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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  Best car Ive ever owned! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Nancy Green - June 15 - 12:00 pm

  My 07 Prius is getting well over 50 miles/gal, and I chuckle as I drive past the gas station! It is without a doubt the best car purchase I ever made. I like having the key fob rather than a conventional key to open & start the car, and appreciate the feature that will not permit you to lock the key inside!

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  Nice ride - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By koukla - June 14 - 11:53 am

  Its a very smooth ride. It was much better then I had anticipated when buying the Prius. Excellent mileage! The rear view visibility isnt the greatest but it really isnt terrible either.

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  I love my PRIUS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Abearlover - June 12 - 10:00 am

  I love saving all the gas, I love the GPS and the 6 cd player...I love giving the oil companies the finger.

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  Prius for the big guy - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jb72 - June 9 - 8:20 pm

  I am 6 6" tall ans was concerned about how this machine would fit - before I bought it. Not anymore. This car is fun to drive and is quite comfortable. I improved my mileage 2 1/2 times from the SUV I previously drove. This is a fine car.

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  I love Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By AKS - June 9 - 10:03 am

  I got my Prius 6 weeks back. I absolutely love it!! Before this I was driving BMW X5, Now I like the Prius much better. Fuel economy may be the reason. I drive 125 miles everyday (all highway) and I track all my gas purchase, date filled and number of miles. So far I am getting 56 miles per gallon and that is awesome as compared to my BMW.

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  Toyota has indeed hit a home run! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Penny - June 9 - 6:03 am

  I had been waiting many years for a fuel efficient vehicle to come along. Id seen the SmartCars in Europe and wanted something comparable to find its way to the US. What I found is the the Prius. The quality, comfort and reliability of the Toyota has always been well known. They have brought it all together beautifully in the Prius. The car handles so well, Ive driven it on mountain roads and it hugs the curves like a champ. I drive mostly around my home and it has no problem at all keeping up with any car on the road. I get an average of 45 MPG in my everyday driving and dont have to fill the tank more than once or twice a month. I would recommend this car to anyone and everyone.

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  Ya Gotta Love It! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By A Long Time Waiting - June 7 - 10:00 am

  Ive waited over three years to purchase my Prius (was waiting for an old accident to clear from my record) and it was well worth the wait. EVERYTHING that others have told me about the Prius is true. Its fun to drive, handles beautifully, and is extremely comfortable. Did I mention that its really fun to drive!?! The features mounted on the steering wheel are absolutely wonderful.

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  Grrreat car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By aevans - June 7 - 10:00 am

  The 2004 modole has a lot of cargo space.I have gotten a large shopping cart of groceries in the back and still had room. Rides great, handles the crosswind great. (you dont get blown off the road). We have been getting an adv. of 56 to 58 miles to the gallon in fuel.

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  My Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By cob111 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  great gas mileage. Fun to drive. Feel like I contributing to reducing dependency on foreign oil by driving

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  Your Basic Car using less mideast oil - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By jeremylopez - June 3 - 2:00 am

  The car has performed nearly flawlessly for me in the 14 months that I have owned it. Overall the design is very user friendly and the features work well. The car has comfortable seats and very good visibility. The engine is peppy enough to merge in heavy and fast moving traffic. I test drove the honda insight and was horrified by its performance. These was nothing when I hit the gas pedal. The Prius passes without a problem. The back seat is a bit squished. I highly recommend giving this car a chance. I live in Minnesota and the cold weather (today -10 F as I drove to work) has not been an issue for the car.