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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  Happy as can be - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JIm & Linda - November 23 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car from the time we purchased it.

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  Hi-Tech Wonder - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By reallysmartguy - November 22 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is a gas to drive, but doesnt need much gas. It has deceptively good pickup for such a small car. During the spring and fall Ive been getting over 50mpg, that drops down to about 48 when I have to use the AC in the summer or when I make short trips in the winter and require long warmups.

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  Good and boring - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - November 22 - 4:00 am

  I have put close to 6K on the Prius in 3 months. Good interior room, great mileage, however, you cant set the cruise on hills and expect good mileage. I use the least expensive gasoline which has 10% ethanol. Mileage keeps getting better, consistently around 52. Gets better mileage on the road than in town. The good thing about the Prius is it makes my 99 Ford F150 feel like a rocket ship! If you are looking for an OK ride, good interior room, problem free driving with fantastic mileage, get the Prius. If you want a performance car...dont! No service problems as of yet. All in all, a good boring car.

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  Prius is great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill - November 18 - 9:16 pm

  Bought the car new (2.5 years ago). I have 47,000 miles without any trouble. Only complaint is an annoying rattle. Im getting around 47 MPG overall. 53 on longer freeway trips. I can get five people in it relatively comfortably (one or two kids) for what it is (day trips). Power is better than most four cylinder cars. It wont beat a corvette, it wasnt meant to. With the back seat folded down it holds a great deal. Toyota delivered what they promised. Id buy one again in a second (after I wear this one out first).

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  Mostly good - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Germann - November 14 - 8:20 am

  My Prius is manufactured in Japan, except for the Goodyear tires. Guess where all of my problems have been. With the tires. I had to replace one with a leak through the side wall. Should have been covered by warranty, but it wasnt. They said we must have abused it, which we didnt. Now another tire has a slow leak. I paid $10 to fix it but it still leaks. I add air every 10-12 days. Next time I get Japanese tires. Short trips in Minnesota winter gets me only 36 mpg, but usually I get 46-50. In Hot Springs, Arkansas area I got 55 last year. It likes hills, doesnt like cold. My Camry only gets 31, so it sits.

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  New Prius not as good as old one - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By P Michaels - November 13 - 1:33 pm

  This is my second Prius. I purchased my first in 2000 and loved it. The new model has been a major disappointment. My major complaint is with the quality of the car. I have had numerous problems with navigation system and overall fit and finish of the car. Noises coming from dashboard and hatchback that dealer cannot find or fix. Hatchback sounds like old pickup truck going over bumps. Suspension stiff and noisy. Acceleration is overrated compared to auto reviews. Mileage not as good for my driving conditions because larger engine requires more time to warm up. At times engine violently shakes car when going off. Experience confirms Fall 2004 WSJ story on slip in Toyota quality.

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  I like my Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jack larkin - November 13 - 10:00 am

  We got our Prius in Jan 04. We have used it as our primary car this summer. It gets excellent mileage - about 50mpg on trips - has great pickup, and handles well at all speeds. In cruise control it went up WVA mountains without hesitation and no loss of fuel consumption. It has room for 5 average people, and the storage space under the back area holds a lot of things, leaving room behind the seat for luggage, etc. A really great car. I dont understand why Toyo made so few of them.

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  hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By bill1233 - November 13 - 10:00 am

  This proof of concept vehicle is the most fun I can imagine. It is a great in town car which should one of two cars in every two car family. The most striking feature is how quiet it is at rest. It heats quickly and cools quickly. The keyless entry and start up are great gimmicks. The small engine makes the car much roomier than one would think from the outside.

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Bowen - November 7 - 10:40 am

  Great car! Fuel consumption varies with driver. 16 year old driver gets 40 MPG city, 54 yr.old gets 52 MPG . Steering on highway a little wayward, requiring more corrections than our Volvo wagen. Front driver seat does not go far back enough for 6+ drivers. Brakes take a little getting used to. Visibility excellent. Plenty of power for a mid- sized auto. Super quiet with very little road noise. Tons of rear seat room. Drivetrain feels the same as any other.

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  Im LOVING it! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By redhot888 - November 5 - 5:46 am

  I just had my GEN III Prius V 9 days ago and so far...I am falling in love with the gadget and new technology that comes with it. Every day seems like a new small good surprise. I love the exterior and interior...it makes feel secure and at the same time...feeling awesome!!! The most amazing part that I like from my Prius V is the 17" alloy wheel. It really gives you the feeling of stability even at a higher speed!