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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  Surprisingly Roomy! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ray - September 9 - 11:23 pm

  The title is what I hear from all of my friends and the "anti-Prius" crowd when they first sit in my car. With so many suggested improvements, why did I give it such a high mark? Mainly because the cons mean a lot less to me than the pros. Last year, I was set on buying a hybrid, so when comparing other models, the Prius was a hands down winner. The rear trunk/back seat design is much more superior than the hybrid honda civic. I also feel it is superior to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. If the Prius is too expensive, I have a friend who bought a Honda Fit and loves it. Overall, the Prius is a great car with a great design, and I am happy to see more and more of them in the Boston area!

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  Love my New Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Linda Saffer - September 8 - 3:52 pm

  It gets great mileage but with a comfortable ride.

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  Comfortable for tall people - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By David Stewart - September 8 - 9:26 am

  I was initially reluctant to get this car because of poor rear vision. However, its virtues more than make up for this flaw. As tall people, my wife and I dont fit in every compact car. But we do fit in this one. Its fun to drive, and we love the high gas mileage. Nice to know we arent polluting as much as we would with a suburban assault vehicle either.

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  Waste Not, Want Not - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tom - September 7 - 11:10 am

  They say those who buy a Prius are either techies, greenies, or cheapies. I say the Prius uses tech to be green and cheap. Driving one begs the question: if Detroit can make a car with a power moonroof and heated headlight washer fluid, why cant they make a car that shuts off at a stoplight? The answer is they can, but apparently dont want to. Test drive this car like I did and you will buy it.

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  Why wont Toyota listen? - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By James Lawson - September 5 - 4:06 pm

  I have a 2010 Prius with over 100,000 miles on it. In general, I love the car - no serious complaints. However, I had two minor complaints which I relayed to Toyota in 2010. Neither has been rectified1. The Sirius-XM radio displays 16 characters of the title and artist. There is room for 40 characters. Why wont they expand this? 2. When a truck goes backwards, it beeps outside to warn anybody in the drivers blind spit to be careful. When you put a Toyita in reverse, it beeps on the inside trolling the driver Thant Toyita thinks hes too stupid to realize hes in reverse. This is both annoying and insulting.

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  worth the wait - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By garmar73 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  I researched the Prius for two years before I bought one. The machine is, I feel, very sound from an engineering point of view and assembled in such a manner that I have not had to return to the dealership for necessary warrenty work, as I have had to with other new cars that I have purchased. I would not drive anything else.

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  We love the prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jaymaust - September 3 - 5:56 am

  The touch screen and computer monitor which are standard make this seem like a future car. I added the leather interior package which makes the seats really comfortable. The standard stereo is really good, so I dont think I would even be able to handle the upgrade. I got this as a second car with my 4WD F150. I think it is really neat to watch the graphic while driving and see how the car switches back and forth from gas to battery (electric). If you really pay attention to how you drive it, you can easily get over 50 mpg in city stop and go driving (it charges itself when slowing down). When not paying attention, I get about 46 mpg. So I figure I save about $400/month in gas.

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  Love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Denny - September 1 - 3:26 am

  I cant believe how much I enjoy this car. The comfort and economy are great. I use it most for commuting 70 miles round trip on the freeway, but it also performs well on trips weve taken for 300-400 miles. The gas economy isnt as good on these trips, but still better than we were getting with our Camry. People seem to be very curious about it and ask a lot of questions... especially "how often do you have to plug it in?" Ive had it for a year now, and wish Id gotten it sooner!

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  Amazingly wonderful - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By nelhig - August 31 - 8:26 pm

  Ive wanted a Prius for years, but havent acted on it because of the unavailability (so it seems). Then I saw one at a local car lot. Since my daughter recently started driving, I jumped on it so I could give her my old Volvo. I didnt get a screamin deal, but it was the color I loved and low mileage for a used 2008 Prius. (Supposedly, the former owner was a big guy and didnt feel comfortable in it.) As for me, I love it! Its a blast to drive, sturdier than I thought, mileage is excellent (55-58 mpg around town), and comfortable. The front window is like a big screen t.v. I drive slower too which is a good thing for me. Ive not had buyers remorse at all. Im very pleased with this car.

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  Adjust Your Mileage Expectations - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bob in Minneapolis - August 30 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car with high expectations. It has performed well compared to most comparable cars. Our mileage, however, has not met our expectations based on reviews and the EPA rating. Mileage has been in mid 30s. Its warmed up here the past few days, though and mileage has improved. We hope that mileage will increase as spring comes. While the styling is not our favorite, theres not much that can be done to adjust aerodynamics. Overall, though, its a good drive and were pleased with our Prius.