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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  Im A Believer - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By James C. Harris - July 24 - 2:00 am

  My wife and need maximum fuel economy for our 70 mile round trip daily comute. Our new Prius started with approximately 46 mpg. After the break in at 20000 miles, we are now experiencing 50+ mpg on our daily comute. We are strong believers in the hybrid design. Our driving habits now are geared to maximizing our fuel economy.

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  Vesten reviews the 03 Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Vesten - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Fun, different, and exciting. It is fun getting into a car that told you how your fuel economy was doing as you are driving and how the power is being used with a visual display. It is very different sitting at a stop and feeling the engine just turn off and realizing the car is still running. It is exciting to see how far you can go on a tank of regular gas and challenge yourself to see what your best milage can be.

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By mejulia - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I love my little car. It is perfect for all the work related driving I do. Most of my driving is on city streets but my Prius is perfect for the few freeway trips I make. Others are always surprised at how comfortable and quiet it is.

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  I own a Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Joan of Arc - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I own a Prius, and it works really well.

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  Fun to Drive-Planet Friendly - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Carole Schmitt - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is quality throughout and fun to drive. The base price is good and optional features are top notch. The milage is great and speed and pickup are good.

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  The only vurrent practical answer - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Len Budzen - July 24 - 2:00 am

  While so many millions are spent on fuel cell developement, production is still many years away -- if at all! In the meantime our dependence on foreign oil and the polution problem continues. Toyota is to be commended for their progressive thinking and activities aimed at resolving this serious situation. The big three have their heads buried in the sand!!!

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  Prius review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ShadowDog - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is the wave of the future. It is built solid, drives smoothly and I get outstanding mileage. Ive never been happier with my purchase.

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  Prius is Great! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TaureanJ - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Never thought my visits to the gas station could be so few!

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  Great Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy - July 23 - 5:56 pm

  I get between 38 and 42 mpg doing both city and freeway driving, but I have a lead foot, so I could probably get better gas mileage if I drove slower. My car seats 5 comfortably, and is fun to drive. I highly recommend it.

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  Amazing!!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By jesusnipples - July 22 - 2:00 am

  After 6,000 miles this car never ceases to amaze me. The driving certainly takes getting used to. You cant expect to master it on a weekend trip (reference, previous poor review). Once you learn the subtleties of driving in "steath mode" (fully electric), your fuel economy will soar. Expect "poor" mpg ratings (35 mpg) at first. For the last 2,500 miles, I have averaged 51.7 mpg. Interior plenty of room for 4 or 5. This car has more legroom in the back than my 2001 Jetta. I am 510" and can sit behind the front seats, even with the seat slid all the way back! Trunk is surprisingly large. Plenty of pep. I "burned rubber" a few days ago trying to scoot across a busy intersection.