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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  Happy Driver - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Elaine A. Byrne - May 30 - 1:26 pm

  I have been more than surprised and delighted at my experience with the Prius. Having been a diehard USA brand driver - the high cost of gas and length of my compute plus the fact that no American company has a hybrid - drove me to try an alternative. Research and a trial drive convinced me that the Prius was the way to go and I have not regretted it. The car is comfortable which is also a big consideration for me as I am only 511. I compute 60 miles a day and have cut my gas costs from over $60 a week to approximately $20. What more can I say?

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Miller - May 29 - 12:13 pm

  I am extremely pleased so far with my 2005 Prius. The comfort and performance have exceeded my expectations. Quality is excellent and it is fun to drive. It is comfortable for four people on any length trip, but baggage limitations make it more practical for two people on long trips. There is plenty of cargo space with the rear seat folded down.

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  A Pleasant Green Surprise - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By F1GPRacer - May 28 - 11:20 pm

  I have researched for a Hybrid for sometime, and the 2010 Prius has a good enough balance blend for me to take the plunge. Love the EV, although not real useful because of the small battery capacity (runs out fast), and not so usable 25mph cap before switching to gas. Brake feel is toy like, and not solid, makes lots of noise, probably because of energy recovery. The gas mileage on sticker I can validate to be true. In fact, I bettered hwy/city both. Car stable enough, glass I would pay for factory infrared radiant barrier (more green, less heat), I just wished it had just a bit more power, would make this car near perfect. I noted the seats are terrible. Any extended length makes my back ache.

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  New Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Debotis - May 26 - 10:00 am

  I knew I would like this car but I had no idea how much I would love it. This car is so fun to drive. Great pick-up, seamless transmission, great gas mileage! And much roomier than it looks from the outside. Very peppy and quite comfortable to drive. Well worth the hasssle of a waiting list.

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  A (Quiet) Joy to Drive - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By upchurch80 - May 25 - 8:34 pm

  Although I had read reviews suggesting the Prius was like driving a wet blanket (something that almost kept me from buying it), Ive found myself looking forward to the chance to just get in and drive somewhere. My wife and I bought this car to take on long trips to replace our XTerra and as a commuter car for me. Theres almost no road noise. In fact, when we first drove it, I mistook the fan for that because it is so quiet. The engine handles the steep hills in our area with no trouble. You may find the price a bit steep, but the more gas goes up, the better the deal the car is.

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  Decent car - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By norcal prius - May 23 - 4:10 am

  Bought this car at 75K miles, now have 115K miles on it. During this time, all the car has needed is gas, tires and oil changes. Only problem encountered is when I start the car, if I have the AC or Defrost on high, the gas engine sometimes conks out and I get the "triangle" warning. I turn off the car, wait a minute and then it is fine, triangle is gone.

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  In Canada - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Serge Bergeron - May 21 - 12:20 pm

  No problem starting in -30 degree celsius weather. Very good fuel, receive 55 mpg so far after 5,000 miles. Some glare on windshield from dashboard high beam blue light indicator and flasher lights at night when very dark outside. Very comfortable seats. Sound system very ordinary. Very happy so far. Garage not too much experience - with hybrid. Have difficulty programming locking system. would have liked a third key but was too expensive at $400 Can.

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  Podkas evaluation - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Podka - May 20 - 10:00 am

  This is the right car at the right time and at the right place. I have owned this car for 12 months and have enjoyed the performance and comfort and reliabity it offers. Gas mileage is great. I have noticed that mileage is effected by the terrain you are negotiating. I live in a hilly area and that drags my average surface street mileage down to about 42mpg. However, traveling on the freeway, at speeds of 70-80 mph, I usually get 54 to 62 mpg. All in all, the Pruis is a very reliable and economical form of transportatlion. I love it more everyday as I check fuel prices!!

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  Prius 4 Touring a treat! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Bryn James - May 19 - 4:25 pm

  Read all the specs before shopping. I spend 10-12 hours doing research but it was worth it. The Prius is not one car; there are many models and one more is forthcoming by the end of 2016. In the beginning I was confused. Prius C, Prius Persona, Prius Two, Prius Three, Prius Three Touring, Prius Four, Prius Four Touring (my choice), Prius V. This car was purchased for my 18 year-old daughter who is in college in Marin County California so her priority was mileage. The Prius cant be beat in this category. I wanted safety included so I chose the safety features of the Prius Four Touring. The lane deviation warnings and the breaking features. The internet has charts comparing the features so be sure and find out which model is best for your needs. The car gives you a tutorial after you drive it. My first drive from the lot was from 4 miles to 6 miles. The lesson: you can get better mileage if you dont accelerate so quickly. Ouch! Lesson learned. The trim lines of the car and those unique tail lights that stand out at night on the 2016 model are classy. We also bought her the tire and wheel warranty, Cilajet coating and the maintenance plan. Check the prices of options with the finance manager. That increased the price about $4,125. We got a $2,000 credit and 1.9% 5-year financing. The paid for price includes all options, sales tax, license and processing fee. It is the out the door price. The MSRP was $32,964. By the way, my daughter loves her new Prius. She has some wheels to go with that 3.7 GPA. The father is a happy man.

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  Go green and love it! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By colleengreen07 - May 19 - 6:10 am

  I have a history of driving cheaper cars and replacing them every 2-3 years. I loved the idea of the hybrid with great gas mileage and environment friendly. I have only owned the car for 5 weeks but love it. I have 2 co-workers who now want to buy one. The mileage is not as high as advertised but I do average 48 mpg and no other car comes close. I live in the Phoenix, AZ area and the fact that I get to use the carpool lane is definitely a plus.