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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  Terrific car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Keith Johnson - December 17 - 1:26 pm

  This car is everything they brag it up to be. It is not the prettiest car on the road, but is very roomy and comfortable on the inside. I drive it to get the most milleage, which means no gunning it at a green light and coasting up to a red light. I honestly get 50 mpg and better all of the time. I have only taken it on one road trip and that was from Phoenix to Las Vegas, about 650 miles round trip, I averaged 51.8 mpg on the entire trip. I would recommend this car to everyone.

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  Trust NOT the warranty!! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Malcolm - December 17 - 7:50 am

  I bought my first Prius this year, a 2016 Mod 3 Touring. So far so good as far as any performance characteristics. However after about 3 weeks I noticed that a small panel on the left front of the car had fallen out. I inspected it and there seemed no damage of any sort, but the panel was gone. I had not in any way done anything that might damage my precious new car (my first in 17 years). I took the car to the Berkeley dealer near my home, depending on Toyotas promise that any Toyota dealer would honor my warranty. The (notably sullen) service manager said "You must have bashed into something!" I protested that I hadnt and pointed out that there was not a scratch anywhere on the car. He inspected the car, checking every inch on or under the exterior and found no evidence at all. Agreeing that there was no evidence of any damage, he then said "You still might have hit something." Then he said "Toyota doesnt cover parts that fall off! Go talk to the Parts Department." I contacted the dealership in San Francisco where I purchased the car. After hemming and hawing for over a week, they essentially said the same thing. They wanted $18.53 for the part plus cost of painting it. The warranty sucks!!

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  Love My Versatile Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Priuslover - December 14 - 12:53 am

  Handles great. Driven over 15,000 miles with no problems, including mountains where my 60s beetle would never have maintained 65-70 on the uphill grades like the Prius does. It holds a bunch of luggage for a snowbirding couple with seatbacks down and can easily take 15-20 8 foot 2x4s (or fewer 2x10s, 2x12s, etc.) INSIDE with the hatch closed. I havent tried 10 footers yet, but Im pretty sure theyll fit too if youre willing to put one end on the dashboard. 4x8 plywood is a cartopper. Its not a race car but it knocks the socks off the beetles Ive owned with more space, comfort and 45-48 ACTUAL MPG (an occasional 50+). With the electronic key you dont take the key from your pocket.

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  162,000 and loving it!!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Laura - December 9 - 11:21 am

  I love this car! It is the most reliable and inexpensive car Ive owned. I plan on keeping this car for many more years. I love when I have to park it because its small enough to fit in those tight spots. The backup camera is a plus and its pretty good in the snow as long as you have good tires. I know eventually Ill have to replace the battery but I intend to keep it since the body of the car is in such great shape. I would highly recommend owning a Prius.

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  Prius Review - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Sara - December 9 - 11:13 am

  This car is easy and fun to drive. It has great pickup - as good as my previous 4 cylinder 21 mpg car used to get. It is quiet and roomy. I still cant believe that so much is fit into such a compact package! Its fun having people stop me and ask me about the car since people are fascinated by how quiet it is. That really captures peoples attention. Stated gas mileage is exaggerated compared to real life. In high traffic areas when you have to stop and go a lot, you will not get good city mileage - hwy will be better. I get 42 city, 48 hwy.

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  pgprius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PGville - December 8 - 7:46 pm

  This has been a wonderful car have gone 13000 in one year no problems. Mileage averages about 46mpg. Minimal polution

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  Great, great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By jed - December 3 - 6:03 pm

  This is a great car. Comfortable, fun to drive, fascinating to use such a progressive vehicle. In Vancouver Canada, these things go for two hundred thousand miles between brake pad changes. I shake my head when trolls on this site trash the Prius. Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) turns many North Americans off these cars. "10,000 batteries need replacement every few years". "Emergency workers die from electrocution when getting survivors out of Prius wrecks". An Industry funded "study" that showed Hummers were more environmentally friendly than the Prius based on the most ridiculous assumptions i.e. Hummers last 300,000 miles but the Prius lasts only 100,000?, etc,etc.

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  Too much technology bling! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By mwoodpark - December 3 - 6:38 am

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  Best car I ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lesia P. - December 2 - 4:16 am

  My Prius is well designed, inside and outside. Pretty yet powerful. Comfortable in every way. The back-up camera and keyless operation are a hoot, and always impressive when showing off. But the best part is the fuel efficiency. So far, Im averaging over 47 mpg, and I pass the gas station with a smile these days. Buying a Prius is one of the best decision I ever made!

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  Love the Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Resoh02 - November 27 - 11:00 pm

  I am averaging 52 mph overall. Fuel economy depends on driving habits. Rapid starts, driving over speed limit, cruise control on in hills all contribute to poor mileage. Keep an eye on the usage charts and you can improve mileage. I would buy another in a minute. I am awaiting the new and better Prius.