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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  Frequent Dead Battery - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By candance king - May 9 - 11:50 pm

  We have a company car also, so whenever I dont drive the Prius for ten days, I find a dead battery! Ive used up my AAA for the year already, and have an expensive repair ($120) from trying to open the back hatch- you are completely locked out! No one ever warned us about this! Dont go on vacation w/o getting your car a babysitter!! Also, I want to complain about an irritating design feature: when driving at night, there is a bad glare, a green bar of reflection onto the windshield right where you look to drive from the the display! If the top frame of it was extended a little, like a hood, it wouldnt happen. And I cant fix it. Same problem in the daytime, gps screen needs shade- bleached out.

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  What more could you ask for? - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By USMC - May 8 - 9:30 pm

  This car has everything you could want from a sedan--reliability, unreal MPG, and low maintenance costs. Its definitely not the sexiest thing out there, but the money saved on fuel could be spent on YOU instead of some oil execs salary. The seats are a bit on the proletariat side, and youll defeinitely notice their stiffness on longer commutes if youre used to leather seats. Overall, I love this car, and would reccommend it to anyone.

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  Excellent! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By McDougald - May 8 - 10:50 am

  Im 63" tall and the Prius is big enough for me. It is comfortable and fun to drive. So far Im averaging 48 miles per gallon, doing mostly city driving.

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  Navigation crashes, resets, and just doesnt work - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By rsjoberg - May 7 - 7:26 pm

  Dont a Prius if you need the navigation. It just doesnt work. I have had my 3 month old car in twice and Toyota cant get the navigation to work. It crashes, restarts, and one misdirected me. Too bad because the mileage is great and otherwise I am happy with the car. Right now I wish Id gone with anything but a Toyota. They used to make great cars.

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  Question on Electronics - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Becky - May 5 - 11:40 pm

  Yesterday, I hit the wrong button, pushed Power instead of Park. This morning, it took three tries to get started, and any time I park on a slant, it really doesnt want to start. Its my fault, but the dealer cant find anything wrong with the electronics. Other than that, its been wonderful to drive and I do a lot of that!

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  Convert to Fuel Economy - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Rob - May 5 - 10:13 am

  My Prius handles well and has been a pleasure to drive. Takes time getting used to driving a car without as much initial pickup as my old Pontiac, but there is no comparison in mileage and visits to gas station. Mileage around town avg about 45 mpg. Recent highway trip averaged 53 mpg. I use cruise control a lot to help with mileage. Im saving over $200/mo in gas since I got rid of my former gas guzzler. Tax credit a big plus. I bought the basic model and love it. Lots of room for luggage for vacation or weekend trips.

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  Dont Buy - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - April 30 - 11:56 am

  My prius has 10000 miles on it and I average no higher than 36mpg and only 25mpg in the winter. The fuel gauge reads no gas left but when I fill up it only takes 7 gallons to fill its 11.9 gallon tank. The engine is slow, loud, and noisy. For a $30,000 car I expected more. For an extra $5,000 my Subaru Tribeca gets 25mpg highway, power and heated seats, sunroof, AWD, 6 cylinder engine and better safety rating.

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  Amazing - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Michelle - April 29 - 12:03 am

  I rented this car for a week while decided which car to buy. While Ive decided to wait until Toyota releases their next-gen battery, the 2008 Prius I drove was absolutely wonderful. I commute 50 miles round trip to work each day, and averaged 40 mpg during my commute. It was also comfortable and had all the creature comforts I could want. My only complaint is that as a 56" driver, the bar across the back makes it difficult to see out the back window at times. If buying, I would opt for the rear view cameras. Otherwise, worth every penny. As soon as those lithium batteries come out, Ill be trading in my Honda Fit for a super eco and fuel friendly Prius.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Ware - April 25 - 9:30 pm

  Looking at the outside the car looks small but inside it is really roomy. Great fun to drive!

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  Wont be able to drive a nonhybrid again - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Aaron - April 21 - 2:56 am

  Lots of options. Easy to drive. Feels very safe for a smaller car. Very low maintenance. Yes it run on 87 oct. Feels good to be stuck in traffic and not have to worry about the engine or A/C running. Everyone want to drive/ride in it.