  I have been researching the Prius for 4 months and decided it was time to move on it. Its fun to drive and quiet. The controls are easily accessible and Im getting 46-48+ miles per gallon. My previous car was averaging 16 mpg. Im getting 3 times my moneys worth. Its an awesome car and Ive never been happier with an auto purchase before.