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:

• 

  I love my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Musiclvr248 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  I love my Prius! I took me awhile to adjust my driving style to get the maximum miles per gallon...but now that I have it is great, especially with the gas prices going up. The down side to it is that you can feel every major bump more so than my old corolla. But, I over look it because it is so fun to drive! I am really happy that I bought this car.

• 

  awesome vehicle - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By melephantman - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Package 9 is awesome. Adding integrated XM Radio very worth while. Fuel efficient. Rides like a dream. This is the best car I have ever and maybe will ever own

• 

  51-54 MPG for first 5000 miles - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By itchmd - December 28 - 11:10 pm

  Owned an SUV for 60000 miles and liked everything but 13-17mpg. $100 fillups; so I traded for the Prius due to $3/gal and going higher. My wife states that I have slowed down trying for best mpg and am a much safer driver!

• 

  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Chris - December 28 - 7:00 pm

  Overall we like the Prius, buy it does not get the gas mileage promised. It is comfortable. It has reasonable pick up for a 4 cyl. It left us stranded on the freeway only 4 months after we bought it. The dealer didnt have the necessary equipment to find out the problem, so we were without it for 4 days. Seems it was a computer problem. The car "thought" the battery was discharged, but it wasnt.

• 

  One Great Car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By oldcoach - December 27 - 8:56 pm

  I just got my new Prius with packages, and #2 It is one great car. Chances the way you drive. The Prius handles very well and gets great MPG. It has real good pick up on the interstate. There is ample room in the hatch back. I am sure glad I got this car with gas going out of sight.

• 

  Detroit, are you listening?? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nellilein - December 25 - 10:00 am

  After waiting four long months we finally received our Prius. This car is amazing and lots of fun to drive. It handles extremely well in a number of circumstance. It excels in rush hour traffic, as well as along Highway 1 in northern California. It handled the curves and turns as well as a sports car and certainly handled them much better than a sedan. To me the best part of the vehicle, besides the above mentioned facts, is that I dont have to feel so guilty about polluting the air with smog inducing emissions and that I am doing a small part to reduce global warming. Detroit, are you listening??

• 

  Young again - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By William Kayen - December 22 - 10:03 pm

  I should have done this years ago. I traded in a 1 1/2 year old Lexus ES350 and couldnt be happier. The Prius is comfortable, quick, practical, economical, and a blast to drive. The color is Spectra blue mica which is rare, and I get stares from everyone. I make up excuses to my wife to drive it as much as possible. I felt that the Lexus was a great car but a little too old for me. Its great to be young again and I owe it all to Toyota. If you test drive this car, you will buy it if you can find one available. You will have no regrets and you will laugh all the way to the gas station.

• 

  Prius Generation 3 - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Darin Legore - December 22 - 6:16 am

  Verify what model. dealership lied and misprinted tag saying PRIUS 5, most loaded, not Prius 2, base with one option. New would have been 24500. Five years old and used 11265. Great value and it was Toyota CERTIFIED, so I had additional warranty and protections.

• 

  Need one - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Mike F. - December 17 - 10:00 am

  My girlfriend has a Prius and i love to drive the car. Not that great if u like to go 0-60 in 6sec. but otherwise the the car is perfect. Who REALLY needs to drive a 6 ton SUV with 300hp, anyway? The speed limit is only 65 and unless u are driving 200miles away going faster doesnt get u to the mall much faster anyway. My only gripe is that altho i want to buy one for myself i cant because it costs 20grand +tax+insuranse costs. How the hell is a college student (with out the assistance of Mommy and Daddy like most rich brats) supposed to get a new one?! Im soooo jealous, i steal my girlfriends car all the time,lol.

• 

  Superb surprise - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By kirschair - December 17 - 5:23 am

  I bought a 2008 Prius 3 weeks ago. In most respects it has far exceeded my expectations. The fit and finish is first rate. It is comfortable for 4 real adults to sit in. The leather is quite nice and comfortable. The bluetooth works very well. As for mileage, I have 900 miles on the car. I live in the country where there are lots of hills. This past week I had to drive for 5 days between liberty and poughkeepsie, ny for a distance of 57 miles. My average mpg was 56 (no B.S.). After 400 miles I put 7 gals. of gas in the tank. It is quiet with no wind noise from the windows. The car does things that no other car does. The nav is good although I like the software on my honda pilot better.