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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  Excellent car and minimal repair costs - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Jacob - August 29 - 3:18 pm

  I have owned Prii all my life and have learned to work on them myself. The cars are immaculate in terms of just about everything. But do remember- this is a car from 2002 and will have different interior and what not from cars today. The first generation Prii are just about as good as you can get. Over the 2 I have had, I constantly average about 48 MPG. 44 @ 70+, 55 @ 55+, 55 @ 30-55 MPH. The headlights do SUCK on these! But that is nothing that cannot be fixed with about $30, Amazon, and something called XENON headlights that will light up the road. Costs $30 and takes about 20 minutes to set up. I want to make something clear to those who say the repair costs are tremendous: you are wrong! If the main hybrid battery were to fail, the cost is NOT $2000+. I repair 2000-2009 Prius hybrid batteries as a side job all the time. I personally buy working used batteries with less than 120k miles on the for between $200 and $500 and it takes less than an HOUR to replace yourself or if you find a shop, or if you chose to have someone replace it, then expect around $300 to install. On average I charge $700 to replace the hybrid battery completely- thats the cost of EVERYTHING. If you want a new battery and want Toyota to install it personally, then of course expect a couple thousand- what did you expect for a car that was $20,000 when it first came out? Thats like buying a brand new engine from GMC when your head gasket goes out. I mean seriously? Use your brain! Not only this, but the hybrid battery almost never fails entirely- it is usually a couple of cells which cost less than $40 and I charge less than $70 each to replace. Shop around at your local shop, replacing the battery is actually simple. For those of you who are willing to learn, look a video on youtube of how to change a prius hybrid battery. My first time took me 50 minutes. Takes about a full hour after you put extra features that will protect the newly installed battery. Not only this, but you can RECYCLE the bad battery for about $150 and thats the price I buy the bad batteries at(which can be repaired by simply replacing cells). I also drive this car on average around 40,000 miles a year because I travel so often. This is a review from someone who not only has 3 total cars that are 1st-3rd generation Prii and not a single other type of car and who works on them and learned by himself. For those who do not know, 1st generation= 1997-2003(1997-1999 Japan only), 2nd generation= 2004-200, 3rd generation= 2010-2015 :). And an extra note- I buy my Prii on Craigslist and generally get them with less than 140k miles for under $1,900.

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  My Prius Should be Everyones Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ethan - August 28 - 5:40 pm

  The best car EVER for me! Great mileage, cool-looking car, and a joy nto drive!

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  Dark Blues the Best - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy - August 21 - 9:13 pm

  I love my Prius. Its made up the additional cost almost right off the bat, from a $3K tax rebate and insurance discounts; it handles and accelerates well (from its high torque electric motor); has plenty of room and cargo space(it is a mid-size sedan); gets fabulous mileage- twice that of other sedans; looks great(in my Dark blue, or pretty black ones Ive seen on the road); and is super convenient (wireless key-fob that ulocks it when you walk up, and also a push-button ignition). Even without the fact that its the best selling and efficient hybrid in the US, Id still buy it over another sedan.

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  Reformed Gas Guzzler - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By tjpultz - August 20 - 8:33 am

  I traded in a loaded Jeep GC LTD that got 14 mpg for the Prius that so far gives me about 45 mpg. A whopping 300% improvement in fuel economy! The money Im saving on gas pays for my car insurance every month. I was concerned that it wouldnt be big enough for me because Im 63" but the leg room at 42.5" is better than most vehicles of any size. Performance was another concern but 0 to 60 in 9.8 seconds is more than adequate for anybody who isnt racing. Overall I think this is an outstanding vehicle that I would recommend to anyone. You can tell that Toyota has made every effort to keep the Prius on the cutting edge. As one of the other reviewers said, "its like driving a space ship".

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  Love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By T - August 18 - 11:00 pm

  I love my Prius and would recommend one to anyone who asks. I went fron spending 75 dollars a week to 28. I also feel a great sense of satisfaction from knowing that I am not contributing to the emissions gases. My one wish is that the gas mileage was even better. When it goes up - Im trading this one in and jumping. I average about 45 mpg (48 in summer).

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  2008 Package #4 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By John - August 18 - 3:03 am

  This is my first hybrid, and Im hooked. It is fun to drive, looks better than I expected and has more elctronic gadgets than I ever expected. The regeneration while braking or coasting is too cool. I have already figured ways to get mileage of 55 to 61 MPG that makes me drive with a smile. Amazing how often the engine shuts off. I love looking for new ways to improve mileage, found a route home from work that is 4 miles longer but I get 11 MPG better mileage going that route in less time too. I had always heard that you got better mileage in the city, but have found that I average higher mileage on the highway. Maybe that was an urban myth.

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  What a gas! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By WarmGlo - August 17 - 4:03 am

  Bought the Prius 1/16/06 and already have 2k miles. We traded an A6 2.7t manual trans for it so the transition has been interesting to say the least. Very cold weather seems to be keeping the mpg down to 43. We havent reset the average yet and it reads 42.3. W/ pkg 7 weve been thoroughly entertained. Great NAV, Bluetooth, JBL audio. Kind of hard getting used to the front drive stability control and WATCH OUT if you have to back down an icy driveway - Ive slid all the way down ours and into the road twice. The ABS doesnt work when rolling backwards. The 1st time I was taken by surprise but the 2nd I was careful and still couldnt stop it. Still though, we love it.

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  Fuel Economy - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PRin NM - August 14 - 7:56 pm

  I drove this 07 for 4000 miles in Florida, then cross country to NM in late March. Averaged 51-52 mpg at sea level in mixed driving. Now 52-53 mpg at 7000 ft. altitude. I just learned something very interesting today. Toyota service rep. informed me that the car runs everything on electric. The gas engine is there only to recharge the battery! To maximize fuel economy, minimize gas engine operation. Accelerate rather quickly to operational speed and then drive with a light foot. Coast whenever possible. I love this car! My only negative is the inability to raise the drivers seat. My wife is 55" and cannot see nearly as well using the rear view mirror as I can.

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  From a Tahoe to a Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mollie - August 12 - 2:00 pm

  Amazing car to drive. Love that I only have to fill the tank every two to three weeks.

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  The perfect car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - August 12 - 8:53 am

  I love this car. Ive gone 150K miles and its still brand new; original tires being the only problem so far. I paid it off last year so, normally, Id buy a new car. But Id only get another Prius, so why? My only worry is the battery. Its covered to 150K; but nobody seems to know how long it will last. So far Ive replace nothing! And the brakes are still great! I Love This Car!