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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  MMH 2005 Prius @ 7000 Miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MMH - July 5 - 5:10 am

  I commute daily across the Lake Pontchartrain Causeway to New Orleans at 75 miles/day @ 60-65 mph and average 46-48 mpg. This is a great commuting car. Since purchasing in March Ive made trips to Atlanta & Shreveport. The road trip to Atlanta was fine, however I would prefer to be in a larger & quicker auto when driving on the mega lane Atlanta interstate with the traffic flow at 80 MPH. I have added an XM satellite radio (not available from Toyota), there is a great unit that displays on the screen - available from Coastal Electronics.

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  Beware Prius severe road noise - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By alowin - June 30 - 1:57 pm

  I regret buying our 2012 Prius. Wish I knew what I know now. Road noise is horrific: both tire noise on pavement and wind noise. Travel at higher speeds and over 1 hr are very unpleasant; the ride not a bit enjoyable. Sound and vibration insulation seem minimal. Also: Prius interior is cheap, car seems tinny, but, yes, it has a fabulous power technology. We do get close to 50 MPG. Considering selling it because trips are so unpleasant. Think about whats important to you.

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  Awesome Commuter Car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sporttracz - June 25 - 6:41 am

  After driving a new Hyundai Elantra and the Prius, I opted for the Prius. Took a trip that was 200 miles one way and got 53 mpg. Not bad since the weather was below freezing. The car is very comfortable and has good power when you use the power option. The JBL stereo sounds great. No worrys on the maintenance for 2 years which is nice.

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  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike S. - June 24 - 6:20 pm

  Everything you want in a car. Tons of room, the right amount of power and very stylish.

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  I got what I expected - a GOOD thing - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - June 24 - 2:46 pm

  Ive owned the vehicle for a month. I have been averaging 47 MPG in winter driving. It has started in the morning with no problem even at 20 below F. I switched to winter tires, all seasons are iffy but the car does very well with winter tires. Im 64 and its a little snug, I keep hitting the CVT stick with my knee when I get in the car! The seats are not so comfortable but its fine for the kind of driving I do. Handling is secure and not very exciting. The wind throws the car around on the highway. Dont expect the thrill of a life when you drive it.. its a boring ride but gets you where you want to go without worries and pretty inexpensively.

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  Love my 2004 Pirus - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Bcordon - June 23 - 4:20 pm

  My 2004 Prius is the best car I have ever owned. I have save so much money on gas its ridiculous. The car handles pretty good untill you lose a bit of traction. However I wouldnt have any other car.

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  Great! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By yellowpearl - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Have had the car for only a week now after a three-month wait after ordering. This is a great car. It rides, accelerates and handles excellently. Its gas mileage is phenomenal. The fit and finish of the vehicle also is excellent, up to the usual Toyota/Lexus standards.

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  Almost there ... - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By David Stevens - June 23 - 2:00 am

  Generally I love this car (so do my 11 yr old and friends). Its fun to drive, quiet, good controls, nice audio, enough room. I had an 85 Corolla that this replaced - I loved it and the Prius is a worthy successor. Theres enough power to drive in the Utah mountains and it has a quiet, solid feel on the freeway. Its been cold so the jurys out on the mileage - so far 48 on the freeway but only 30-35 in town and it takas a while to warm the cabin. Visibility could be a little better but its pretty good.

