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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  Fun, Green, Sporty Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Expect a lot - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Been waiting for a new re-design Hybrid for more than 2 years. Getting this Toyota Prius 2004 is worth all the wait. There is plenty of power that goes a long way with this Eco-Friendly sedan. Especially, a lot more interior space compared to the rest. It fits five comfortable, while the driver still have comfortable space to drive

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TaDah23 - August 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my seventh new Toyota. It is the one that is bringing me the most pleasure to own. As a Hybrid, it is surprisingly peppy, rides like it is on air, comfortable to drive and at 55 MPG makes me feel good. Rated as a PZEV emission vehicle, it has less than 10% of emissions than the other hybrid has. America needs to catch on to a much more fuel efficient vehicle.

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  Great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ken - August 11 - 8:13 pm

  I love this car. I suggest upgrading to the navigation/blue tooth phone/ keyless entry option.

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  "PRIUS, PROBABLY PERFECT" - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By warren steinman - August 11 - 7:13 pm

  We have put over 8,000 miles on the car in three months. We have taken several long trips LA to Mammoth. Freeway and mountain driving. My wife uses it as a daily commuter, 80 miles rt. It is a joy to drive. Good power, acceleration onto the freeway is excellent. Passing is no problem. Our previous car was a Mercedes c230 and the Prius is a close second in performance, and, hands down, more comfortable. The heads-up display is excellent. We like the hatch, and, we can fit three in the back seat without squeezing. Finally, we are averaging 45+ mpg with hard driving. "Nuff said"

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  Prius Sedan - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By a prooouuuddd dad - August 7 - 10:00 am

  Pruis, Prius, Prius, and one more time - Pruis. Ingenius, ingenius, ingenius, and one more time - ingenius.

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  Cant get better - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By BC tells - August 7 - 4:10 am

  I cant say enough good about this car. For those wanting a high performance car go somewhere else and get a guzzler if you want a car that is solid, rides well, and most of all feels luxurious at the gas pump by the king of mileage, this is it. We werent reluctant with this car at all because this is the 11th year of production, Toyota got this right!

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  A+ for Prius 07. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Z - August 4 - 4:30 pm

  Bought his Car 2 weeks ago. MPG are amazing. First week to fill it out was $20.00. I ran about 400 miles with a full tank combined with city and highway. I have no complaints at all. Great Car. I shouldve bought it 2 years ago.

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  Prius to go - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By benjamin franco - August 4 - 2:43 am

  bought used w/22,000 miles, satisfied w/performance even on steep inclines contrary to expectations of sceptical friends. Like all the built in maintanance features: oil, brakes, etc.

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  First time Prius owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mhocut - August 3 - 3:53 pm

  So far the car is doing a excellent job. The dash read out is excellent, love the fuel mileage, I came out of a Land Rover discovery, 12MPG. I am 6 ft 7 inches tall and fit as as good as I did in my discovery. I would suggest this car to anyone.

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  02 PRIUS - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By sstk100 - August 3 - 2:48 pm

  Weve had the 02 Prius for about 2 years (our first Prius), and our experience has been great. In fact we bought an 08 Prius and gave the 02 to our son to drive to school. I expect we will always have Prius for the foreseeable future. Gas mileage is lower in winter (35-39), and as high as 48 mpg in summer on a 700 mile road trip. Its still weird when the engine shuts down when at a stop light....but thats just money in my pocket ! There have been zero-nada problems with anything. It just purrs along all the time. We like the 08 even better because Toyota updated many things like a a fold down rear seat, better stereo radio, and even more room in back seat.