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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  Awesome Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ssmithri - November 16 - 3:00 am

  Owning and driving this car pleases all of the senses and sensibilities. At a base price around $21,000 (I spent $24k with options), the Prius is affordable. The roominess (comparable to a Camry inside) allows for space for children or cargo (or both). The stylish outside and detailed appointments inside(multi-function display, sleek lines, etc...) are easy on the eyes. The ears and and nose appreciate the silent operation in electric only mode (the engine automatically shuts off /on depending on power/speed needs) and the near zero emissions leaves no foul oily taste in the mouth. The handling is responsive and tight and leaves one with a feeling of having a midas touch.

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  Awesome! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sblantonus - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I waited nearly three months for this car, but it was well worth it. Though it does not have the acceleration of a sports car, it is still perfectly acceptable, and very fun to drive. In fact, it is fun to drive, fun to own, fun to see the looks of envy from other drivers, and will be fun at tax time when I can take a nice deduction for buying a hybred. Its just awesome. I love it!

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  they said it could not be done - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mkitty - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I love the idea of using an electric motor to save on gasoline usage. And it doesnt have to be plugged in. The gasoline engine shuts off at stops and the A/C runs off the the battery, not the gasoline engine. Just a couple of ways to save gas money and decrease emissions. Not only that, but it is a very attractive, spacious, and well-made car that is fun to drive.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dee - November 11 - 11:36 pm

  Its just a fun car. There is a learning curve involved with getting the promised mileage. Once you learn to ease your foot off the gas and trust the electric motor, the gas savings can be impressive.

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  Fabulous - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By tbird - November 9 - 3:13 am

  Last 20 years have owned Loaded Astro vans Areo-Stars, Windstars, and traded a 1 year old Free-Star for my pride and joy. I owned 2 large auto body shops and have always admired Toyota construction and quality. I cant say enough about this car. My last 4 tanks (90% local) have given me 50.5 MPG. The car is perfect. I am 6 foot and very stiff from 3 back operations and get in and out ok.

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  Hate it and selling for Subaru - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Liz - November 8 - 11:26 pm

  Always had Toyotas until 1999 then got OUTBACK and loved it. Sold it for this new 2009 Prius. Only have 2,600 and HATE the car. Quality is cheap...metal dents easily, interior is cheaply done, little storage room and I am single with one medium sized dog and one little dog...Selling this to buy used low mileage Subaru Impreza...(regret purchase and will not buy another Toyota...they make them too CHEAP now. Shame on them...the old ones were GREAT...pre 1998)...no longer! Hate touch screen..always dirty.

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  An absolute delight - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marilee - November 8 - 4:00 am

  I had read all about the Prius and enjoyed my short test drive, but not until I took delivery and really put the car through its paces did I begin to smile broadly. The Prius is peppy, accelates well, feels responsive and stable and handles like a dream. The gas tank only holds 10 gallons, but since I get a combined (real world, not the EPA fantasy driving figures) 45mpg, that means I could drive 450 miles between refills. One really doesnt notice when the car shifts between gas and electric, except for the cool display screen. The only problem I had was the upgraded stereo conked out after 5,000 miles. A new receiver, installed under warranty, solved that.

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gloria Pierce - November 3 - 2:50 am

  I love driving my Prius. It is as smooth as a Magic Carpet Ride. It is soft and easy to handle and yet still has the European feel when driving, just softer and quieter. The touch screens are easy to work with and it shows me in several ways exactly how much gasoline it is using and how many gallons per mile it is using at any given time. It teaches you how to drive safer and more carefully to not use as much gasoline and after 1100 miles, Im averaging, realistically, 47 miles per gallon.

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  Laughing away from the gas pump - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Button - November 2 - 6:43 pm

  Ive had the car for 6 weeks and love it! Im getting 47 mpg in mixed driving, over twice what I was getting in old car. Great hatch, with no liftover - its easy to get things in and out. Backup camera is a must, difficult to see anything out of rear window. Would not get tan cloth interior again, shows dirt too easy. Would get leather interior, wish they would offer heated seats.

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  What a car!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Grandma2 - October 31 - 6:56 pm

  We long anticipated owning this car. It took us 6 months on the waiting list to finally arrive. We got the top-of-the-line package (#9) with 6 air bags & voice activated navagation system. We have put close to 7k miles on the car & not a single problem. This is a fantastic car to drive, very quiet (except on steep grades), exceptional mileage (avg 47MPG since we have owned it), very reliable and comfortable with the isofoam seats!! I cant say enough about how refined this car is and how everything works so well together. The car is very roomy inside & has good space utilization (hatchback & fold down seats). My one big worry is if I break down in the middle of nowhere!!!!