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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  Being real - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pianodr - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I first became interested in the Prius after a visit to my dentist left me in the chair for close to 4 hours. I happened to read the Motor Trend review article on the new design and decided to go look at one. I drive close to 30K miles a year. I have worked in the automotive industry in the past, so I knew not to expect that mind-blowing 61 mpg. I wanted to double the 20-22 mpg that I got on my Buick. Ive done a little more than that and loved every second. Its a fun car to drive, and Im looking forward to more Hybrid cars homing out in the future. Ill definitley buy another one.

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  Its all mine - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jeri Waterloo - March 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car because of the 60 mpg it was supposed to get... it does get about 46 mpg and once it got up to 51 mpg .. that is the only complaint I have with this car. I even showed at two local car shows in the import class and brought home two trophies. It is a fun car to drive and handles well at all speeds.

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  One of a Kind - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By frank albert - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Prius, it is a outstanding automobile. Gas milage that exceeds 50mpg and best fit and finish I have seen in years. It drives like a sports car and has hatchback features like a 50K SUV. Also has a tax break for its hybrid design. Motor Trend and Consumer Reports were on target to select the 2004 Prius, CAR OF THE YEAR

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  04 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By 20127 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Perrrrrfect The best car to own must have navigation truly the car of tommorrow today

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  6 3" Prius Fan - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Paralaxed - March 13 - 10:00 am

  This car makes all others obsolete. My girlfriend and I bought it since we have two homes 100 miles apart, Fuel cost is really not an issue for us but it just seemed so wasteful. We were sooo surprised at how much we LOVE the Prius!! Its a blast and we have some other high end cars but we always drive the Prius. Pros: Fun, fuel economy, space and style. Cons: Rear spoiler blocks view

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  Prius, a great car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By edventa - March 13 - 10:00 am

  The Prius is fun to drive and has proven to save gas, though not as much as advertised. Perhaps 50 mpg.

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  Awesome - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By HECTOR GARCES - March 12 - 5:13 am

  My wife and I really love our 2004 Prius. Toyota Prius is the best car I have ever owned, air conditioning runs on the battery which in turn is charged by driving and braking. Mileage has been consistent at 50 mpg. Plenty of room and storage. Excellent quality. Excellent handling. The quality of these cars is impressive by itself, but the clean emissions make it outstanding. Great car! Highly recommended. Nothing bad to say. Good performance, lots of torque going up hills

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  Finally a Prius thats for normal people - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Not big on hybrid - March 10 - 2:20 am

  The 2010 Prius is a big upgrade over the 2009. The engine has more power and runs quieter. I thought the 2009 was okay, but this one was worth buying. The seats feel good, the dash is laid out nicely, and I love the amount of interior space. Fold the rear seats down and you can carry a ladder or a load from Costco. The dash and navigation tend to show finger prints. Not sure why the leather Prius units have the heated seats button so low. I cannot see spending the money on the AT package found on the Prius 5. Park assist seems cool, but works about half the time. I like the rims of the Prius 5, but if I would leave the AT package off it. Prius III or II works fine in my opinion.

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  I like it a lot! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By kenpassaic - March 9 - 6:23 pm

  This is a comfortable, peppy car that delivers the typical 5 miles per gallon less than epa, but is untouched by any other 4 door on the road. Besides, its fun to watch the battery come into play when other cars would be burning gas!

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  Love My Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - March 7 - 11:43 am

  Great Performance, fun to drive & reliable. Drove from Florida to Chicago twice, back through the mountains of Tennessee, and throughout Florida with my wife & dog. Enjoy the ride as much or more than with my old Lexus, or various Mercedes.