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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  First time Prius owner - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By sheila m - October 19 - 10:11 pm

  As a first time Prius owner, Im hooked. It does take getting used to and I havent learned all the features yet. Getting gas comes every couple of weeks instead of weekly. Its so quiet, I few times I left it running and only realized it when it beeped me as I walked away. Its a push button power-no keys. Im hooked.

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  200K Miles and Loving It! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bert - October 19 - 12:44 pm

  Pick Leather Seats

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  The Prius is different - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By WOG - October 18 - 9:10 pm

  I am very satisfied and would readily recommend the car. Once you become accustomed to the quiet of the engine cutting out @ traffic lights & adjust to pressing a button to start & park & get comfortable not being able to see the front\corners of the car & with the split rear view, the car is very comfortable and pleasant to drive .

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  Great car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Texasmom - October 18 - 12:16 pm

  Ive had the car for over one month and love it. Interior is spacious, very little road noise, drives smooth and engine has adequate power. Gas mileage so far is 43 MPG with a lead foot. Switched from a Volvo XC90 SUV and surprisingly dont miss one thing.

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  More Hype Than Fact - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By NewPriusOwner - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I now have over 4000 miles on this car and wish I had stayed with my Civic. I can never drive this car long enough to make up the cost of the Hybird system. For a high tech car you cant even get an MP3 player in this car. Gas mileage is in the high 30s to low 40s at best. The seats are not comfortable for even a 45 minute drive, and no power seats at that. The car is unstable in a cross wind.

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  57.3 MPGs - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By anthony tortorella - October 16 - 3:08 pm

  great car that drives like a dream. roomy and very comfortable. great gas mileage no worries about comparison pricing for gas. Just go almost 600 miles on this tankful and it cost me $20.00 for gas @ $1.85 a gallon in NJ. Mileage above the expected rating. Love the fact that it tells me and rates my driving and how to maintain great gas mileage. held the road in a driving rain storm last night.

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  Pricey But Worth It - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Naomi - October 13 - 1:06 am

  I love this car! Went from fully equipped Tahoe Z71 and feared that my partner with 275 pound frame would not be able to sit comfortably. This has not been a problem, much to my surprise and elation. We frequently have contests to see who can get the best over-all mileage per 5 minute increment as it is shown on the dashboard - have gotten 75 MPG on freeway in stop-and-go traffic. With AC on (works great) - average about 46.5 MPG with a daily freeway commute of about 40 miles round trip. Had windows tinted and made a huge difference in the interior comfort - especially with an outside temp in the 99 - 102 range. Put 3000 miles on the car in about 6 wks. Pricey but cut gas bill by 70%.

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  2010 prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By michael sanders - October 12 - 4:56 am

  More fun to drive than I expected. Lots of room inside and very comfortable. Acceptable performance and great gas mileage (50mpg). Back view is limited and the bell in reverse is a real pain.

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  Mileage not holding up over time - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By gypsy2 - October 12 - 2:00 am

  After 14 months the mileage began to fall and the dealer claims to find no problem. Mileage has never matched what the computer says, off consistently 2 to 5 miles, more lately. I got consistent 46 mpg first 14 months, more on long straight drives, then it fell to 23 mpg for a month, then gradually climbed back up to about 30. Climate control also stopped working efficiently. Mostly I like the car, but will switch to Honda this year as the dealer seems uninterested in the strange drop in mpg.

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  Very happy and surprised Prius Owners - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By David - October 11 - 9:16 pm

  We purchased our Prius primarily because of its excellent gas mileage and its being an environmentally friendly vehicle plus Toyotas reputation for outstanding engineering,trading in our Acura 2.5. The Prius was met all of our expectations and has also been a great car for longish road trips on interstates and back roads-a very pleasant surprise we had not expected. Its also been a lot of fun to drive. Wed certainly buy it again.