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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  2015 Prius Three the Good and the Bad - 2015 Toyota Prius
  By techguy4 - March 29 - 5:27 pm

  The Prius sold me on reliability and comfort, Im 56" and it fit me like a glove the controls work well. I moved from the Camry to the Prius but after 25mpg and frequent stops the 50mpg is a welcome improvement.

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  More than a Toy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Susan - March 29 - 8:53 am

  I have thoroughly enjoyed my Prius. I drive about 50 miles total every day to and from work with combined city/highway miles. Currently (Apr. 2005) I am getting 55.4 mpg and loving it. It makes me feel good that my car releases so few pollutants and is still a VERY practical car to own and drive. I would recommend anyone who is looking for a new car to at least consider a Toyota Prius. Its roomy inside, stylish outside and a whole lot of fun to drive! Its dependability is "Totally Toyota".

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  Some major costs with replacement of headlights - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Nurch - March 28 - 8:23 pm

  Apparently this year Prius had a problem with the headlights, and mine chose to be problematic after the warranty had expired. The dealer was incredibly expensive to replace the first one that failed, I used a body shop for the second and the price was significantly less than half the dealer cost. UPdate, 2016: I am now having to replace the headlights again! This is silly - Ive never had to replace headlights in a car before, and I keep all my cars until they have over 200,000 miles. I will again use a body shop to replace the headlights because the dealer is more than double the cost (and the light the dealer replaced is the one that has burnt out!). I also have had a squirrel or mouse chew through the gas line, and have had mice chew through the wiring harness for the anti-knock device. What do they make these plastics of that they are so attractive to common rodents? Update, 2017: I totaled this car last month when I rear-ended another vehicle at a low enough speed that the airbags did not deploy. I had failed to see the brake lights or turning signal of a car stopped in my lane waiting to make a left hand turn. Good tires, but we were unable to stop in time. We replaced it with a Ford Fusion Hybrid, 2014 which we strongly prefer to the Prius.

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  very cool and fun on screen display - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bnkhgn - March 26 - 10:00 am

  After 14 weeks to ordered from longest line up. I am fall love to Pruis 04 very nice ride and very comfort seat like Camry. I got 47.4 mpg on computer screen dispaly on 130 mile since I pick new car up last July 13, 2004 and save my money for gasoline! I love to play and touch screen display. Very cool sharp hatchback and big cargo space when rear seats folding down. Only rear window wiper and floor mats that is all I need. I wish all Toyota dealer have Pruis 2004 in stock; because of very high cost of gasoline.

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  I LOVE MY PRIUS! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ms. janet - March 26 - 10:00 am

  I have never been as excited to own a car as with my Prius. I would love to trade my other cars in and get more...........hybrid is the way to go!

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Louis - March 26 - 6:50 am

  Well worth the 8 mos wait. I love the MPG and keep challanging myself to improve it. I only have 2300 miles and I expect it to improve after the breakin period. Presently getting 45 MPG. Using the the cruise control helps in managing the mpg. I set the cruse and then decelerate 1mph at a time as I go up hill. Going downhill increase it 1 mph. Trip to Atlantic City I avg 57.3mpg. Also using a higher grade fuel helps to improve mpg. The few extra cents is well worth it since Im spending less than half the amount then on my escort.

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  Love my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By WestGrover - March 21 - 3:10 pm

  I have been driving my Prius for 2 months and it is by far the best car (out of 8 that I have owned) I have owned. Im averaging 47.5 mpg - 75% highway, 25% city - I was expecting low 40s so I am thrilled. I have been impressed with the pickup and interior room.

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  Review! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By HCM - March 21 - 10:00 am

  It is a great car. It is very gratifying to save the environment and save money. There is plenty of power to drive the steep WV mountains on the interstate. I have plenty of passing power. I especially like the "blue tooth" key system. I can keep the key in my briefcase and never have to remove it!

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  Prius - the way to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By B2_bill - March 21 - 10:00 am

  I cant think of ever not driving a taoyota hybrid

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  Super Car For Pet Sitting Business - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By C.Vinal - March 21 - 10:00 am

  This car is a Pet Sitters dream for gas milage and dependabilaity. Here in Maine my customers are far apart, so I really save on gas. I cant say enough good things about this car. Its great for a business car.