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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By fruthaler - December 4 - 6:52 pm

  This is my fifth Prius. I disagree completely with the statement that it is uncomfortable to drive. Ive traveled almost 100,000 miles in my Priuses. Recently drove from Louisiana to Montana and back, 6000 miles at 56.7 mpg! These are the finest cars for driving in mountains because they have plenty of power for going up 8% grades at 65 mph with cruise control. None of my Buicks would do that without downshifting. Also they go DOWN grades with little or no brake use because of the efficiency of the B shift position.

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  Not so great. Read this review. - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Centrist49 - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Lots of rattles while driving. Also, if you want another "key" the dealer charges $300 (yes, three hundred). MPG is great, right at 50 MPG. Has Toyotas cheap, cheap carpet and floor mats. Youll want to buy something to put on top of either or expect worn out, thread bare mats/carpet. Maintenance costs are astronomical (good thing you save on fuel cost to pay for any maint. required). Also, road noise will drown out radio at 60+ mph.

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  save the planet & your cash - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - December 3 - 5:30 pm

  Who ever thought that being green would be this easy?! My 04 Prius is sexy looking and fun to drive. I get combined ~45mpg and the car is roomy and comfortable.

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  Overall Feels Like a Toy Car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By rent11 - December 1 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had this car for a little over 6 months and am HATING the car. Im not hating the car because its a bad car, it was just not the right car for me. I was coming from 2006 Volvo S60R which had the most comfortable seats ever. The Prius seats lack any support and whats with no power seat option. I added every conceivable option to my Prius including Navigation, Bluetooth, Smartkey, JBL Audio and leather and I still cant stand this car. I know this car is meant for Fuel Economy but Toyota could have spent some money on comfort.

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  Honest Review - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DVanWechel - November 29 - 2:50 pm

  I now have 7000 miles on the car. It is a very solid drive. Great fit and finish and does exactly what it advertises - spectacular gas mileage with all the conveniences of a regular compact car. Likes thus far: 1. Roomier than its Honda Civic competitor (Im 66" and can drive it comfortably) 2. Did I mention the mileage? I consistently get 50+ mpgs 3. Good hands-free link, stereo, gauges, readouts 4. Styling is much improved over previous years model Complaints thus far: 1. A few minor rattles in the dash (but only over rough roads) 2. Useless sun visors when used to the side 3. Annoying reverse beeper 4. Inaccurate mileage counter (its often off by 4 miles to the gallon).

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  Great commuter vehicle - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bob - November 28 - 4:43 am

  I purchased this vehicle in March 2008. I really liked the Prius after renting one from Hertz for a week. MPG ranged from 44 lowest to 59 the highest. I purchased model 1224-base with Package#2 and factory installed leather-LA90 option. The leather seats offer great support, and are very comfortable. The car has good pick-up especially when merging on the interstate. Im sorry I waited so long to make the purchase, even though I was able to buy under MSRP.

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  Gadget fun - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By notsomuchgas - November 27 - 2:16 am

  A lot has been written about the fuel efficiency and the futuristic look of the car. But what took me by suprise was the fun of "trying to be fuel efficient" and the computer display (map and energy use). I was a foot to the floor sports car driver that loved the roar of the engine. I thought I was giving up that thrill; only to have it replaced with the video-game-like challenge of trying to achieve the highest MPG score. Strange but its turn practical in to an unexpected fun.

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  Great all around car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By 321zoom - November 26 - 11:51 pm

  Its a lot bigger than it seems on the outside! Put down the seats and you have a serious flat-bed hauler! We get 48MPG yr over yr average and we live in a cold climate (much heater). Its not a speed deamon but thats not why youre buying it. Weve owned it for 4yrs now and aside from the trunk being stuck when first driving it out of the showroom - no issue whatsoever! If only ALL cars had this (or even close) mileage - still amazes me why in this day and age these numbers are not standard!!! Well worth every penny and would buy again in a heartbeat!

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  Too many little problems - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By beststart - November 26 - 11:48 pm

  Bought a new standard 2011 Prius in 2011. was very happy with the dealer. Picked Prius cause 100% Japanese made. Gas milage is excellent, interior room is comfortable as known. The model that I bought; - Cant open the trunk from inside - Row down the windows will not wipe the fog away - Break pedal make squee sound when press - Radio display black out once in a while - The BIGGEST jok of all is the spoiler melted! Beware, dont park you car with plastic spoiler near a building that has reflection windows! Who knows??!! Was told by SF Region that this is not defect, I am hold half of the responsiblity. I wrote complaint to Toyota headquarter in Houston TX, will see what happen.

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  Engineering marvel, comfort lacking. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Wellman - November 23 - 2:00 am

  I find this car to incorporate many features all cars should have - variable transmission, smart entry and start, hybrid technology. They need to work on some comfort items. Controls on the driver armrest are not illuminated, multi-function display is hard to read in bright light, blinds - especially when backing up.