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 2006 - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Scott Ayliffe - March 6 - 10:20 am

  Great car! If this were a normal 4 or 6 cylinder gas engine car, it would still be a fantastic ride. The "fit and feel" is tight as you would expect from Toyota engineering. Gas mileage (real world) is closer to 39-40 mpg, but thats driving with AC blowing full blast (which drains batteries a little faster therefore requiring gas engine recharging at highway cruise speeds a little more often). Its fast off the line, too. Very quick car. If I drove it more efficiently, I would probably be getting better gas mileage. Would buy it again in a heartbeat !

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  fun - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mosh - March 4 - 3:10 am

  Great car, I will never go back to regular gas engine agian.Lots of power and fun to drive. Looks sharp and soooo quiet.

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  It Does What Its Supposed to Do - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Psychprofessor - March 1 - 2:40 pm

  On the fun-to-drive meter, the Prius ranks pretty low. However, when it comes to practicality, gas mileage, and reliability, its a definite 10! One thing I really like is that after we had had it about a year, the highway gas mileage improved significantly. Now, we regularly get 50+ mpg on trips. On a recent trip to Nashville, a total of 703 miles roundtrip, we averaged 52.3 mpg. Also, thats driving at the speed limit whenever possible. I also appreciate the fact that in more than a year and a half of hard use, there are still no rattles and no problems at all.

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  Great MPG bad build quality - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By qqqquae - March 1 - 1:03 pm

  Now with 5000 miles on my Prius it has been in the shop more than our old Audi. This is all due in part to a nasty dash rattle that started after the first 750 miles. The dealer is perplexed, they cant fix it. Engineers from Toyota have been flown in and they cant fix it. Nobody understands the constant noises it makes. Toyota has offered no option for buyback and shunned the idea when I proposed it. I know its an economy car but this rattle is just poor build quality. The navigation system incorrectly locates my position in the city. I have to stop the car and turn it off to reboot the system. The car averages 49-54 mpgs constantly. The paint is flawless and the best Ive seen.

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  2001 Prius - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Kent - February 27 - 11:46 pm

  This model of car has some major issues which will become increasingly apparent as it ages. Advice: dont give a review on this car until you have owned it for more than six months. Toyota does not stand behind the warranties on this model of car and tries to weasel out of repairs--this is from a 30+ year Toyota owner. It should have been recalled for defective rack and pinion steering (same as in the later models), inverter and computer problems and accelerator pedal assembly--all very expensive problems to repair. After having owned this car for one year, with two months spent in the repair shop, negotiating with Toyota, I cwill not purchase another Toyota car. Advice: stay away!

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  I truly love my Pruis! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lina - February 26 - 10:46 am

  We bought 2010 Pruis II two weeks ago and we love it. The fuel efficiency is 49.5 miles per gallon. As you drive a little more you will figure out how to even get more MPG. The exterior and interior design are awesome. It is roomy, comfortable, high tech, and driving is great. It comes with 7 airbags including knee. It is easy to handle and control on the road. Quality is great comparing to similar cars available on the market. It also offer great options like bluetooth, assisted parking, backup camera, and navigation, etc. Toyota has done a great job!!!

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  Sparky - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Gary Sanchez - February 22 - 10:00 am

  This car is a wonder! I have not had one single problem with this vehicle. The quality of the fit and finish is second to none. The economy and ecology are more advanced than most cars on the road today. Once you drive it you begin to drive wonder why this technology hasnt become common with more vehicles on the road today. When in stop and go traffic with only the electric motor on, you understand just how wasteful gas only cars are. I have 75000+ miles on this car and will buy the 2004 Prius with every option I can get.

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  How do I hate thee? Let me count the ways... - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By rhodeislandred - February 22 - 8:47 am

  For transparency purposes, I must disclose that I grossly underestimated my love for the driving experience, and that I live in New England. 1. Cold weather made gas bladder (tank) shring from 12 gallons to 9, resulting in more frequent stops at the gas stations. And no, it does not expand when the weather warmed up. Did I mention the wildly inaccurate fuel gauge? 2. Zero lumbar support makes it uncomfortable for those long drives youll be taking since the mileage is so great. 3. Speaking of great mileage, its the best feature, as long as the weather is warm and the pavement dry. New England only meets that criteria 25% of the year. I averaged 30 mpgs. in the cold weather.

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  Great overall - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Terrano - February 20 - 10:00 am

  We got this Prius in 12/09. It really is cool how much features you get even on the base model. Yes, it does really get 50 MPG, driving normally. It rides comfortably, decently quiet, and seats are just right. Rear seats are very roomy- pleasant surprise. One quibble about it though, is that the interior rattles. Ive looked it up further, and apparently it is an early build problem- apparently solved on more recently built cars. Dont know why they cant get something like that right the first time. Otherwise, the car is great, no problems whatsoever! Traded our 08 Sonata for it, the Hyundai had many minor problems that made it just irritating to own. It didnt rattle though!

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  Need a new car? This is it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Les - February 18 - 8:10 am

  Ive owned this car since Jan 06. Its been perfect from the day I brought it home. Pro: -Its well built and fun to drive. -Gas mileage is great... city/highway average is 50mpg. -Plenty of leg room, storage space. -Much bigger on the inside than it appears. -Comfortable on short and long drives. -Navigation system works well. Con: -Design-wise, its a bit of an ugly duckling. This could be improved if the available color choices were a bit brighter and startling. -Light and wiper controls would be easier to use if they were not so obscured by the steering wheel. -Glare from the mid-dash control screen can be bothersome when the sun is shining thru the rear window.