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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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GDent - November 1 - 5:16 am

  Great car! Highly recommended. Nothing bad to say. Good performance, lots of torque going up hills, reasonably quiet ride. Gets between 47 and 52 MPG depending on speed. Cruise control works good. Best gas mileage about 67 vs 70 MPH. Replaced original, never rotated, tires at 40K miles because of wear on outside edges. Replaced with Hankook Tires. Would like more comfortable drivers seat. Cant seem to get leg reach to accelerator and arm reach to steering wheel just right.

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  I LOVE THIS CAR!!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bratgirl - October 31 - 10:10 pm

  The car handles like a dream! The fuel economy is terrific and I get so many comments from other people. Toyota has been fantastic in taking care of the only problem I have had with the car- the computer went out (probably due to very cold weather) and they were amazing! The car has had no problems since. I would have never written a review of any car I have owned in the past, but this little gem is super. I cant wait to get into a new one next year!

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  A Surprisingly Fun Car to Drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Michael - October 30 - 6:30 am

  Consistently gets in the range between 39 - 57 MPG depending on the drive I make. Excellent for hauling lawn mowers and snow blowers. Handling is pretty good. Definitely cuts down the amount of money youll spend on gasoline for a month. Was able to twice make 400 miles on one tank of gas with a mix of local and highway driving.

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  Our 2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Butterfly - October 29 - 2:00 am

  Changing from a 13 year old smooth riding Buick sedan, the Prius was a new adventure. The learning curve was definitely stressed for us but we are very happy with the mileage, comfort, soundless ride. Even on long drives, the seats are very comfortable.

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  The Hybrid for 2008 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jaxn - October 22 - 6:33 pm

  Top quality as expected from Toyota. I am tracking 54 mpg in the city and 47 on the highway. 70/30 respectively. Comfort, turning radius, amenities, vehicle handling and most importantly fuel economy make this the only choice for todays car owner.

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  Great Car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kirk - October 20 - 8:03 am

  This is a wonderful car, we bought it to replace a 06 Chevy truck. We went from 14mpg to 55mpg in the summer!!! We see 50mpg in winter and 55mpg in the summer.

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  Buying another Prius! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Strico - October 19 - 10:06 pm

  We do a lot of driving between towns in CT, and this has been a great car for that. We put about 20k miles/year on the car and have had zero problems. Our mileage has averaged between 42-50 mpg (more in summer, plus I have a tendency to speed). Were selling our 02 Prius, and have just bought an 05 Prius. Were loyal hybrid fans.

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  Hybrid excellence - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By NJpriusdriver - October 18 - 4:40 pm

  I love my new Prius. I am amazed at the build quality and performance of this frugal hybrid. I am averaging 47 mpg. This factor alone made it a must have. It is a smooth, quiet, comfortable ride!

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  Good Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Nevada Bob - October 14 - 1:23 pm

  I love this car. I had a 2005 fully loaded. Got a 2007 Touring fully loaded and like it better then the 2005. Comfort of front seat (drivers) is much better. I drove from Las Vegas Nv to San Pedro Calif and then to Ontario Calif. Topped the tank off, a whopping 7.46 gal. WOW!! Most of this at 65 to 75 MPH.

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  Hybrid convert - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By markusmann - October 3 - 4:10 pm

  So after gas guzzling in sport cars and SUVs we purchased our first hybrid almost a month ago here in Southern California. The black 2007 Prius #5 (navigation, bluetooth and leather) is truely awesome. I am not comparing the driving experience with my previous sports coupe, its a different type of car. But this nimble little thing does the job so well. I am averaging 48 mpg and I spend about 50% on highway and 50% in city stop and go. We are converts. So much that we are looking at a SUV hybrid as well. Go hybrids!