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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  Pruis IV Nav/Sun Roof Package - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By rsdavis - July 23 - 6:30 am

  Car gets great gas mileage. Performance is acceptable for commutes and highway driving. Quiet ride and smooth. Sitting in traffic/light and not burning fuel is great. JBL needs to improve DVD/NAV system as far as satellite radio issues, see improvements. NAV system locks out display for safety but annoying when passenger available to change destination. Glove box material scratches easily. Oil changes now every 10K miles vs 5K miles so easier on wallet for synthetic oil changes. The front hood bumper areas needs covered due to slope of hood so it catches rocks and bugs easily. No belts to change in engine. EV Mode gets me to house through housing development without using gas for over 1/2 mile

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  The best little car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By KevinP - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Ive driven everything from VW beetles to Lincoln Towncars to 24 foot trucks and this car is the best in quality and fun Ive ever seen. Dont be put off by the "new" technology. Its proven itself. Ive had mine since 9/02 and have nearly 9000 miles without a hitch. Theres more room inside than my Infiniti I30 for a lot less money. The navigation system is great and accurate, worth every penny. Test drive a Prius and see.

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  Totaled my 02; immediately bght an 03 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By CWH - July 17 - 2:00 am

  Most comfortable car that I have ever owned. 660 miles in one day and felt better than 400 in my Mercury Sable. Exceeds every expectation that I had. SAFE. In a near headon it acted just like a race car; ie. passenger cage was solid and the rest of the car absorbed impact energy. Air bags deployed and I walked away UNHURT.

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  Prius 2002 - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Ralf2002 - July 17 - 2:00 am

  The Prius treats you to a very high quality vehicle with great comfort and safety for a compact car. The ride is surprisingly quiet! After 3500 miles driven I have achieved 40 mpg plus in Pittsburghs hilly terrain.

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  Jury is half in - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By tripped - July 15 - 2:20 pm

  I have buyers remorse. The fuel economy has not lived up to the talk -- avg about 45mpg. Drivers seat/wheel/dash ergonomics very poor. Human factor design terrible on things like digital speedo (analog is easier to read, thus safer), fuel guage and other dash read-outs -- very illogically placed and distract from driving. Especially climate controls having to be accessed via the electronic screen. Give me knobs for easy feel of adjustments levels without needing to take my eyes and brain off my driving. Audio system the same -- just take it off the screen menus. Navigation is a pain to learn and use -- very user unfriendly. Transmission knob idiotic and key/locking system beyond logic.

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  Excellent car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Paul W - July 14 - 1:10 pm

  Ive seen very few better quality cars than this! Fun to drive, no problems to date, outstanding gas mileage, comfortable as driver and passenger, plenty of passenger and cargo room, cheap to maintain and reasonable insurance quotes everywhere. Lots of online resources for this car, too! The reverse beep was annoying at first but you CAN turn it off, the owners manual tells you how. Slightly noisy on the road but switching the tires solved that problem too.

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  05 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Harry Erickson - July 14 - 10:06 am

  This car is a blast to drive its like something out of a science fiction magazine, power everything,with over 7 controls right on the steering wheels you never have to look any further, and whats really surprising is the how quick this car is everybody asks me this question, and the 50 MPG plus is great, plus the resale value of these cars is great,how can you loose out and have this much fun.

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  New Prius Owner and Loving It - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By nittanyjj - July 13 - 10:56 am

  Love having a Prius - 7 gallon fill ups every 350 miles are a good thing! So far I dont have any complaints about the car - still learning about all the bells and whistles.

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  Simply the best - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By spinster - July 12 - 7:43 am

  No other hybrid can compete. The Prius is into its 3rd generation and the others have to catch up.

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  Wow, is this a great car! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By O Picher - July 5 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for nearly 3 years now, and I just love it. A mini Lexus in its interior styling. Well- engineered and runs like a top. The acceleration is impressive (it has two engines, after all). Floor it, and leave the other cars in the dust. As for the eco-side of this, all I can say is this: once you sit at a stop light, with your car being dead quiet, you notice all the other cars around you still belching out exhaust. All cars should be this way. I wouldnt recommend it as a first car, but it has made a great second car.