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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  Big surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By brooksey - February 16 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing in its perfomance!

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  Best Car Ever Owned in 21 Years of owner - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By wp - February 14 - 5:50 pm

  Very first foreign car ever purchased and absolutely best car ever owned. Excellent cost of ownership, great commuter and unbelievable and very deceiving amount of cargo space - especially with seats down. Hauled over 400 lbs of dog food to kennel couple mths ago! 4 Stars on comfort because could really use an adjustable lumbar support; other than that perfect. Also, fun to drive in a techy kind of way. Lifetime avg mpg is 47.5mpg. currently 36k miles mostly highway.

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  2010 Prius bought June 2009: cost, etc. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By quist55350 - February 12 - 2:46 pm

  After two days, I am averaging 43 MPG but have driven less than 100 miles and have not gotten to study my manual yet or really practice my skills. Solidly built. Fun to drive. Comfortable. Paid just slightly below the MSRP at $22,690 + tax in Minnesota.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne Brown - February 11 - 8:30 am

  I have over 148,000 miles now and havent had a single problem with the car except the MFD which was covered under warranty. The front brakes pads look extremely healthy still although the back brake shoes will likely need replacement within the next 30,000 miles. Easily, very easily, the best car I have ever owned; I have never been happier with any car and I have had more than 20 in my 40 years of driving!

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  Prius - luxury comparable to BMW - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Boyd - February 9 - 5:06 am

  40k miles thus far. No mechanical problems whatsoever. 44 to 47 MPG in the winter, and 49 to 51 in the summer. I have package 6. I think this car compares more to a BMW rather than the cheaper economy cars that we hear the media make comparisons to when speaking of the overall cost of the vehicle. This is the most luxurious car Ive owned but Im still waiting for a plug-in PHEV. Technology is there for a Prius that gets 100 to 200 mpg, but Toyota has spent a ton of money on marketing campaign for this no plug-in hybrid. GMC claims it will release its own plug-in with mileage in this range in 2010. When that happens, Ill drop my Prius like a ton of bricks. Until then, GO PRIUS!

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  A Super Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kas - February 9 - 2:00 am

  4000 miles and going strong. 55 mpg on interstate trip. Great in the snow. The way you drive this car will determine your mileage. I average between 44 and 55 mpg. in all around driving. Comfortable with better than expected pick up. No trouble going up hills or keeping up with interstae traffic.

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  Problems in Winter - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By priusinChicago - February 6 - 5:10 pm

  Toyota Prius was pretty good, basically a 4 out of 5 in all respects except mileage, and then it was a 5 out of 5 until the very cold weather set in. Mileage went down from 46-50 mpg all the way to mid 30s mpg when it was in the 20s outside. And in the very cold (teens or near zero degrees Farhen) when you use the heater it went down to 27 to 30 mpg. This was a disappointment on all counts with winter and cold weather mileage.

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  Love this car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Vlinder - February 3 - 11:03 am

  What can I say, I just love this car. This is my first hybrid. Was interested in the 2009, but I am glad I waited for the 2010. It gets great gas millage. Average 53 mpg. This is a fun car to drive. My son says it looks like a peanut. But I love my peanut :-) What more can I say...Toyota kudos to you.

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  good at the pump - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Goldpreme - February 1 - 7:16 pm

  Just got my Prius, and its fun to drive and easy at the gas pump. Getting 51 miles a gal. on my drive to work, thats just great.

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  Fun to drive, easy to impress - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By David Beil - January 31 - 10:40 am

  The Toyota Prius is a great car. It drives very easily, and its fun trying new driving techniques to improve mileage. There is plenty of room for passengers and cargo. Everyone is impressed with its new technology and efficiency. The only notable drawback is in its blind spots. The shape of the car may be ideal for aerodynamics, but one needs to drive more cautiously to doublecheck blind spots. I highly recommend this vehicle for those who feel the need to be a part of the solution rather than a part of the problem...its a great feeling to fill up the tank after 550 miles. An online chat forum promotes open conversation between Prius owners.