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:

• 

  Engineering Marvel - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bill & Nancy - May 18 - 2:40 am

  Very impressive vehicle. Well made very refined. We were drawn to this vehicle because of the fuel economy and the 06 tax credit of 3150. Very peppy car lots of power. Handling very sure. Ride smooth with the characteristics of a smaller sedan, some road bumps felt. We bought the top of the line model with the GPS and leather seat and trim. Epa estimates on fuel economy are way off as they are on most vehicles. We are getting 41 mpg (only 470 total miles so far) but will improve. All told we are extremely happy with our purchase and would recommend this vehicle to anyone. Hope this review helps. Bill & Nancy

• 

  L O V E this car! - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By frabjous - May 16 - 4:39 am

  I purchased the 12 Pkg 4 with the solar sun roof and just love it! I traded in my 04 Chevy Trailblazer XLT for this and will NEVER be going back to an SUV. I thought it would take a little bit to get used to, but that was not the case. Its sporty, its zippy and much quicker to the "get go" than any SUV ive ever driven. Tons and tons of features. I love that it is tiny, but not really. There is TONS of space. I love that I get about 45 MPG instead of 15 (I even got 76 MPG in the Black Hills!) Gas savings are huge! My suggestion is to compare this car to your current car, not to other hybrids. I save over $200/month on gas alone from my previous car. Toyota has been around!

• 

  The best decision I ever made besides my marriage - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By joyfulnoise - May 15 - 6:48 pm

  Purchased in summer 2006. With just under 141,000 miles, Ive loved this car every minute Ive driven it. Average mix of city/hwy I get 50-55 mpg, with full highway driving 49-53 depending on length of the drive (a few hours vs. much longer distances.) regular gas. It has saved me a fortune in gas and like the 4 Toyotas I owned before it since 1981, it has been continuously reliable. In spring 2012 my hybrid battery died at @128K. I decided: Why buy a new car? Theres none better on the market. Replaced the hybrid battery for $2400, now have another 100K warranty on battery. Few things have been a problem - headlights expensive, struts went at 89K, but virtually nothing else. AMAZING car.

• 

  Third Time is Still a Charm - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By James Jeffries - May 15 - 12:56 am

  This is my third Prius. Yes I love the car and look forward to new things each time I buy. This Prius is the best ever in terms of performance and styling I am actually getting over 55 MPG and when on the road I dont baby it. We love the new interior with its new sporty look and what they did to the exterior is great. All in all we are sold on Prius. Before Prius I always bought American but they simply can not match Prius

• 

  Loving our new Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By meg - May 8 - 8:03 pm

  We bought a 2006 Prius just this past weekend. I had a scare when I forgot the next morning that you have to have your foot on the brake to power up the car, but a quick look at the manual righted that problem. Also found out that two clicks on the smart key unlocks all the doors, whereas one just unlocks the drivers door. Im sure Ill continue to have questions, but so far Im thrilled. Got an average of 60 mpg this morning driving ten miles to work. At that rate Ill be visiting the gas pump once a month instead of once a week.

• 

  A happy buyer. - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By emmettmoore - May 6 - 2:17 am

  Just purchased a 2012, loaded Prius. Out the door at $35k. Switched from a Mercedes e350 that was getting 16 mpg city driving. Spending $80 dollars per week was just pissing me off...so i took the plunge. The performance is no comparison to the Mercedes, and the interior is bit bland. However, I am really enthused about the gas mileage. Drove around the city, punching the gas to see how bad of mileage I could get (seriously), I ended up with 44 after a day. The next day I babied the gas pedal on got 50. My wife is a real baby and wont drive anything but a benz, she is actually kind of liking this car, which is a big relief. My 10 year old son loves the big back seats.

• 

  summary - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Blogs - May 5 - 9:03 pm

  Overall a very well designed vehicle. Needs a power drivers seat and telescopic steering wheel to fit a wider range of driver sizes.

• 

  At 100,000 miles, its still awesome!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By 2Bizarre - May 5 - 11:00 am

  My Prius just turned 100,000 miles. With little over four years of ownership, the only thing I had to do periodically was change the oil and replace a few air filters. All mechanical systems have held up - I still have the original brake pads, muffler, and everything else. My Prius has been extremely cheap to keep and I highly recommend it as a primary family car. As far as tires go, Im still on the second set!!

• 

  long distance driving - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Terry - May 5 - 2:58 am

  How can Toyota come out with such a great cat with one big flaw.. the seats for long distance driving are the worst of any car I have owned. we latterly crawl of the car after a long road trip. this is the reason I will get rid of it asap. will get less millage but better seating in something rather than this. (have owned 5 Toyotas.

• 

  Impressions after the first week - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Sportrides - May 3 - 4:53 pm

  I had driven the previous Prius model in hopes of going hybrid, but walked out of the dealership thinking Id rather be bathed in honey and thrown in a mosquito infested swamp than drive that thing every day. The dynamics were awful, steering was numb, the interior was drab and I overall hated it. So you could say I was skeptical about the 2016, especially since its not exactly easy on the eyes. I have to say, I am totally impressed with this vehicle and genuinely enjoy driving it. The ride is comfortable. The steering and handling are more than adequate. The trunk is perfect for carrying all of our baby stuff and groceries around in. The transition between gas/electric is seamless. The AC has been great in the current 96 degree weather. Were averaging 49 MPG but are only 90 miles into it, with AC cranked, so I expect that to increase as we learn to drive our new car/spaceship/computer. The rear seats are a little tight, but are comfortable and the Moonstone interior is really nice.