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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  Prius review - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Prii_luver - April 10 - 6:26 am

  This car get phenomenal gas mileage, looks good and is fun to drive for a small car. People are always surprised on how fast the car moves for a small car, it is not a race car, but the electric motor gives a lot of torque from a dead stop. I also have a feel good experience that I am not contributing to global warming and sending oil money to countries that hate us.

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  Happy with Purchase - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Tom - April 10 - 12:20 am

  I happily moved from a 2001 Rav4. This car offers more pickup, a quieter interior and a generally more pleasant driving experience. The handling is fairly sure-footed, though it turns like a larger, heavier car. The hybrid system is unobtrusive and can be ignored. I dont love the intrusive console/bridge between the front seats-- would have preferred elbow room. The iPod integration is so bad that its not worth paying more for it--it came free with the NAV, so I dont feel too ripped off.

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  Prius after 6 months - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By montrailer - April 8 - 10:00 am

  After initial software problems, the car is generally reliable. Weather conditions, especially high humidity, will set-off a cacophony of warning lights, but after the software fix, the system resets itself so that I do not have to drive back to the dealership every week. Ive been averaging 51-52 mpg on the highway but most drivers will only average a couple mpg better than a corolla. The secret to getting the advertised mpg is in the law of averages.

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  30 hours in traffic - 5 gallons of gas - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John J. Zipay - April 7 - 5:56 am

  I was forced to evacuate Houston during Hurricane Rita. In the ensuing traffic jam, I spent 30 hours in traffic, but since the Prius does not burn fuel while stopped and runs off the battery at low speed, I used only 5 gallons of gas! I had the A/C on low and saw thousands of people stranded on the road with families, elderly folks and children all night hoping for help. Huge bottlenecks were formed around gas stations where hundreds of cars crowded the pumps. If everyone had a hybrid car, people might not get stuck in those situations because their cars wont burn gas while idling. During the summer I average 47 mpg in both highway and city driving. In the spring and fall, I average 52 mpg!

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  One year in. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By lvboardwalk - April 7 - 5:10 am

  We bought our Prius on the last work day sat. feb 27, 2010 and got a great deal. It was quota time and with all the recall news on Prius we ended up saving $4,200. We also found a Toyota dealer on line to get and extended factory warranty for $820. as opposed to the dealers $1399. After some 7,000 miles we were amazed to get some 53mpg warm weather and around 47 in the Ohio cold. Very pleased with the mialage. We have never driven in anything but ECO gear. We will replace our 2004 Pontiac Vibe (Matrix) with a new Prius once we see what the new ones have to offer. The Vibe has been excellent but is now obsolete. My daughter will take it over.

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  2014 prius 2 - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By 1bravo2 - April 5 - 6:15 pm

  After reading the reviews and inquiring with my coworkers that owned a prius, and assuring me that they get the 50mpg, I decided to buy one for myself and one for my daughter. Even the salesman told me that you drive it like a regular car. Well six months later, I now believe that i was lied to or the car was overrated on the ease of getting 50mpg. The reality is the car computer calculates 3mpg over of what I actually get, by miles driven verses fuel used. If you drive it normal you get low 40s. To get to the 50s you need to coast or try to keep it in electric mode as much as possible while everybody else is passing you. You stay busy and it is a head ache to drive it to get the miles.

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  Pass (by) the gas! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Happy - April 3 - 11:36 am

  After 4000 miles our total mpg. is 51.3 - this calculated using paper and pencil, not the mileage computer in the car. Even on the interstate we average 48+ mpg at 70 to 74 mph. The Prius mileage computer is close to accurate, claiming my mpg. for 4000 miles to be 52.1. My shoulder is sore from patting myself on the back for deciding to buy when I did.

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  Happy Prius Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Margaret - April 3 - 8:13 am

  No problems at all. Gas mileage is running between 45 and 49 each time. I have not seen a 50 average yet. I only do city driving....I keep hoping to go over the 50 mpg.... ANY suggestions??? By the way... I also own a Lexus LS and I most often drive the Prius!

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  Another one? In a heartbeat!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By TOGOB4 - March 27 - 7:03 pm

  This the most enjoyable, totally satisfying car Ive ever owed in my 48 years of driving. It leaves almost every offering from American, the European and other Asian car companies in the dust. The technology is typical Toyota - well engineered, well manufactured and ultra reliable. Besides that, the Prius is a blast to drive! Performance and comfort are excellent. 550-600 miles from a fillup of only 11.9 gallons is only one of the Prius high points. The only problem Ive had with the car is the LONG wait to finally get it after ordering. And did I mention that the Prius is a blast to drive?

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  Shapes of things to come - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By MTPockets - March 26 - 10:03 pm

  After owning the Prius for two years and 27,000 miles, it has been entirely problem free. I average mid 40 MPG driving mostly in heavy rush hour traffic. It is quiet, comfortable and roomy (for a smaller car). I have hauled lumber (you can close the hatch with 8 lumber over the console). It is extremely roomy and the seats fold flat for volume hauling. I love this car for being practical and economical. I hope the new body style is less quirky and has 17" or 18" lower profile tires. I will trade in my 2006 if Toyota does this. I would like to see an "el Camino" body style option - I would seriously consider buying one.