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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  Best car Ive owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By M. lawlor - August 12 - 4:00 am

  There are two types of people. Those that are amazed by my new car and those that act unimpressed. The latter are just plain jealous. The Prius has all the coolest techy gadgets, amazing gas mileage, drives great and is quite comfortable. No wonder its the best car Ive ever owned.

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  Toyots Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Cael Zander - August 11 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car, in the city or on the road. I do get the reverse of the estimated milage (50/53 mph on the road, 46 in town). The trunk is amazingly roomy, the seating comfortable for four.

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  Dots Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dot Lyndon - August 8 - 8:46 am

  I love this car! GPS Navigation system absolutely wonderful, takes a few trials to figure it out, but works extremely well. Only drawback is I will eventually need to purchase updates for new roads (cost unknown,) Keyless entry a great safety feature. Salesman explained most features.

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  Prius - Why wouldnt you?? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By wcarmn - August 8 - 6:36 am

  My wife was tired of the cost of fueling up her Escalade. So after some research, we bought the Prius. We bought the upgraded level because it was closest to the features we normally get in a vehicle. We live in a rural area, so most of our driving is at speeds of 55 or higher. Great economy--average of 44-46 after 13,000miles. Comfortable, surprising cabin size. OK, it is not as comfortable as the Escalade. Nor is it a roadster like my Z4. But, it is typically the car the family takes when we go somewhere. Plenty of room, low cost of operation and maintenance. When you own this car, the price of fuel does not bother you. If you are thinking of buying a Prius - why wouldnt you???

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  Very happy with my Prius III - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ron - August 1 - 12:26 am

  I have had my 2010 Prius III for just over 6 weeks and driven 2,200 miles. My driving is a combination of short city trips, highway driving, and some mountainous driving. My cars computer indicates my mileage is low 50s but my calculations indicate high 40s. Considering the car is not yet broken in and my driving habits are NOT conducive to high mileage, I am satisfied so far. My previous car was a 2003 Honda Civic that I purchased new. It was a dependable, economical, and reliable vehicle and I was happy with it. The Prius is larger, more comfortable, quieter, and gets better mileage. I love the upgraded stereo w/bluetooth and XM radio. Overall, I am very happy with my Prius.

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  Best design Ive ever seen - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By cenoyes - July 29 - 9:40 am

  Raced sports cars in my younger years, and am an engineer by education, cannot find enough superlatives to cover the design work that went into this machine.

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  So far, so good - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By KS - July 28 - 7:53 am

  Overall we are very pleased with the prius, great mpg, comfortable seats, reliable.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By djc6523 - July 28 - 12:46 am

  I have had my Prius since 25/02/05 and love it. Great performance and gas mileage. All the features are great including the touch screen. The car has incredible room inside and is extremely quite when driving whether it be highway or city.

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  My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara Linder - July 27 - 8:46 am

  Smooth as silk. good handling, comfortable interior. Superb climate control. I average 49 MPG in largely city driving. Amazing amount of usuable interior space.

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  Very Satisfied - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By JimCarol - July 25 - 10:56 am

  A great car to drive and it gets great mileage also. Would certainly buy one again. It has been a great experience.