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:

• 

  Super vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By duke - March 7 - 7:53 am

  The most satisfying part is sitting at light or motionless in jam knowing the engine is using ZERO FUEL, and creature comforts are taken care of by the big battery. Fify plus MPG helps too. On road mileage remains to be seen when we take our first non-local trip. My guess is that it will be in mid fiftys and if we see sixty it would be great. The display shows instant fuel use. Auto reset on tank fill for current consumption. Amazing info on this screen. Finally it is a unique speedometer display placement. Well shielded and illuminated it is far enough away to not need bifocals and still be small eye motion from road.

• 

  Love this car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JEBG - March 7 - 5:56 am

  We bought this car due to a work commute and what it "represents" environmentally. We have gotten up to 69 miles per gallon, although we seem to average around 58-59 mpg - and that is almost all highway driving. We have taken it over the grapevine, "possibly" in excess of the posted speed limit with no problem. We love this car and cant wait for the hybrid highlander to come out. The car is so quiet, you can hear the road noise - or at least we notice it more than other vehicles we have had, so we turn on the radio.... With this technology available, there is no reason not to have it in all passenger & SUV vehicles.

• 

  What were they thinking??? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Leonard Levin - March 6 - 6:10 am

  I have been driving a 2006 Toyota Prius that has 150,000 miles on it, and have been very happy with the car. But when the hybrid battery went on it, I decided to consider buying a new Prius. I test drove the Prius 4 Touring, and compared to my 2006 Prius, was very disappointed. All the dashboard displays had been moved from the drivers side to the middle between the drivers seat and passengers seat. So, with the new Prius, when drivers looks straight ahead at the dashboard, they see...nothing! It seems less safe to have to look to the side to view the speedometer or fuel gauge while driving. The 2016 Prius has only one glove compartment, while my 2006 Prius has two...so now there is less storage space inside the car. And the 2016 Prius 4 has no spare tire, only a "tire repair kit," which I was told is like Fix-a-Flat. I have trouble understanding what benefit this tire repair kit would offer me if I hit a pothole on a highway and blew out my tire. I asked the salesman if the trunk includes a well for me to store a spare tire if I decided to buy one on my own. He replied that there is no well, but I could always put the spare tire in the back seat and wrap in plastic. How crazy is that?! I decided to replace the hybrid battery on my 2006 Prius and hope that within the next 2 years, Toyota comes to their senses and corrects these "improvements" they made to the style of the car.

• 

  260,000 miles, no rattles, no creaks, no maintenance - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By priusenvy1 - March 4 - 9:35 am

  I have driven a lot of great cars but this is by far tops. 260,000 miles, and not one creak, rattle or squeak..and that includes the brakes. I have never even had to change breaks or turned rotars, and my car drives perfectly straight still. Using engine to break and recharge battery saves the brakes!! Power is great, I can pass and go 90 mph if I wanted and engine has no straining. Oh and I have never had a tuneup either. My leather seats only have a side split in drivers seat, leather steering wheel still looks new. Dont be fooled, its spacious and comfy. I am 61" and used to have back aches from driving so much, but this cars smooth ride has changed that too! Has saved me a fortune!

• 

  Love that Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By knittingnute - March 2 - 7:23 am

  We have driven this car on Interstates in Florida and it is an amazing vehicle - fun to drive, head-turning, roomy on inside, seats higher than previous model. We sold a full-size Bronco to get this car and have not missed the Bronco at all. The split back seat makes it easy to carry large items. The car is a dream. Thanks TOYOTA!

• 

  Shame on You, Toyota! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By D. Cummings - March 1 - 6:16 am

  Please let me begin by saying that it saddens me to have to write this negative review of a company I once thought of as the benchmark in automotive quality, value and to some extent, design. Like many(maybe most?) of you, I thought our 2007 Prius was the greatest car ever invented when we purchased it new 48,500 miles ago. The list of design flaws, there are too many to list here, is long, but the worst and most dangerous of these being the extremely poor quality OE tires, traction control on wet surfaces, poorly lit dash, sloppy handling and difficult dash controls. Ralph Nader might call the Prius the new Corvair. Due to 7 safety recalls, Toyotas resale values have plummeted! Sad.

• 

  Lasted till all the batteries went - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Jo Ann - February 27 - 10:00 am

  Got good mileage. then a few months back the steering wheel went out = $!,000. Then yesterday all the engine warning lights came on = $3,100 for batteries - cant sell the car now!

• 

  Amazing - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Trekker - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I bought the 2010 Prius on 09/2009 and it has over 20,000 miles on it. This car not only gets great gas mileage, but has plenty of power on the highway. Our highways have a 75 MPH speed limit and Im always doing the speed limit. We have a variety of elevations and can drop or climb 3000 feet within 100 miles. The Prius handles these conditions with a whimper and never wavers from the speed set on the cruise control. Ride is smooth quiet and comfortable. One problem Ive noticed is the Prius is not great in snow or mud, we dont get to much of either, but it was a problem. Get some good quality mud and snows. Another problem is that it is very low, so dirt roads would be a problem.

• 

  Good up till now. - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By lehctimfishing - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Very pleased with car. Good gas mileage at 46.7mpg(owned 79 rabbit diesel)much greeneer than other car. Have tire problems now and needs alignment, warranty good for one free alignment up to 20,000. Have 24,000 on car now. Made mistake not looking at warranties closer.

• 

  awesome - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By big bird - February 23 - 2:00 am

  this car is awesome! its very cheap, and extremely nice