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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  Toyota Prius-a great car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By sivaram - April 3 - 2:16 am

  very comfortable, smooth and reliable. Good power and very good acceleration. Excellent gas mileage. Everything about this car is great except for two things- The shape of the car could have been better. The navigation is very very disappointing- very user UN-friendly compared to Honda Navigation annd Magellan Roadmate.

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  Best car I have ever owned! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Noel Newby - April 2 - 3:59 am

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  Love it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sigjuliussen - April 1 - 11:50 am

  Great MPG, I have been getting 50+ city and I got 51.7 on 400 mile trip through Alaskan mountain roads. Im 64" and 340 lbs and I fit fine, easy to get in and out of. Lots of cargo room

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  Falling In Love Again - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Gone Green - March 29 - 9:16 pm

  I love my new Prius! It is comfortable, easy and fun to drive. Most of all saving on my fuel $$.

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  Cant believe its a hybrid! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By toopey - March 25 - 10:00 am

  This is one sweet car! Forget the fact that the gas mileage is unbelievably good. This car feels like luxury on wheels. Of course I got the package 9 which comes with all the bells and whistles, but I would imagine even the lower packages are awesome. The car handles incredibly well, the interior is incredibly roomy- even the legroom in the backseat. And whenever I go out of town, I cant wait to get back home so I can drive it again!

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  New car for a new generation - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By solidzeero - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I am a big fan of the new Toyota Prius for more reasons besides the great fuel economy, but for the many features that can only be found on the highest end luxury cars. The Prius has the smart entrance system is really handy for us key fumblers. Has an auto dimming mirror which stops the annoying person behind you from blinding you with his lights. Finally, the navigation system will keep you from getting lost no matter where you are. I give this car a Perfect 10 out of 10.

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  Prius Impressions after 3K miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mikenunb - March 25 - 10:00 am

  After driving and washing and some interior disassembly for the purpose of Scothgaurding components I have come to some conclusions about the Prius. It is an inexpensive "econobox" type of car with high end electronics and gadgetry and the most sophisticated power train available in any car at any price. The seats are moderatly uncomfortable for my 510" 240 lb frame. And the interior construction and materials are kind of cheap. But all this is offset by only having to add gas every other week, instead of weekly or more often in Toyota Camry it replaced.

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  2006 Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By 2006 Prius PKG #1 - March 23 - 11:46 pm

  I picked my car up this week. It takes some getting used to all the gadgets and quirks for this one of a kind car. I think the exterior is weird (read cutting edge). The interior is odd as well. I guess more cars are going to the display higher in the dash.

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  MPG depends on how you drive, PERIOD! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - March 22 - 9:26 pm

  pkg #2. 33,273 mi from 1/19/06 to 1/7/07. Avg 48 mpg first 15k mi (havent updated spreadsheet) Best tank 712 mi. Only 2 tanks under 40 mpg, 34.4 & 38.8, 1 hr in St Louis then to Pine Bluff, AR March 5th (plea 5th on speed). 70 mph gets around 45 mpg, 60 mph 50 mpg. Less mpg in winter. 20-40 mph just right (accel & coast) gets 70-100 mpg on hwy from Pine Bluff to Little Rock (best was 93mpg @ 35mi). CPU mpg reset to 0 on its own a few times, once while looking at it. Out of gas 3 times. W/6 blue bars barely made 1.7 mi to gas sta. Most gas on fillup 12.4 gal. Elec A/C & engine heat. READ MANUAL. Overall, I LOVE IT!

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  Deal breaking exterior design - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By JOHN MIRANDA - March 22 - 4:27 pm

  Headline says it all, I would probably be driving a 2016 Prius had it not been for the impossibly bad exterior design. I had a good test drivr, but I simply could not purchase a vehicle that made me cringe every time I looked at it. Good thing my 2007 Prius is in good shape. Perhaps I will hold onto it for another couple years and see if Toyota comes up with something a little less psychotic looking.