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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  Fabulous - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Laren - February 16 - 10:00 am

  Incredible! I waited 4 months to get this vehicle and its worth every moment. Huge interior, seats 5 comfortably! A touch screen panel! Huge trunk! Compact car! Great turn radius! Im so enthusiastic about this car, I LOVE to drive it! It has taken me up and down a mountain pass, its all the car Ive ever wanted! Im in love. :)

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  Quiet ride - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By LEE - February 14 - 12:56 pm

  Quiet ride and reasonably comfortable on 3 hour drives. I can get 48 mpg in in three quarters of the year without thinking about it. Keyless entry will spoil you fast. Alot of diffent and genius ways to store things in the car. Two cup holders. Bi-open glove compartment and even a place above to store sunglasses. Fold down seats are easy to operate with a false floor in the hatch area. I am 6 foot tall and have plenty of head room. Good in snow? The included all season tires are very bad and dangerous in snow & ice. I immediately got some Blizzaks and they work great and can drive with confidence. The brakes do hesitate on bumps but with the recall service I expect, I am not sweating it.

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  MOST EXCELLENT - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By tlyke - February 11 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS CAR. ALL THE FEATURES ARE AMAZING

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  2010 Prius II - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tony - February 11 - 9:56 am

  Currently have 2500 miles on the car with no problems. Reliable, good handling, and braking. Average MPG of 55 (actual) versus 58 on display. Good car with enough room for a family of four on short trips. Highly recommend for the cost/fuel conscious!

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  Very reliable hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jadziasman - February 9 - 12:20 am

  Second owner. Extremely reliable. Driven for 82K miles, Has 217K miles now. Package 6 nearly all available options installed. Except for three necessary repairs (HID headlight leveling sensor, HV inverter electric water pump, and gasoline engine water pump) no mechanical problems. Uses a quart of oil every 3000 miles or less depending on average speed driven. Traction battery still works. Every light, switch, sensor, etc still function. Original brakes and suspension. Fuel tank capacity varies considerably with ambient temp. Only holds about 8 gallons when temp is less than 20 deg F and holds about 11 gallons when temp is over 80 deg F. Road noise an issue on concrete hwys.

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  I like it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James W. - February 7 - 10:00 am

  first week we drove 2129 miles on 46 gals reg gas.all around adverage is 44 miles per gallon

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  First Hybrid - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Flint - February 7 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Prius for environmental reasons and have been very pleasantly surprised to find out that she is a VERY responsive/fun car to drive and also has great carrying capacity for her size due to the 5-door fold-down seat configuration. My complaints are minor - the most significant being that there is too much on the steering column "sticks" and that the wheel sometimes blocks them and second,I have yet to find a good use for the console - I guess I need to expand my CD collection. Everyone asks me about her. By the way, I got mine while Julia Roberts was still waiting - unfortunately she was not open to deals. BUY ONE!

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  Happy witn Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Sherman - February 7 - 10:00 am

  Very happy with the Prius. Im a big guy and find it very comfortable. Generally getting about 49-50 MPG. Now have about 7000 miles on the car. Have found NO problems or defects. Ride is a bit harsh but one would expect that in a small car. Also, it gets pushed around a bit by the wind. Preformance is very good. Continuous diplay of MPG probably helps me achieve better fuel economy.

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  I love the Prius!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By dyfulofscbg - February 7 - 10:00 am

  this car is so fun to drive. Very comfortable!

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  New 2007 Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Big G - February 6 - 6:26 am

  Just bought our new 2007 Prius two days ago. We were lucky, the person who ordered this car was a no-show. Car was on the lot for about an hour before we lucked out and found our new baby sitting there with its Seaside Pearl paint glistening in the sun. It has the level 5 option package. What a car! I havent smiled this much in years. This car is so technologically advanced it makes other cars seem like ancient history. Its systems work so seemlessly, shifting back and forth from electric to gas and sometimes both, I am amazed. I am 63 and husky and I fit just fine, snug, but fine. Currently getting about 45-48 mpg overall, boy thats nice. I just smirk as I pass gas stations. Love it!