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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  Nice Car!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By BethV - February 4 - 10:26 am

  I really enjoy this car! There are a few things that could be better. The rear view dimmer mirror is nice when cars are far away, but when they get close as the often do, the mirror does not dim. There is one feature that doesn’t make sense. If you are going down the road and listening to the radio, in the console there is a button that says there is a message, and when you go to push it to see it, there is a message that comes up that says that you can’t view the message while driving! I really enjoy the great gas mileage. I have seen my average say 57 before, which was great for going up and down 2 mountains one way to work. The car is a bit expensive, but great otherwise.

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  best car i ever owned at any price - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By d woodward - February 1 - 10:00 am

  of all the cars i have owned fro 4 cylinders to 12 this is the car that i like to drive the most.great innovations,great mileage ,and with the back seats put down,more room to carry baggage etcthan any car i have ever had.

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  I am loving my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Paula Bell - February 1 - 6:56 am

  The car rides well. Due to gas prices rising, I knew that I needed to try and get the best for the buck. I have an SUV and a sedan and another small car. My husband and I drive the small car and the Prius. It has plenty of room - Im 61 and comfortable in it. I got the base model. I have had it a week and it appears we made the right choice. We are happy with the car. It has a few small minor issues which it is a 2007, but overall the car was clean! I am looking forward to saving gas, and being able to use that money on another bill. Awesome!!

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  Prius is Good - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By B. Whitcomb - January 31 - 5:16 pm

  Excellent acceleration - achieved 50.4 MPG from Philly to NYC. Average in first year combined 44 mpg. Quiet comfortable in passenger seat. Technology state of the art with keyless start, mpg, back up camera.

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  Id do it again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Prius - January 30 - 12:00 am

  I love my Prius and Id do it again. I dont get the projected MPG advertised because of the manner in which I use the car (stopping and going for my work), but I still think its one of the best investments Ive ever made. Its comfortable, responsive and now that Ive had it awhile I think its attractive. The only downside Ive discovered is that Im on my third set of tires (55,000 miles) and tire manufacturers wont warranty tires on hybrids. If youre thinking about it, DO IT!

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  I am blown away! - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Edmundson - January 28 - 7:19 pm

  I was hesitant to buy a hybrid, but after many hours of research, I concluded that reliability of the hybrid battery was not a concern. The big surprise is that Prius is a luxury car. The seats are fabulous, very smooth ride, good handling, and amazing technology. I am just really impressed by the gas mileage. I also think the styling is awesome. Overall, I am extremely satisfied and looking forward to many years of happy motoring. The only complaint is about the hatch, which has no inside release, nor is it on the key fob. I think this was a huge oversight. There is some road noise at highway speeds, but I believe it is the low rolling resistance tires. That is fixable. I was a loyal Nissan owner for a very long time, but Nissan is really having terrible time with their CVTs. My 2013 Sentra was having transmission troubles at 68,000. I am a Toyota convert now. I shied away from Toyota for a long time, because I thought they were ugly, rough-riding, and uncomfortable. Boy have they really changed!

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  Toyota Wisdom?? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jan Mayes - January 26 - 3:41 am

  Please tell me why... ~one cannot get a Prius Four Touring with a sunroof? (Trying to buy a four and build up is not a good option...so far the lights are not available. Also the 17 in wheels are not available for the Prius Four.). ~there are a white console (urinal?) and white steering wheel accents? (The designer who thought this was a great idea needs a new job, as do the execs that approved it.) ~There are only options for two or three displays on the navigation screen. (The split screen on the navigation system is a pain. An option for having just one display should be added to the two and three display options.) This is my fourth Prius (1st, 2nd, and 3rd gens over 14 years). The 3rd gen is still my favorite, basically because I could get everything I wanted on the car (sun roof, plus package, ground effects, etc.)

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  Its a No Brainer - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Faz - January 25 - 8:20 am

  Well I cant be too detailed as I have only driven my Prius for about a week now. It is fun and economical and not a bad ride for the cost. The only problem that I am having is that the windshield has an annoying rattle when I go over almost any bump. I am hoping to bring the car in and have it fixed. The car is very responsive and I cant believe the gas mileage that I am getting (average about 50mpg). If they fix this rattle in the windshield then I will highly recommend this car to everyone - as it is, everyone asks me about it. They all seem amazed and amused by its unique look, and it renders much more room then one might think and to top it off its very affordable.

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  Very Nice Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Very Nice Car - January 24 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned this car for two months and have put 5000 miles on it. I have been on a 3000 mile trip and the performance of the car was great. On that trip I used 47 gallons of gas which gave me 63.8 miles per gallon. You cant ask for anything better. I really like driving the car because it is different than what I was use to driving. In all honesty if you are looking for a nice car with good performance, a nice ride, and outstanding gas mileage this is the one you are looking for. I down graded the exterior design due to the spoiler blocking your rear view vision. I thank they need to re-design the rear view window for better visibility and safety. All in all it is a great vehicle to own.

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  BEST OF ALL - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By jsmjr - January 24 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car since October 2002 and drive about 15,000 miles a year. On average I get around 45 miles to the gallon, and would be getting more if I didnt live in a hilly community. Cant say enough about this car. I have owned many new cars in my lifetime, and this care is fantastic.