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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  not for snow/cold weather - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GREG STUEWE - September 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has been built for less weight and hence experiences loss of traction coupled with the long wheel base(room for battery)very hard to turn on snow/ice. The first snow we got(after buying) I hit the curb and bent the rim $380 + to replace. Got stuck 4 times. I only had that happen one other time in 27 years of dirving. Poor fuel economy in cold weather. Gas engine never shuts down, has to run to keep warm. I plan on storing this vehicle next winte

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  Love this car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By tdburda - September 23 - 5:20 pm

  I have a 45 mile commute one way, up and down plenty of hills and have been averaging about 47 mpg and the car is not even broken in yet. Three days after we got the car we took a 2,000 mile trip it did excellent and was very comfortable. I have become a bit obsessive about the MPG.

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  owned a short time, but quite happy - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By carbuff50 - September 22 - 8:54 pm

  We purchased a four with sunroof, and added the 17 inch wheels to it. Drove one with the 17 inch wheels and it made a wonderful difference in ride/handling. Mileage so far is 51.9 avg.. The car is truly a tech. marvel. The inside is a little noisy but I think some of that is due to the standard toy size 15 inch tires that come on it. The sunroof is terrific and well worth the money. This car does not feel anything like our prior older Prius which felt like a much more base/utilitarian vehicle. We also have a high end MB and I am finding myself driving this more than it-because it is fun.

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  buy prius over honda - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By jabass - September 22 - 10:00 am

  I have nearly 22,000 miles w/o any problems to date......I average about 70 mi/day commuting.....what the reviews of this car (as compared to Honda) dont tell you is that Toyota covers your preventative maintenance for the 1st 37,500 miles of driving...and goes a step further than Honda by warranting all hybrid components for 8 years/100,000 miles...and the power train is for 60 months/five years....honda doesnt come close......... Great commuting car...and has a good, solid feel on the road......

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  2012 Prius II - 3 year 51,000 mile review - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Colin - September 20 - 4:24 am

  I purchased this car brand new in March 2013. I have now driven it for 3 years and 51,000 miles. The Good: No mechanical problems, excellent gas mileage (I average 45 mpg overall), large cargo space with rear seats folded down (I can put my road bicycle in without taking the wheels off), inexpensive to maintain and seats 4 adults comfortably. The Bad: Noisy ride, plastic interior rattles, not good in snow on stock tires (Ill elaborate next sentence) and boring to drive (I knew it would be though because its a Prius). I live in Pittsburgh which is hilly and gets lots of wet snowy days. I have stock tires and this car struggles to go up steep hills, slips a lot during acceleration/braking and traction control works funny. There is an odd procedure of pressing the brake pedal and turning the car on/off multiple times to temporarily disable the traction control but it is not something you can do in a tricky situation. Its nice to be able to turn traction control on and off because sometimes it makes driving in the snow harder. Overall this is a great car getting good gas mileage and its a great highway and city commuter. I plan to keep this car several more years despite some of the negative aspects.

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  Disappoined in MPGs in my 2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By marjie - September 19 - 9:13 pm

  I really enjoy drivig the car. Tire pressure has been checked, I am driving in the most efficient way that I know of; no flooring, lots of coasting, avoiding complete stop at lights if legal, slowing down for a turn using low gear and very little of any, brakes. So why am I getting a high of 36 mpg? I brought it into the dealer but they have no suggestions.

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  Als Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Albert - September 19 - 4:13 pm

  My wife and I both love this car! Its fun to drive, and gets good mileage. Im a retired engineer, and Im amazed at the excellent engineering design and workmanship that has gone into this car. It way ahead of the competition. Its fun to talk to other Prius owners and compare notes. Looking forward to future Prius car clubs and rallies.

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  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Brian - September 16 - 5:10 am

  This could be the best car I have ever owned if it is reliable over time. Second Hybrid for me -- first 2003 Civic Hybrid 165K miles w/ not ever a single service problem when I sold it. 2010 Prius smooth, quiet, great Bluetooth, roomy cabin, great JBL system, very sound steering and ride. I only have about 325 miles of mixed driving so far but gauge says 51.5 MPG and just under 1/2 tank.

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  Im in love... - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Roger Strand - September 15 - 7:06 am

  If its possible to be in love with a car, then Im in love with my 2006 Prius! Everything about it has more than met my expectations, which were high. Interior room and comfort, and ease of exit and entry are exceptional. The only bit of disappointment so far is with city driving mileage - its been more in the 45-50 mpg range, rather than the high 50s as I was expecting.

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  A Good Decision - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rhonda - September 14 - 5:13 pm

  While I wasnt crazy about the exterior design, my research helped me decide based upon other positive features and ease of getting in and out. I am delighted w/my Prius. It holds the road well, maneuvers in traffic well. Solid sounding door closure. Mileage is better when not doing a lot of hwy. drvg. I compute mileage by the tank and have gotten as much as 412 miles to a tank of gas and as little as 308. The specs say its an 11.9 gallon tank, but from empty, Ive never been able to put more than 8.8 gallons in it. That equates to 35 to 46.81 mpg. It sure beats the 17 mpg I was getting in my minivan. I also love people asking me about it. I could be a Prius salesperson.