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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  Prius after 100k Miles... STAY AWAY! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Alert Toyota Prius! - January 28 - 4:10 pm

  I purchased a "Preowned Certified" Toyota Prius 5 years ago with 30K miles on, my car has now 115,000, the ECU went 3 times already, the ECM and the catalytic converter need to be replaced. Anyone out there with a Prius.... Good Luck! What I saved on gas all these years Im paying on parts, I cant wait to get rid of this car.

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  A perfect 10 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By eglmainz - January 26 - 5:53 pm

  This is my first Hybrid purchase, and we could not be happier. In the first two weeks of ownership, I have averaged about 56 mpg, which is about a 12% increase in the rated EPA average. The fit and finish of this car is better than and I have owned before. The comfort of the Heated Leather seats are a vast improvement from the last Prius. The entire cockpit redesign of this car make it very unique and logical. As for handling, this car rides like it is on rails. I feel no body roll in the car, even when taking turns sharply to maximize my fuel economy. If you have been on the fence for a new car, its time to jump off, and jump into a 2010 Prius! Toyota really got this one right!!!!!

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  BEST HYBRID ON THE MARKET - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bill J - January 24 - 3:36 pm

  I have never been as excited about a car as I am about this one. It is so nice to drive that I just want to stay in it all the time. Race car tight steering and stability, yet has an amazingly smooth comfortable ride. The car teaches and creates a desire to achieve higher MPG as you watch the Energy Display Graphics. I am averaging 52.5 MPG. Stop and go and slow travel on the Highway gives you your best MPG. I have driven four miles up to a speed of 41 MPH before the gas engene has started on the Highway. The Climate control, sound system, Navagation system and the many others are so easy to access on the steering wheel and display screen. All these things make it fun to drive.

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  Sweet Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By David - January 22 - 5:03 am

  This car is fun to drive. I went over 600 miles on my first tank of gas (in a12 gallon tank, you do the math ;-)). Many of the standard features were nicer than my Mercedes. It is obvious the Prius gets awesome mileage, but what you dont expect are the nice standard features and comfort...

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  Best car ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By iNip - January 21 - 2:30 pm

  I use my Prius as a work delivery vehicle. I average 150 miles a day and 52 mpg. When using the pulse and glide method I can exceed 55 mpg.

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  Love my Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jo - January 21 - 5:50 am

  I cannot express how much we love this car. I have wanted one since they came out and finally did it when Toyota offered zero percent financing. It is everything I thought it would be. My first trip, I averaged 50.8 mpg. I am getting around 49 in town. Unbelievable.

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  Original Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PEAJEAN - January 20 - 10:00 am

  I have owned a 2001 Prius and have loved my car since November of 2000. Had to select the hatchback, but it is the original sedan. Presently showing 52 MPG on its computer screen. The Zapper loves warm weather, and the lowest is winter mileage about 39MPG. Initial problems all under warranty. Why pay twice as much per gallon and arrive at the same place at the same time as another sedan? Tax credit the first year, and gas economy ever since. Have taken it to Detroit and into the hills of Tennessee. No problems with hills, and turns on a dime.Take four more, three more with comfort. Watch for ZAP GAS in Columbus, Ohio, driven by a retired school teacher lady.

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  Simpy put.... A Phenomenal Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JABer - January 16 - 7:50 pm

  I cannot say enough about this phenomenal car. Great mileage is only the start ( I am averaging over 51 MPG). There is also the interior room of a larger mid-size, great ride, above average handling, techno-toys galore, simple to operate, and just a joy to drive. You feel great everytime you drive it. The rest is just all Toyota - great fit and finish, and the car feels like it cost 10k more than it does.

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  Its Worth Waiting For! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kay - January 15 - 3:46 pm

  This is a fun to drive, fuel efficient automobile! It took a few days to become accustomed to the different driving features and the smart-key entry system. Now its second nature and Ive never regretted the purchase.

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  the best kept secrect in auto industry - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By car crazy - January 10 - 3:26 pm

  I have had this car about 4,000 miles and I am still amazed by it. After buying it, my wife made me sell her LS430 Lexus since she quit driving it completely. I really feel less tired after a long trip than I did in my Lexus. Many people have stopped me in parking lots and asked about it, and I have never met a person that has one that did not love it. If more people drove hybirds, we would be exporting oil not to mention what it would do to the environment. Believe it or not, this is about the 10th year that this car has been----and it is really perfected.