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  Love these cars - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce Homeyard - June 21 - 1:42 am

  Ive always driven sports/sporty cars, 65 Sunbeam Tiger, 70 Datsun 240Z, (30 years of driving station wagons) and 10 years of Pontiac Fieros. I know how a car should handle, and I learned to drive very smoothly and so have always gotten the most mpg out of a car. At 65, when I retired in 2011, I decided that I didnt want to be that old guy driving the 20 year old Buick. I had been following the Prius since its intro and finally decided that Toyota had gotten it right and purchased a Prius 3. Since then every time I get to the end of the warranty (about 18-24 months) I get a new one. Loved the handling (for a sedan) and have pitched it around Watkins Glen race track. In power mode my Prius did the published 10.1 0-60 and thats quite quick for a lower cost sedan with a 95 bhp motor. But the electric motor kicks in like a F-1 KERS when you hit the pedal or Power mode button. The interior was clean and functional with comfortable seats and the all electronic dash, monitoring and mid-dash displays. All the bells and whistles. The only real objections I had with the 11, 13, and, 15 models were the rear window wiper bar, (you dont notice it after a while and it doesnt really hamper vision) and the safety limitations on function use, like GPS or address searches while driving. Heck, if it can tell the passenger doesnt have the seat belt buckled, it should be able to tell you have a navigator to use those functions and not impair a lone drivers safety performance. Mpg on those cars was (not by Toyotas calculator, which is always 2-3 mpg optomistic) combined city/hgwy; 11-50.9, 13-48.8, and 15-48.0. My new wife and change in driving patterns are likely the reason for the slight decreases. When I saw the 2016, I wasnt impressed with the redesign as it looked too much like everything else now than before and a little too angular with less character for me. The seats are narrower and lower, and Im a big, old guy, so I prefer the older ones, but Ive gotten used to the newer. The hood is chopped and easier for the driver (especially shorter ones) to see the actual front of the car. The back-up cam is improved also. The dash is more stylish but the readouts have been improved. Toyota switched the positions of the battery and gas tank and lowered the car a little, so theres no longer as much leg room in the rear, unless the driver and passenger are short. The rear storage area is a little smaller too and the car now has a spare tire, but it still allows a lot of bags of recycling stuff when the seats are folded down. I prefer the old package cover system. The interior is more directed to a younger crowd, but everything is very easy to read and reach; and sun glare on the dash is no longer a problem. Ride and handling are improved, road noise down and the doors no longer sound like tin. The CVT is great and the drive choices have changed. The old system was Evo or Power, The new system has an EV mode (strictly battery), or a Drive mode, which gives a choice of Normal, Evo or Power. Im really not sure what Normal is as I only use Evo and Power is just as easily obtained with your right foot as the CVT just sees it like passing gear in an older car. No trouble passing slower traffic and if you dont use the brakes on hills, youre soon doing 60-70 as it coasts along upping the mpg and recharging the battery. It also seems like the ABS has been improved with less frequent easy lock-up. Ive find the Prius hi-mile tires (all years) iffy in the rain ( I never tailgate) and last year tried a used set of 215/40x17 Nitto Neogen tires with a more aggressive tread for snow. Didnt do much for that, but they were way better for stopping in the rain and no appreciable change in mpg. With all of this, I expected the car to have gotten heavier with less mpg. But no, and I dont know how Toyota did it but for the first 3000 miles Ive had the car my best tank was 63.0, the worst 57.1, overall for 3k 60.8. This is by my calculation not Toyotas which says 63.5. Love these cars and cant wait for the 18 and just hope they dont stick on one of those big mouth bass grills that seem so popular. Id rate the first 3 as 8/10. The 2016 is a 9/10 to me.

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  Pros and cons of the Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mark - June 20 - 9:40 pm

  Not too many cons here....I love my Prius. I bought it in DEC 03 and now have 48K miles. MPG --I get 52-53 mpg average. Using no AC and under 68mph on mostly highway, I get 55mph avg. With AC on it avgs 52. WARNING -- for every mph over 65 you start to drop mileage. Over 70 will earn 50mpg or lower. Also, worse mileage with cruise-- burning a couple MPH uphill and then letting it pickup downhill beats the cruise average. Gas mileage drops when its below freezing- 48mpg avg. If I lived in upstate NY or the northern US, the Prius is not a good idea. Bottom line -- this is a great car!! Id buy another. Battery life over the long term is a concern but ill risk it with Toyota.