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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  Quiet, Advanced, Love it - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 20k_milesAyear - June 2 - 4:30 pm

  This is my first hybrid car and I must say that it is far exceeding my expectations. My Touring grade Prius is quiet, comfortable, and smart. The cabin is open and feels bigger than it is. The hatchback is more functional then my previous mid size sedan. The smart key feature is really cool too. This is the car of the future.

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  Awesomely Satisfied - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By JPG - June 2 - 9:00 am

  Wanted a Touring, but the dealer didnt have one in leather, so settled for standard w/Pkg #6. No regrets. Weve had the Prius for a week now and are still finding new and fun aspects of being a Prius owner. The comfort of the leather seats is first rate. Having fun with the "game" of maximizing fuel economy and energy regeneration! I must have a lead foot, because Ive been averaging 43 mpg (which is more than twice what I get with my other cars.) Havent been able to get it to average more - but we live in a very hilly area SE of Oregon City. Actually bought this for my wife, but Im driving it more than she is. Great handling, cornering, braking, etc. Good acceleration.

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  Disappointing Hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By LBailey - May 31 - 5:56 am

  This is my third Toyota vehicle, and second Prius. While there is more interior space and extra standard features, it is more difficult to see out of the windows than with my previous Toyota vehicles and the rear seats are too low for most of my tall friends to be comfortable without their heads touching the roof. Perhaps the most disappointing, however, is the grossly inflated gas mileage. I would never have purchased this car if I had known it got the same mileage as my previous Prius and only a little better than the Echo I had before that. Shame on Toyota for their deceitful gas mileage claims!

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  2009 Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By SJM - May 29 - 12:06 am

  I have nearly 6,000 miles on my Prius so far and have not yet been able to break the 41 MPG average, despite an 80 mile per day commute - this is disappointing as the sole reason for purchasing the Prius was to gain maximum fuel efficiency. My hopes are that this will change as the weather starts to warm up, but, dont you think Toyota would have accounted for cold weather in the MPG ratings? Otherwise, I enjoy driving the Prius.

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  See me - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By David Wolfer - May 25 - 10:16 am

  The new tail light design makes the car visible and safe. My second prius. Like the changes to interior. Joy to drive

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  I love it - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Marie - May 22 - 4:40 pm

  I just got my new Prius 5 days ago, and I love it. I have 220 miles on it and I got 53.4 mpg. It is very easy to drive, and I agree you do have to learn to drive it if you want good gas mileage. The next thing is we will have to tow it back to Mi this spring. We usually towed with all four tired down, now we will be towing with a dolly. Every one says you wont know its back there. All in all I love the car appearance and all. I was driving a stick shift before so it really is different.

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  Cant get enough of it - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By omigosh - May 22 - 2:53 pm

  Acceleration is thrilling. 300 ft/lbs of torque from the electric motor (added to the engine power) is available immediately - not like the wind it up til it screams and then it finally moves out with just an engine. When moving slowly, on electric only, its so quiet I end up sneaking up behind pedestrians - they never hear a thing. Driving downhill in the mountains, beside a mountain stream, we could hear the water babbling. Very nice! The DVD navigation is just like having a local in the back seat, giving directions. Some buildings are labeled, mostly shopping centers, schools, govt buildings, etc. I drive 75mph to work, get 50MPG. In stop & go, 60MPG. A total delight to drive.

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  Great technology but less on comfort - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Blomman - May 20 - 4:10 pm

  It is a great car, gas mileage, space inside. However it has left things to wish on comfort. The seat settings are very basic, no heat in the seats even though it is the top of the range version.

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  Just Bought Another Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimmy - May 19 - 9:43 am

  Have 43,000 on 2006 Prius, will pick up my 2008 Touring Prius tomorrow. Car exceeded every expectation, to include overall engineering (to include human engineeering). I believe the Prius is the most misunderstood vehicle on the road and everyone that ride in this car leaves with an outstanding impression.

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  Wipers and power points - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By jtjtruth - May 16 - 9:53 am

  For the most part the Prius is a good vehicle. The most annoying thing is the Wiper control and placement. It is to easy to hit and start a real circus of front and rear wipers. Secondly with a vehicle that is one big battery, Why was it designed to kill the power to the power charge points when the vehicle is off. This is completely illogical and quite annoying in todays use of so many required electronics.