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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  Prius Breathe Easy - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Stella Wella - February 1 - 4:10 am

  2005 Prius got 47 miles to gallon in first 1000 miles. Great ride is better than Lexus IS300. Car handles prefectly at low soeed and excellently at high speed. Can easily accelerate past obnoxious highway traffic. It greet fun although just a half inch away from looking homely.

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  The best car Ive ever had - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Marque Sussman - January 31 - 5:20 am

  This car is fun to drive! It gets great mileage, as advertised, around 50 mpg. It looks great. It is extremely comfortable and has a huge amount of leg room in the rear seat. The heater and a/c are terrific. The radio and 6 CD changer are excellent quality. The GPS system and maps are tremendously helpful when in unfamiliar locations.

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  Great car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry Coghlan - January 30 - 9:10 pm

  Love to drive the car in the city and on the highway. Even the back seat is comfortable to ride in on extended trips. Would like to see the hybrid technology in the Toyota trucks.

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  Very efficient, reliable, high operation - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By honman - January 29 - 10:46 am

  Efficient, reliable, good fuel mileage, smooth ride, but lacks power on hilly ride.

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  Learning experience - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Billdp - January 27 - 9:20 pm

  I bought my Prius strictly for the fuel economy. I have been commuting to work in a GMC Sierra pickup which I love but has not been kind to my wallet as the gas pump. I was very surprised by the ride and feel of the Prius the first time out. It rode like a mid size car not a compact. I fully expected that the vehicle is no performance machine so the acceleration issues were no surprise. This car teaches you how to drive efficiently and the gas mileage is insane. By far the best hybrid on the market, designed from the bottom up not an after thought like other hybrids. I still have my truck but I only drive it when I need to. I recommend this car to anyone who hates gassing up!

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  Minnesta cold - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By rhuber - January 24 - 3:40 am

  Very quality automobile, does not feel like an economy car. Quiet, solid, tight. 6000 miles on it and no problems yet. Even if it wasnt a hybrid it would still be a great auto.

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  I love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By PMM - January 22 - 1:30 pm

  I love this car! We own two in our household, and the monthly savings in fuel costs are exceptional. I am averaging between 48-52 mpg depending on my travels. I do a good deal of long-disance driving and find the interior very comfortable with everything I need at my fingertips. And as far as pickup goes, the Prius delivers. I am just as confident merging into traffic in the Prius as I am in my van.

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  Value for Money Finally - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Prius Owner - January 22 - 11:23 am

  We purchased our new Prius in Dec 08 and promptly drove from Florida to CA and back. 5900 miles with no problems and $125 in gas costs for the entire trip. Since then we have put another 17000 miles on it with NO problems mechanical or otherwise. I am looking forward to purchasing another in the not to distant future. Excellent value for money. Gas mileage after the first 6000 miles went from 47 highway and 49 city to 48 highway and 51 around town. Got to love the savings. Cruising speed is comfortably up to 80 interstate with no significant loss of economy. A pleasure passing the clunkers going over the great divide.

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  prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By scottj - January 21 - 2:00 am

  great car!

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  Excellent Quality and Performance - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Brigi - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is well worth the purchase price. It is very complex and extremely well built, fun to drive and has a lot of power. All of the seats are comfortable and have ample leg room, even in the back which is unusal even for a larger car. So far our gas mileage does not quite meet the Federal guide lines we are still getting 50-52 MPG in the city but we are well pleased with that. If comparable priced cars are selling for $20,000, the Prius should sell for $25,000 (Dont mention that to Toyota, we would have paid $5,000 more) We are well pleased with our purchase and Toyota and the dealer.