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:

• 

  This car is dangerously boring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Petrolhead - July 18 - 11:20 am

  I bought the Pruis in 2006 for $27000. It only has a few options (Stability control, side airbags, ect.), but the dealer forces you to pay $2000-3000 over MSRP. Since I bought the car Ive had to replace the batteries twice and the interior has fallen apart worse than the 1998 Ford Escort I was replacing. Even the gas mileage hasnt been great, because the batteries dont work properly in cold weather. The worst part however is the driving experience, the Pruis has a serious shortage of power and has no steering feel. I found the brakes very weak and delivered almost no pedal feel. The seats are also very uncomfortable. I find the ride rough and the whole car shudders over all bumps.

• 

  never buy pure internal combustion again - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By smoosh21 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I have not had one bit of trouble with my car in the first year. I get excellent milage and many positive comments on my car.

• 

  Where is the gas?and the mileage? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TJ mellow - July 18 - 2:00 am

  There also is a major problem or design flaw with the gas tank/or bladder.Apparently there is some kind of a flexible bladder that the gas goes into that expands and contracts.When the gas gauge registers empty and you fill the tank with gas you can only put 6 to 8 gallons of gas into the tank as there supposedly is still 3 to 4 gallons of gas still in the tank even though it was registering on empty.The Prius is supposed to hold 11.9 gal.of gas.Since you cannot trust the gas gauge I must fill the tank whenever it says empty.Mileage between fillups varies from a low of 270 to 390.

• 

  This car has some answers! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Stoady - July 18 - 2:00 am

  This car exceeds all my expectations based on thorough research before buying. It is comfortable, the most fun of any car to drive Ive ever owned (including 4 sports cars), and delivers on its promise to be friendly to our planet. The feedback via the center console screen has truly taught me a different, more responsible way to drive, and after 2500 miles, Im still learning. This ones a keeper!

• 

  2004 Toyota Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By john64dog - July 18 - 2:00 am

  So far, I find the Prius to be the best all round vehicle I have owned to date. Quality of workman ship is excellent, and have had no problems in the first 3,400 miles. Fuel economy has been in the 50 mpg range and is achieved with no special driving technique. Great car!

• 

  Best of New Technology - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Judi - July 17 - 10:20 am

  This is the best car I have ever bought in my life. I save over 250.00 a month on gas from my previous car. Its good for the enviroment and the pocket. You can have socially responsible product and also save money. Who can ask for more!

• 

  The best car Ive ever owned. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Norma - July 17 - 4:53 am

  The Toyota Prius has delivered everything I look for in an automobile. While I have not yet achieved the 50-60 mpg range, I do average 44.7 mpg. That may be due to the fact I live in a mountainous area which requires more gasoline usage to pull up the hills. If you like to hear your music more than the roar of an engine, this is the car for you. Its so quiet you cant tell its running. Dont mistake it for a compact car, either. My husband is 65" and weighs over 320 lbs. and he fits just fine. We are so impressed with this vehicle, we each have one. I look forward to the day when every car on the road is a hybrid, because they not only cut down on air pollution, but also noise.

• 

  My third Prius - 80mpg? - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Texas Prius Guy - July 16 - 3:26 pm

  My third. Loved the old ones, but this one is a different animal. While not a hard core hyper-miler, where the old model got 60 mpg, this one clocks 80 mpg on the same circuit. Significant changes where EV mode kicks in, even as high as 61 mph! Ride and power are massively improved. Toyota is still the king of hybrids with the Prius being the crown jewel.

• 

  Better than my BMW - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Diane Quinn - July 13 - 11:46 pm

  Having lived in Los Angeles for 10 years before heading to NYC, I was familiar with the Prius before many people out on the east coast. I got one of the first 2004 models in New England in 2003 and I was actually surprised by the power, handling and roominess of this car. I bought it to do my part for the environment and I was fully prepared to make sacrifices in those areas. I never had too. The technology was bleeding edge as well with voice commands and BlueTooth (only car that had it at the time). I owned a Mercedes, BMW, Land Rover, Porsche and Jaguar in the decade before I bought this and this is my favorite out of all of them.

• 

  Even happier with our second Prius! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By suz - July 11 - 7:18 pm

  We found the restyled Prius to be quite comfortable and are delighted that the gas mileage is even better than what we got with our 2010. We opted for the advanced technology package in order to add the safety features-lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, etc.-and we are happy to have done so. (Our insurance rates are actually lower than what they are for the earlier Prius based on those safety features.) The car rides smoothly and easily and is a pleasure to drive. Neither of us was crazy about the white plastic console which looks cheap. Note too that the wireless car charging port wont work with an iphone 6 plus. Finally, we purchased the Level 3 trim because that is the highest level that is available with a spare tire. I, personally, would not buy a car that offered only a repair kit that might or might not be sufficient in an emergency.