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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  12,000 Mile Update - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By bh_okedoke - May 16 - 8:13 am

  Bought 01/06, car holding up well, AVG MPG now running @ 45 MPG 50/50 mix highway/backroad. Ive noted that the MPG computer reading overstates the actual MPG by about 2-3%. Run Tire pressure at 36 PSI. Car is still very tight, no squeeks, rattles, tracks well. Running Mobile 1 Full Syn oil. Looking forward to 2008 model with plug in feature and Turbo. Very happy with this auto.

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  A formidable achievement. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By James - May 15 - 10:00 am

  My 2010 Prius II is the finest overall car I have ever owned and I have been driving my own cars for forty years. It has the unique ability to transport four people in comfort and do so with an overall average of 50 mpg. I am impressed with the technology and am convinced Toyota loses money on the base car. It combines excellent driving characteristics (its no sports sedan, however) with an engaging dash and controls. I enjoy driving this car. Gripes? The tires need more compliance as they now transmit too much road noise and harshness into the cabin. Also the radio/entertainment system combo is weak. I am not convinced spending more on factory pieces would be worthwhile. The after-market s

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  Best car for normal consumer - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Jim W - May 11 - 10:26 pm

  I love my 08 Prius, I have over 215,000 miles on the car, I purchased it with 168,000. While many of these reviews come from folks that have owned the car for a short time, I am Credit Union Autobroker in Portland OR and have owned and sold over 300 of Prius. These cars in my opinion are the most reliable car a normal consumer can buy. I get about 45 to 47 for my crazy all around mileage, and tend to drive it pretty hard. No timing belt, just change the oil and drive. Front brake pads, last forever, most of your braking if your normal, comes from the regenerating braking system. Have seen FB pads go well over 100K miles. I love these cars and give them 5 stars...my wife stole a V which is the wagon, and not given it back...she love it. My daughter is in Phoenix driving an 08 Touring model... Simply the best little rigs you can own. Jan / 2018 still driving this car...and still loving it..

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  Best Car So Far - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Abel - May 6 - 6:53 pm

  I like the economy, the quiet drive and the fact that this car is the future of the way cars are going to be.

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  Basics Missing - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By va_prius_10 - May 6 - 12:16 pm

  We just purchased our Prius IV and so far we like it. We did found Toyota left out somethings that should be very basic; such as a valet key, or a way to lock the glove box. In addition, the radio reception is weak and the iPod interface is slow when scrolling through artists, genre, etc... In all fairness, we are impressed with the MPG but not very impressed with the interior finish (given the price); also why have a button for Park?? I would recommend this car but note that its not for everyone.

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  highly impressive - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GBlobel - May 6 - 10:00 am

  Wonderful engineering,quiet and solid, almost unnoticable transitions of engine systems (how did they do that?). The car is surprisingly roomy, and one gets the feeling of driving a bigger car. In all, there are virtually no compromises in ride quality and performance when driving this green car.

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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By breeyet - May 6 - 10:00 am

  I love this car. I was expecting sluggish pickup and was pleasantly surprised that it accelerates fine and I routinely find myself surprised that Im moving along at 80MPH without realizing it. Ive driven it on the highway and even in the Appalachian mountains it was fine.

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  Dream Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pookie - May 2 - 9:26 am

  This has been my dream car for the past 5 yrs since the 1st gen came out. I have not been disappointed. Average MPG in my tank right now: 51.9 It is everything I had hoped it would be and continues to pleasantly surprise me every day I drive it.

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  My Prius still surges even after fix - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Betsyr - May 1 - 11:50 am

  I bought my Prius with high hopes, but soon the surges started. After the fix I was sure the surges would go away. They have not and I am having them more now. I understand that Toyota maintains that it is normal to have that feeling of loss of brakes, but its unacceptable. I take my foot off the gas way before an intersection and drive roads where I know the bumps. It works for the most part, but what will happen when I am on a 45 mph road and am cut off by someone on uneven surface! A wreck! A check on NHTSA shows that we are not the only people still having this problem! We want to trade-in but will lose 12k if we do. Lose money or possibly have a wreck - neither option is good.

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  Great MPG - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By green guy - April 23 - 7:30 pm

  After 4 weeks this car is great. still learning all the controls. 95 mile trip today ( 2 towns & HWY drive ) MPG is 60.7. Yes I drive a little over the speed limit. Great space, moved up from an Outback. I wonder how it will drive in the winter? Total MPG on both A& B trip OD is 59+.