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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  Fun to drive frugally - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By hoehandle - March 26 - 12:37 am

  We traded our 03 Lexus 300 for this new 2011 Prius IV on 2/12/11. I carefilly compared fuel used and miles driven on the first 3 gas fill-ups and found the trip meter indicated about 2 mpg more then it should be. Average milage was 48 MPG during the cold temps and engine break-in. Now we have over 4,000 miles on it and we consistently get over 50 mpg. On a recent short trip of 71 miles, our Prius showed 59.3 MPG. This was driving with other traffic and not upsetting other drivers by trying to be thrifty. I did learn how to increase the MPG from various blogs and related websites. It is not a Lexus but suprisingly my wife and I forget the difference while driving this vehicle. Very pleased!

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  INCREDIBLE VEHICLE - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Leonard E. - March 24 - 6:59 pm

  I had already sold myself on buying a Prius Eco a couple of years before they finally became available. I purchased a 2016 in December of that year. I am the antithesis of an impulse buyer, and I will not make up my mind on any car I have purchased until I have driven it 100,000 miles. That said, my Eco has certainly passed muster so far. Performance, handling and comfort are great. For those who care about fuel economy, my MPG presently is in the upper 60s. Consumer Reports rates the 2016 second to none in reliability and safety. I will write a follow- up as soon as I hit 100k miles. The instrument cluster being slightly to my right is of no concern to me. However, the view out the back window is not the greatest, nor is the view at an obtuse angle out the back right window. Ill just have to live with that.

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  Why wouldnt you? - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Simon Palmer - March 23 - 3:06 pm

  With a large tax credit to offset the "hybrid premium" it was an easy decision to try the Prius. I was looking for a hatchback as these have the versatility that a one-car household needs without the punishing costs of a SUV. There were surprisingly few hatchback choices in 2006 and this one has turned out to be a winner. Fuel economy to date (45,000 miles) 58.9 MPG; reliability 100%; servicing costs average; fun factor 5 for a normal person, 8 for a geek. Interestingly, I got stranded one night by floods and slept in the car until morning; the ICE kicked on and off occasionally to recharge the battery and keep the A/C running. This car is now my personal hurricane evacuation plan!!

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  Headlight Defect! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By HighMileDriver - March 22 - 5:13 am

  I bought my Prius new and I love the car, but there are a couple major complaints. At around 30,000 miles the headlights will start to go out. It will start with only the driver side that you can turn back on by flicking them off and on again. The problem gets worse as time goes on. My car now has 110,000 mi on it and I cant drive down the street without flicking them. There is not a recall on this problem and there are no plans for one. The problem is due to the HID lights overheating the ECUs. They are 600$ a piece and it will burn out again in another 30,000 miles. I would suggest asking if this defect has been fixed before purchasing ANY year prius. Despite this common prob. I love it.

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  Instrument panel display problems - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By irish - March 20 - 3:20 pm

  Seats are very uncomfortable. For a short person the headrests do not fit properly and cannot be adjusted. They obstruct rear view. Main problem is the instrument display fades out in sunlight and very difficult to see. Cannot wear polarized sunglasses. The display is LCD and polarized making it incompatible. Non polarized sun glasses did not offer any significant improvement. I am returning this car. It is not safe for me to drive.

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Brandi - March 19 - 10:46 am

  Love, love, love my Prius, wouldnt change anything about it. I highly recommend one to anybody considering a hybrid.

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  Bought Prius due to high gas prices, very happy! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Brian Stover - March 12 - 6:26 am

  The hybrid system has a few quirks to it, and takes a little time to acclimate to them. However, it is a very comfortable car for the money (I bought the Prius 2 trim level for $23,520). I have been very happy with fuel economy as well as performance. I am up to 69,000 miles and have only had to do regular maintenance and replace the tires (tires still have a lot of life left). No other repairs! Oil changes are expensive due to the synthetic oil, but I only have to have them done every 10,000 miles since I am not in a dirty environment nor fit the severe duty definition. If I compare that to 3,000 mile oil changes with regular oil, it is about the same cost, so I save by having to take it in less often.

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  All around too good - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By bsedgal - March 9 - 2:43 pm

  I got this car with 88K miles a year and a half ago and now have 100K miles. No issues whatsoever. Just great car with great gas mileage. I get 45mpg in the summer and 38mpg in the dead of winter. This is definitely not a fix it yourself kinda vehicle which is sorta a con for me. First of all there is absolutely no working room under the hood. Its extremely compact I get claustrophobic just looking around. Second the hybrid system is of course full of unique electrical parts and highly technical work. somewhat dangerous as well. If it ever has problems I will be completely at the mercy of the dealer and Im sure they will gauge me all the way to the bank. But again, so far no problems.

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  Great fuel saver - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By DMcGee - March 7 - 10:00 am

  Excellent vehicle, would never give it up. Going to buy the Toyota hybrid SUV once it is avalible.

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  Prius 2016 - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Carlos Ortega - March 6 - 6:34 pm