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 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By schatziq - August 1 - 9:30 pm

  This car is more powerful than you might think. I got two speeding tickets my first couple of months owning this car because you can be going 90 miles an hour and it is as quiet and stable as when you are going 35. Great visibility in it- no blind spots and the interior is very functional. Love my Prius!!

• 

  Great Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Scott F. - August 1 - 5:10 pm

  I have owned for a little over two weeks. 51.079 MPG on first tank, we live on a large hill and that drastically reduces performance. Center console rattles a little when closed. Love the hands free. Lots of power in PWR mode. EV mode only available once car is warmed up, then only up to 9 mph at first then up to 25 mph for short distances. Rear view is limited.

• 

  Car of the future - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Trendy Car - July 31 - 3:23 pm

  I feel the design of this car had the user in mind, first and foremost. In every detail, from lighting logistics to maneuverability the thought was to make it easier for the driver.

• 

  2004 Toyota Prius experience - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By happynholladay - July 31 - 10:00 am

  Much enjoying driving the Prius. Excellent acceleration, gas milage (46) in mostly freeway driving it is getting better-now have 4500 miles on it. Engine is a little noisier than I expected. Handling is not in the sport sedan class, but is adequate. The limited slip system worked well in snow. Rear seat has good knee room. Good Halogen headlights.

• 

  Love it ! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By tofuhead - July 30 - 6:00 pm

  I am a Porsche driver so I was very skeptical when it comes to the acceleration of a hybrid, but I was pleasantly surprised that it was more than adequate. The car is smooth, comfortable, built nice, and very quiet. I love the Blizzard White color I chose. Only had it for a few hours but I suspect Ill drive it a lot more often than my Porsche as I have two little boys.

• 

  A BIG DISAPPOINTMENT - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Richard J. - July 28 - 9:55 pm

  Own a 2007 Prius and was hoping for a huge improvement. It was there in the noticeable performance improvement and quieter cabin. However A huge technology screen is distracting, and visibility has diminished considerably in this version with a large sensor in front of the rear view mirror and tall head rests front and back. And seats sit lower adding to reduced visibility. So we decided to save almost 28,000 and keep our 2007 since the deal skimped on trade in price. Moreover the flashy body design did not impress us.

• 

  5,000 mile feedback - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sore neck - July 28 - 4:00 pm

  Our 2010 Prius is impressive but not perfect. the few items we do not like really annoy us, however the many items we do enjoy balance things out. The gas mileage average is only 43 MPG. We expected more. The daily commute is in town driving. On the highway, the car is blown around on windy days. Reminds me of a 1960s WV bus, if you remember them. The headrests are painful. I am 61" and my wife is 57". Neither of us can get the headrest to be comfortable. We had to reverse the headrests to make them comfortable. We bought lumbar supports at the Healthy Back store to make the seats livable. Brakes are VERY grabby.

• 

  Worth the Wait - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Wayno1011 - July 28 - 3:13 pm

  I have had this car for a year and 3/4. I bought it to drive to work each day. This is 65 miles round trip. I normally do not drive over 80 mph. I always get between 49-51 mpg. In stop and go traffic the mileage goes up to 53-56 mpg. How can you argue with that? Initially, the gas tank bladder would not allow me to put in over 7-8 gallons of gas. That has changed since I slowly filled it once. I am seriously considering buying a second Prius. This is however, not a car for long distance driving. Comfort level of seats is ok, not great.

• 

  2nd best car I ever owned - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By yat993 - July 26 - 5:30 pm

  With 75000 miles after a late 2005 purchase, I have had zero problems with this car. Gas mileage average is probably 48 -- never less than 45 -- often above 50, and this is mostly city driving. Oh yea, my number 1 favorite car was my 1995 Porsche 911 convertible -- I actually used the proceeds from the sale of that car to purchase the Prius.

• 

  Check This Out - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Toyota Fan - July 26 - 1:43 pm

  Wow! This is an exhilarating car! I would definitely suggest this car to anyone that loves to have fun. To add to it, the milage is 60 mpg and the technology is high quality and terrific!