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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  My Prius... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JackN4746 - September 14 - 1:10 pm

  I have had my Prius for a little over two months now and have 2100 miles on it. the car is great to drive and I must admit I love it. I bought it to use to run errands and now its my main car. Especially with the ability to use it in the carpool lane as a solo driver. Everything about the car is great. I have no negatives here. I had no idea about all the options that came on it and am very pleased. DVD navigation, keyless start blue tooth etc., all great.

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  Best new car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By towerlane - September 13 - 6:23 pm

  2007 with Option 2, aftermarket leather seats installed by dealer. Car drives extremely well. Absolutely no problems. Acceleration more than adequate getting on Northern California freeways. Love the direct input to stereo system. Climate control very well done. Purchased aftermarket leather supplied by dealer - much better than Toyota leather and did not have to buy Option 6 to get leather. Bought the Prius for my commute (48 miles each way) but my wife commandeered it for her commute (20 miles each way heavy city driving). I have a 2001 Accord V-6 and plan to trade it in and buy my own Prius.

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  2005 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Boyd - September 13 - 8:33 am

  This car is a technological marvel for the price. Not only do I get to thumb my nose to OPEC but goodies like the on board navigation system, and the blue toothe cell phone capability are really quite impressive innovations. Making all features voice activated makes me feel like Im talking to the computer on the starship, Enterprise. Cargo space is actually very good with rear seats that fold down to give you a station wagon like cargo area. Engine is powerful enough with top speeds of 100 mph. I look forward to the time that Toyota finally takes the next step and brings us the plug in HEV, with mileage in the 100 to 250 MPG range, or provides an HEV conversion to current Prius owners.

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  Best decision I ever made - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By domingk - September 12 - 2:23 pm

  I have had my Prius for five days now and know this was the best car decision I have ever made. Due to demand, I paid more than I wanted to, but it is worth it. The car is so cool! Although it looks like a small car my family of four fits comfortably and we can haul our the kids sports equipment from place to place. The fuel economy doesnt live up to the sticker, but its still great. I have averaged 48 miles to the gallon. The features are very 21st century and do take some getting used to, but they are fun and easy to use. I would recommend this car to anyone.

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  Annoying quirks almost worth it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By urbangranola - September 10 - 7:50 pm

  We bought the Prius to make a statement and vote with our wallets. The car is fine, overall. We average 48-50 mpg with 60% highway 40% city driving. Reviews that criticize mileage dont understand the EPAs tests, nor that Toyota cant advertise real world mpg - just the EPAs results. Our Prius hasnt given us any trouble, and performs surprisingly well when we need horsepower (accelerating onto freeway, getting out of trucks way). The dashboard is cheap and wears quickly, but the gauge display is cool. Keyless entry is a wonderful option with a small child, but the rear window design makes sunshades almost impossible. We understand why its automatic only, but really want a manual.

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  Such a wonderful surprise - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Lura Fellows Butt - September 9 - 5:00 am

  Very helpful dealership. I went to them just because our son was looking at trading in his Toyota pickup for the new model. My husband ask me to look at a car he had seen in the lot. I got inside, and was surprised at the leg room. So we asked to take it out on a test drive. It was everything consumers reported and more. Great pickup, and maneuverability. It passes out vehicles who think it is small, and therefore not fast. Cars hugging my back end are left in the dust. Took it to bar harbor Maine, and used only 4 tenths of a tank of gas. When we are ready to trade in, we will get another. It is the best vehicle weve owned in 48 and 1/2 years of marriage.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Carol Waldman - September 9 - 12:40 am

  The only complant I have is that the cars interior lighting at night was better. I find it hard to find some of the controls. Also, I wish it had the automatic door locks at say eight mph. and day running head lights. Other than that, I am very happy with the car and glad I bought it.

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  Some good, some bad. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rlovall - September 5 - 10:20 pm

  I own two of these cars. One has performed well with no problem and gets 50 mpg or better. The other has had the software glitch causing the car to shut off the gasoline engine, plus it only gets around 43-45 mpg at best. Oh yes, one more thing, if you plan on sitting in this car for more than 45 minutes you will need a seat cushion to sit on as these are the worst seats I have ever had in a car. The car is also hard to keep on the road in any kind of side wind.

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  So much better than expected - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Atrum Animus - September 2 - 5:40 pm

  My wife and I researched Hybrids for 3 years before finally buying our Prius. We are more than satisfied with our purchase. We immediately started saving more than $300 per month on gas. Now that gas prices have gone above $3.00 a gallon and are now hovering at about $2.70 we are saving closer to $425 per month. We actually average between 42 and 46 mpg but I have a lead foot and tend to set the cruise control on 80mph. If I can behave myself and go about 68 mph I average closer to 50 mpg on highway. My daily commute is about 80 miles round trip and this car has been a life saver over what our SUV used to cost getting 17 mpg on a good day. We recommend the Prius fully loaded.

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  The UN-SUV - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By E. OConnor-Barnes - September 2 - 12:16 am

  This car was worth the 7 month wait and added price. It is compact but roomy and has plenty of power. I buy gas once a month and drive silently, for the most part. Its a great feeling knowing that I am doing my part for the planet and I have the Toyota name behind me. Of course, I did wait for the 2nd generation.