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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  It is like no other car. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alex - July 9 - 7:40 pm

  It may not be the best looking car I have owned but it is the most fun. Easy to drive in and out of traffic. Parking is a snap. Overall a great fun car to drive.

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  77 Yrs old, owned many cars, but - - - - - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Darrell - July 7 - 3:00 am

  This Prius is THE winner. Exceptional engineering, that works. A lot of thought put into the way a person uses a car, especially from the womans point of view. Quiet. Convenient. Very good accleration and speed. Mileage: 7months 7500miles 47.8MPG over all. 60 mpg on LEVEL terrain @ 35 to 50 mph on a 20 mile stretch. It can do it. 1700 mile round trip across Nebraska, over the Rocky Mountains, over two mtn passes at 10,000 ft,and across colorado at posted highway speeds, 46MPG. A good interstate highway automobile. This may be only me at my age but I find that I have markedly less eye fatigue with the Discharge Headlights. So far the best vehicle I have ever owned, over the last sixty years.

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  Best car out there!! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By 09priusman - July 2 - 2:02 pm

  I bought my 2009 Toyota Prius about 3 weeks ago preowned with 39,000 miles. I love it!!! I traded my 2000 Cadillac Deville DTS in for it. I drive 120 miles a day to work so I needed something really good on gas. This was it!!! I have been averaging 41- 46 mpg all the time. The other night I drove 60 miles home from a firends house. It was over an hour drive on a back rd of Maine which I drove 55-60mph. I got home and got 48mpg all the way. (I have the pic to prove it)The secret is to get up speed and maintain it. I spend a lot of time only using my electric motor at 45-55 mph just maintaining my speed. It takes some getting used to but once you do youll love playing the mpg game :) this 2009 prius is amazing in the snow. I live in Maine and travel the highway 120 miles a day for work. Its awesome in the snow. Just walks right through everything. I pass every car on the highway. It goes through slush like its not even there. From a stop the traction control works great!!!

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  Prius is worth the wait - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jean Mc Manamy - July 2 - 10:00 am

  I heartily recommend it for its environmental impact, its comfort, its reliability, and its utility.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By r.n.brown - July 1 - 3:13 pm

  I recently purchased a 2006 Toyota Prius. I am very impressed so far. I am getting over 50 MPG in combined highway and city driving. The car has enough power to get up to speed quickly. Its lots of fun to watch the energy use display and to try to optimize fuel consumption. So far this car has exceeded my expectations.

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  Pleasantly Surprised... - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By 06princes - July 1 - 5:58 am

  I drive and still own my Dodge Charger, but the V8 with a Hemi, sucks the gas down..So,We bought this car to help with the rising prices of gas, and to save some money in the long run, and we love it, This car has a lot of get up and go, we have no trouble pulling out or picking up speed, It is so quiet, that sometimes you wonder if it is running, my three daughters fit in the back seat with no problem and one is in a car seat..We have a couple of hills that we have to go over everyday and the Prius has no problem going over them..So far we are well pleased with this little car, its doing everything it says it can...

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  15 years and still going - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Bill A - June 29 - 4:23 am

  I bought this car used in 2009 from the state motor pool with 95,000 miles. It has now gone 155,000 and it is still getting 44 mpg on the highway. Since buying it it is has only done 40 mpg in town. Ive replaced ball joints, rear shocks, rear bearings, small battery, fan belt and the steering rack (a free recall). The fluids have all been replaced and the A/C was recharged once. Dash lights are starting to burn out and it cost me $85 to replace the green headlight on indicator. So far this is the best little car Ive owned in my 73 years of life. Now if it will just run another couple of years until the tires wear out.

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By 2010-V - June 27 - 7:40 am

  I have owned a 2010 Prius V for six months. At first I was pleased with the vehicle, especially with the MPG when compared to my 2000 Lexus RX300. After six months of ownership several issues have arisen; braking issues (regenerative brakes slip when navigating over a bumpy road or pothole), constant rattling while driving emanating from the passenger side windows and a disappointing 37.5 average MPG in the city. Although I am not expecting 50 MPG as is advertised, 37.5 is well below what I anticipated. Granted, I live in a very hilly city, but I am not a speed demon nor do I have a heavy accelerator foot. The only advantage I foresee is the reduction in the production of smog.

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  No Buyers Remorse Here! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Dowling - June 27 - 5:03 am

  I cant say enough about the best car I have ever owned. The ride is smooth, Im getting 45 miles per gallon and having the best time enjoying the car. The computer trains you to drive more carefully and more responsibly. (You want to beat your last MPG report, dont you?) You soon learn to depend on cruise control, to go slowly when the light turns green, and to keep it about 65 miles per hour. Ive never had more fun driving a car.

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  Love it! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By boulder yoga - June 26 - 7:33 am

  Surprising power in the mountains for such a small car. Very comfortable too. The basic sound system was also better quality than we expected. Our video gamer teenage son loves driving it to see how much better he can do on gas mileage than his parents. Overall, so far, we are really happy with our purchase and would recommend it to anyone.