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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  I love my Prius!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Ellen - June 20 - 10:06 pm

  My Prius, is a joy to drive. I can keep up with all traffic on the Interstate, and have actually gotten a speeding ticket. I average 51 MPG and, living in Wisconsin, I was worried about driving in snow and also driving in the heat. No problem on either count. It is sure footed in the snow, and the AC works beautifully. I haul four dogs with me, and am an avid gardner. I just fold down the back seats and haul either dogs, or large bags of dirt. Again, no problem. It is just a fun car to own.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Chris K - June 19 - 12:06 pm

  Very happy with our Prius. The mileage is not eactly 60 miles per gallon, but have been getting 50-52 regularly. I hear people complain about this sometimes, but seems rather nit-picky. Im sure if you told me last year that I could get 50 miles per gallon, I would have been estactic.

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  Fight High Co$t of Fuel - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Flyingwest - June 18 - 10:00 am

  My doctor convinced me to purchase a Prius. He had 55,000 miles on his 2000 Prius and found it to be extremely reliable. It was enough for a doctors needs. I had researched the Prius on the internet looking for fault. I found none important. I have a ball each time I drive. I am a commercial pilot.

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  Gas Mileage for my 2009 Prius Touring - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By LeeAnn - June 18 - 5:40 am

  I just got my 2009 Toyota Prius Touring package 6 on Monday 19th. Im currently a little disappointed with the gas mileage, Ive only put 102 miles on the car at this point, & the cars screen indicates Im averaging 32.1 MPG. Hopefully this improves after Ive broken it in a little,

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  Windshield needs a better design - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Shelagh Moss - June 13 - 5:33 pm

  I love my Prius. There are two things I would improve. The first is the windshield. When I am driving into the sun. The glare off the windshield is blinding. I wear good sunglasses with 7 levels of coatings. The single visor does not provide sufficient shade. There should be a graduated dark band in the glass at the top third of the windshield to take care of this problem. Second, I think a rear backup camera in the rearview mirror should be standard for all Prius without the DVD package. Visibility is poor when backing up. The view is split by the spoiler. I tried to purchase a backup camera and mirror from Toyota, but was told it had to be ordered before purchase from the factory.

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  Driving the future - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By juz8up - June 13 - 1:10 pm

  Hybrid works for me. Love the silence on stop lights and parking. Drives smooth like I am in an airplane... no need to put keys in, just push the button and drive. The satellite radio also is good in long driving to vegas for uninterupted songs unlike fm radio where it gets cut at certain areas when signal fades. I also noticed the car charges when my foot is off the gas, not necessarily when i am braking. Cool. One of the best part is the camera on the back. It comes in handy when I am backing up knowing exactly what is behind me.

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  Best Buy - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Chickenman - June 13 - 7:26 am

  Long term storage not goodforPrius. Needs to be driven all year.

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  I love my Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimk33 - June 9 - 6:40 am

  Ive had my 2006 Prius for about 5 months, and driven just over 4,000 miles and I love it. I find it to be more fun to drive than my 280Z (Im dating myself) or my MR2. Ive had it up to 85 mph on the turnpike and it doesnt break a sweat. My normal commute is at around 45-55 mph on country roads, and Ive been getting between 50 to 52 mpg. I havent really tested its acceleration from a stand still because of the hit it would have on gas mileage, but have never had a problem keeping up with traffic. Its incredibly roomy for a car that gets an actual 50+ mpg. Adults can comfortably sit in the rear even with the front seats all the way back.

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  Great car ! .. When do I get 60 mpg ? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By brad_hazzard - June 1 - 10:00 am

  The car has performed flawlessly and without any problems (9k miles to date). I had expectations of 45-55mpg city. I am getting 40-45mpg and I do not know if this my driving habits (I have a lead foot sometimes). I use my Prius as a commuter car (45miles round trip daily) and I just love the look and the drive. I will never buy a non-hybrid again.

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  Honest Prius Review - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Moore - May 31 - 9:38 am

  Looking for an adequate commuter vehicle with great gas mileage, this is the car for you.