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 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By john - December 27 - 11:16 pm

  The interior design is wonderful...love the panel controls on the steering wheel. The fuel economy need no words. I figured the $2000-$3000 price increase will be recovered in fuel costs within 2 years.

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  Eco Two rocks! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By BobbyG - December 25 - 2:26 pm

  I averaged 62.1 mpg out of my first tank of gas. I only drive it in Eco mode, have never even turned on Normal or Power mode. This will probably be my best mileage score in this car, I expect about 5 mpg less when driving more normal, paying less attention to fuel savings. Friends that have the previous model Prius say I get almost 10mpg compared to them. Driving this car is great. The ride is exceptional for a $25K car, super stable and it hugs the road very nicely in corners. Im very impressed with the overall quality of the car itself and the handling. The Eco model doesnt have the fancy Lane Departure warnings or Parking Assist or even a Nav unit but I am very pleased with this car and is still loaded with new tech. Love the displays.

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  Surprised me! - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Thom Bailey - December 24 - 1:10 pm

  My wife wanted the Prius very badly and I was really turned off by the looks, but we took a test drive anyway about a year and a half ago. I was very surprised by the quality of the ride and handling. I still am surprised every time I drive the car. We live in the snowbelt of Ohio and with winter tires the vehicle is very dependable in snow and ice. Id seriously think of getting a second Prius when the time comes.

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  Practical commuter - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By AJ - December 22 - 9:13 pm

  I traded in a 2007 Acura TSX for the 2010 Prius. Thought I got the base model, it comes with everything I need. The smart key is great and the factory stereo sounds great. The key to getting great fuel economy is to not push down on the gas too much. This car can handle winter just fine. I live in Colorado and 2 days after getting the car, we had a snowstorm. It handled very well. I guess its more about the tires and the driver. Ill probably get snow tires next year but I havent had any issues with all season tires in Colorado so far. The cabin is extremely quiet. Theres hardly any road or wind noise. Its even smoother than the Acura!

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  2-year review for 04 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Cool Hand Luke - December 22 - 9:46 am

  After nearly 2 years of ownership, Ive had lots of time to take notes. One test drive changed me. Not one problem so far. My average MPG is in the mid- 40s. Cold temps put a put a huge dent in MPG as motor runs to keep cab warm. Drving in cross winds is difficult as the car seems to get pushed all over the place. I experienced the green bar of light on the windshield as well from the speedometer, but only need to turn down the brightness of dashboard lights to eliminate it at night. The car is quite, peppy, very responsive to acceleration and turning. I cant say enough good things about it. Round trip to Maine (from MN)cost $185 at $3/gal! Resale value is incredible!

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  Retired - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kai Nielsen - December 20 - 2:26 pm

  Absolute reliable car and easy to get in and out of,never had any problem with the car.

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  04PRIUS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By zorf - December 19 - 11:40 am

  Love this car! Wave of the future!

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By L. Larsen - December 19 - 9:06 am

  The car is fun to drive and has very good mileage. It makes me proud to drive it as I know I am doing my part to help the environment and using as little gasoline as possible.

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  not good in wet and snow - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By leon - December 18 - 9:50 pm

  Prius is only good during dry weather and gives 45+ mpg average. During the last 2 winter season I always get worried I may not make it home because on uphill it would not make it. I always have to make a detour to reach home. In rainy or wet road -- slippage, the sensor get crazy. How come other small cars can make it on uphill with snow? Do I have to replace the tires that are more responsive to wet and snow? But these are the recommended tires for this car. I only have 21,000 miles to date. This is fun to drive but only on a dry road but not good on wet and snowy road of New Jersey.

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  Awesome car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Prius2x - December 18 - 6:40 pm

  I think everybody should consider this car. At least ride in one and see all that it can do. Comfortable ride, quiet, great seats and new adjustable-for-height drivers seat (with lumbar support if leather, also heated). Tilt and telescopic steering wheel. Good sound system... wish it had standard iPod connectivity, although it has an Aux input in the console. A great highway cruiser... I feel like Im driving a luxury car!