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 meets specs - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By AKB - July 21 - 4:26 am

  In hilly Vermont I can average over 55mpg on long trips. The Prius is a delight to drive.

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  2014 Prius "3" Model - Bought 5/25/2014 - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By brian20675 - July 15 - 11:27 am

  Me:63"(240 lbs) "tall back" Headroom (good): few inches to spare legroom (good): would be nice if the steering wheel telescoped a few more inches toward me, so I could move the seat back more. (can live with it though - not unsafe to drive). legroom width (good) - plenty of side2side room visibility (good): Rear View is just a little restricted. Would be nice if side view mirrors were larger/larger field of view. display (good): placed away from driver for ease of viewing. -smooth ride so far (new car) -quick acceleration when needed -back head/leg room (ok) -Its a commuter car (mpg=priority#1), not a luxury sedan. Toyota did an awesome job.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - July 13 - 6:40 pm

  Funnest car that Ive ever had! Plenty of power, great milage, plenty of room inside. Now that this technology exists, I cant imagine why another car of any type should be built without it.

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  Prius Praise - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Burt Bittner - July 13 - 2:59 am

  Its easy to drive, comfortable, and fairly sporty! Weve been getting about 59 miles to the gallon without even trying. It has PLENTY of power, even going up steep mountain roads. The dashboard and connectivity technology is outdated and is too cartoonish. Luv it tho!

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  Happy Hybrid owner - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By ColoradoHybrid - July 11 - 6:33 pm

  Enjoyable to drive with plenty of pickup and great turning radius. At ~50 MPG real milage (a bit higher in summer and lower in winter) you have to love passing the gas pumps. Even after ~500 miles I seldom put more than 10 gallons in per fill up. Works to climb the Colorado hills, but still holds its own. B actually comes in handy decending on grades. I love my Prius so much I just put a deposit on the soon to be released hybrid-Highlander. Narrow tires cause some handling issues on grooved asphault.

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  A Two-Hybrid Family - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Ivo Planarian - July 9 - 2:46 pm

  We just got a 2005 Prius to go along with our 2000 Honda Insight, which has given us 121,000 trouble-free miles so far. We got Option Package #6, which is EVERYTHING. Its a true luxo-cruiser, as quiet and smooth as any Lincoln Town Car and with enough techno-spiffy gadgetry to keep anyone amused, including a nifty GPS and a JBL in-dash 6 CD changer, radio and cassette player that sounds better than the stereo in anyones home. The climate control is silent, unobtrusive and draft-free, keeping the interior the temperature you set and all the glass clear totally unnoticeably. I have had no trouble keeping its mileage above 50 city and 60 highway so far without any sacrifices whatsoever!

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  I love it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By W Bush - July 9 - 1:23 am

  What a great car with Toyota quality. No noise, plenty of room, fast and fun to drive. 55 miles per gallon. I love it

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  Love my car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By EDenowitz - July 6 - 12:06 am

  I have driven many "luxury" vehicles, including lexus and mercedes, nothing compares to this car. This is, by leaps and bounds, the best purchase I ever made. This is a GREAT car!

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  Happy owner - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Happy - July 4 - 4:00 pm

  This is my third Prius, and it is the finest car Ive ever owned! Ive none of the complaints Ive seen in other reviews. My car has undercoating, and is very quiet in town and on the road. The sound system is superb. Ive just completed a 1500 mile trip, mainly on interstates -- and the mileage indicator reads 60.0 mpg! And this is pretty much confirmed by the rough check of miles between fill ups, and amount of fuel added. The main reason for purchasing this model was the solar powered ventilating system when parked in the sun, a real plus in the South.

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  Our family loves this car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By MistletoeLady - July 1 - 11:53 pm

  We purchased this car May 13th, and hve not had one bit of regret! This car has proven to be the most valuable purchase we have ever made! We have only had it for a couple of days, but it outperforms anything we have ever driven before. It holds the road perfectly! Standing water in the street does not grab the wheel, hard blowing wind does not knock you off the road! My husband is disabled and finds it not only easy to get in and out of, but to ride in, he does not complain as he did with other cars we have owned or have tried out. Our teenaged daughter sits behind and reports it to be a very comfortable car to ride in. She got to drive it and loved the way it handles.