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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  Be A Happy Prius Owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Dale - September 28 - 7:56 pm

  Ive got 23K miles on my 07 Prius now & love it. For those who say the MPG isnt as good as expected let me tell you that if you live in a cold climate that the winter MPG will drop nearly 10MPG. Your dealer will tell you that if you question your cold climate MPG. Reason is the gas motor needs to run more in cold weather to keep the batteries charged. I can tell you though that in normal warm weather (above 40 degress) that I get 48-50 MPG easily. Admittedly I drive for gas mileage---at the speed limit & no lead foot. After all thats why I bought the Prius, for optimum gas mileage. I love it & have put a deposit on a new 2010 model, which is newly designed bigger motor & even better MPG

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  Wheee! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By suze - September 26 - 4:13 pm

  I Love this car! The new technology is very exciting and fun. My actual mileage has been closer to 45mpg than 52mpg, but I think that is par for the course. I have not had one problem with this car. My main concern when I went to see it was: how would it perform? and the answer is great. Good pick-up, cruises at 65mph no sweat, handles easily. Interior very comfortable, even on several hundred miletrips. Comfortably seats 4 adults. One caveat: The hybrid engine read out on the dashboard is so cool to watch, When I first had the car, I almost rear ended someone!

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  Coveting thy Daughters car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pacrat - September 26 - 11:30 am

  I bought this prius for my daughter who was going bananas over it,i didt think much about it since I had a 2002 Beetle Gls that I thought I was getting decent milage with it, until I spent a week driving the Prius. To put it in a nutshell, the dashboard took some getting used too,the gps had a few bugs in it that the dealership fixed but, the interior was spacious for a car this size, the sound system was great and the pickup wasnt too shabby. Also, the transistion from electric to gas engine was seamless and lastly, the display that monitors your gas milage almost challenged you to see what your best mpg was. I think Im trading in the VW for a prius of my own. Its a blast to drive!!!

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  Too New to Tell - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By BooBooBear - September 24 - 2:13 pm

  Just bought it. Fun to drive. Good solid ride. Takes road bumps better than my minivan. Less than 5" of clearance so no off-roading. Im 510" and its comfortable inside. At 140 miles my mpg (it gives an mpg average read-out) is 36.9. It gives a continual mpg display. Mine shows 12- 36 mpg when starting up, but often settles in at 99.9 (the highest number displayed). Have hardly put a dent (down only one notch or less than 1/8 tank) in the 11.9 gal. tank. Can set everything on touchscreen (will take getting used to and takes eyes off the road), but many items can also be adjusted on the steering wheel. I just have to learn where they are.

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  Outstanding Daily Driver - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Marty B - September 21 - 5:03 am

  I was surprised at how comfortable and fun to drive this beauty is. The acceleration was also very unexpected. It is not a race car, but a fantastic commuter/everyday driver. I drive over 700 miles per week, lots in traffic and this car fills the need - comfort, quality, reliability, and gas mileage. Yes, you pay more for a Hybrid, but HOV lane driving and gas mileage make up for it in my driving pattern (plus low emissions). I have averaged in the 40s for mpg with a new car in the cold of the northeast. I am looking forward to the warm weather to see how high the mileage can go, probably in the low 50 range. All the technology is just icing on a fantastically designed and made vehicle.

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  Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By dc - September 17 - 9:10 am

  Love nearly everything about the car. my only 2 complaints are the paint. It scratches sooooo easy, have the keyless entry and the door handle areas are all scratched badly, and I have short nails. As well as any place that is barely bumped, mirrors, door jams hood etc. and the interior doors the material cuts, dents easily too. Otherwise great car.

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  Fallen In Love - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By DNBTOY - September 16 - 1:06 am

  Ive owned 36 new vehicles including Toyota so Im not surprised that the Prius is a top quality piece of machinery. I love the room it has, the ride, the handling and of course the outstanding gas mileage. I grin from ear to ear when filling up and figuring my gas mileage. Ive been getting 52 MPG in 70% highway 30% city driving. I dont feel nearly as raped by the oil companies. I highly recommend the Prius. Theres no reason this car couldnt be satisfactory for 80% of the population.

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  Fun Car-Great MPG - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Rick - September 15 - 1:23 am

  Only had my Prius 1 week but just so much fun driving. Only 220 miles so far and 49 MPG average. Still getting used to start button, driving for better MPG, etc., but having fun all the same. Cant wait til I get it broken in and get better MPG. Very comfortable, quiet and smooth ride, lots of storage places for all those items we cant do without, more room in back seat than we expected. Lots of questions from friends about MPG, features, etc., but they ALL like it.

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  Intellegent Car for the 21st Century - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By SootyOarsman - September 14 - 3:33 pm

  Comfortable, but not too comfortable. Peppy, but not speedy. A vehicle that improves your driving habits and rewards with great gas mileage. A car that evokes envy and also disgust, but to the driver it just doesnt matter! The world is suddenly less dunning and the planet breathes a little easier. In a funny way it teaches us to be more courteous, gentle with the pedal, and mindful of our influence on the planet. Perhaps the biggest change in my driving habits since owning this car is that I now drive less.

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  Great car in town or long haul - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Duncan Beardsley - September 10 - 10:42 pm

  We loved the mileage - 30,000 miles average 42.7 miles to the gallon on regular. We hadnt anticipated that we would take it on long trips, but have ended up doing so as the car operates so efficiently. We had been told it didnt have any acceleration when getting on a freeway. Not True. He have never felt that there wasnt additional power when we asked for it. Finally with the fold down back seats we have been able to transport all sorts of things that we hadnt expected would fit.