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:

• 

  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ed - September 21 - 7:43 am

  Others can give technical reviews - I will just say I drive a LOT (36k/yr) and switched from a GS300 Lexus (sports sedan) to the Prius, and it has been wonderful! Excellent mileage is a given (45-47 on all roads, all weather). I drive faster than I should so slowing down would eke out 3-4 more mpg. Interior is very well-designed. Displays are different from American cars, much more efficient and user- friendly, and the display info is amazing. NO REPAIRS YET at 105,000 miles!! I have had many cars and all needd repairs before 100k miles, except the Prius. Of course I needed new tires, oil changes, maintenance. Handles well, easy to turn/park, love the hatchback.

• 

  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JOHN M - September 17 - 5:53 am

  Thhe Prius has much more room than I expected. The rear seat passengers have more leg room than a 767 coach row! With the rear seats folded, I can carry longer items than I can in my 1992 Trooper, although not as high. The more I drive it the more I like it. I have kept accurate fuel data since new and the overall average is 43.5 MPG. On the highway (flat, no wind) the computer is steady at 51.3 MPG. I have not had the opportunity to drive in urban conditions, but on hilly back roads I have seen over 75 MPG!

• 

  Fun, economical and green - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By magicsmom - September 16 - 2:00 am

  The Prius is a fun car to drive. All of the technology that is working under the hood is nearly undetectable as you drive. It feels like any other sedan. The display which shows the different systems working is very interesting.

• 

  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Hayward Gray - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Im one of the lucky ones who puchased a 2004 Prius in Nov. 2003. The car is a pure pleasure to drive wherever you are in city or highway. I just returned from a trip to Mammoth, Calif. and back to Upland, Calif. a distance of 750 miles. I had the car packed with other friends ski gear and food for four days. We left this valley, elevation 1000 ft. with a gradual climb to Mammoth elevation 8000 ft. over all gas mileage to Mammoth was 50mpg and coming back to our valley we got 55mpg. It is a very adequate "road" car with good power and very comfortable.

• 

  Great MPG, Smooth Ride, Lacks Power - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jason - September 15 - 9:10 pm

  I really like the car, but the MPG is a little disappointing. I was expecting 50+ MPG all the time, but in the winter (here in Minnesota), which is basically half the year Nov-March, I was lucky to get 40. The ride is very nice and smooth. Though the car is very light, and if its very windy outside the car is very difficult to handle. On snow/ice it handled much better than my Sentra which was nice. I got the stablization feature, which is a MUST if you have any kind of snow/ice where you live.

• 

  Fib or Fraud? - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Don in Reno - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Toyota claims 61 mpg town, 51 hwy. Actual in my 04 Prius after 5K miles is 43 town 49 hwy. A 30% difference on town driving is fraud. The overall mileage is good, but toyo doesnt deliver on their claims. The car is very unstable in a cross wind. Just like a 64 VW. And I have stability control. It can really be scary with big trucks tossing you around. Seats are very uncomfortable after about an hour. Toyo, you can do better. Rear view thru back window is crummy. Engine noise is LOUD when passing or on very steep hill. Sounds like its going to blow up. My wife really likes the car. Just dont expect Toyo to tell the truth.

• 

  Great mpg and comfort for the long commutes - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By boelke - September 9 - 8:14 pm

  Purchased one because of a 150 mile daily commute to and from work. Exceptional gas mileage averaging at 52 mpg on mixed highway traffic (I-5 & 118). I am pleased with our decision and it was definitely worth the savings over driving my Z3 daily.

• 

  2007 Prius Hatchback - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bill Veteranyi - September 9 - 7:36 pm

  Very satisfied with the handling and maneuverability. Peppier than I expected when required to pass another vehicle. Gasoline economy (so far averaging 56.5 MPG) is an excellent byproduct for basically an environmentally friendly vehicle.

• 

  Great car great value - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Mary Bradshaw - September 6 - 4:52 pm

  Its a reliable car with great gas mileage. The car is much better insulated so you dont hear too much of the outside noise. For the basic it has everything I would need.

• 

  Great little Car! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By gran1 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  Ive only driven big vehicles and when we moved to the country, I had to re- think my gas mileage. I decided to "get as good as I could get" and that was a Prius. I hate little cars that make you feel like youre in a little car. This one doesnt!! Its great! Rides great and very comfortable! And will run like a scalded dog when I need the power to pass. Im very pleased with this car. I still miss my 4Runner, but I love the mileage in my Prius!