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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  Just drove one across the Country - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By George F - January 26 - 11:03 am

  This is the perfect automobile. I just drove it 2550 miles in only 2 1/2 days across this beautiful country. There were 16 hour days in rain, traffic, and various other road conditions. It performed flawlessly. I could go on but my ratings say it all except for this one item. When I pulled into my drive way, the fuel meter showed 48.2 mpg for the whole trip. WOW! With long distances at 80 mph.

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  Bobs appraisal - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Patricia Deinhart - January 24 - 8:46 pm

  Have had as high as 69 mpg and as low as 42 mpg Great car, handles nice, comfortable

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  Best Car Ever Owned - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By WP - January 19 - 12:06 pm

  I bought my 08 Prius, Package II, in March 08. Lifetime average has been 47MPG with over 18k miles/year and mostly highway mileage. It does tend to do 2-5 mpg less in winter. Have owned cars for over 21 years now and this stands out as best car ever for getting from A to B as well as errands. Amazing and misleading amount of storage space.

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  A little spaceship - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By DBH - January 19 - 10:20 am

  I just bought my Prius last week and I love it. I was concerned about going from a BMW Z4 sports car but I quickly got over that. The Prius is a fun, solid, practical car. Im enjoying how absolutely different and modern it is. Its like driving a cool, little spaceship. I may have sacrificed a bit (OK, a lot) of power and performance but thats more than compensated by the mileage and clever design of the Prius. And Im surprised at how zippy it is. Of course tracking MPG real time is a disincentive from flooring it but when the power is needed its certainly there.

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  An Honest Appraisal - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Aviator - January 17 - 6:46 pm

  I had been driving a 2008 Mercedes C350 fully loaded until today. Average MPG was 20. Then came along the Prius.The Prius caught my eye, especially in light of todays fuel prices, which are always going to go up. Took delivery of my 2009 Prius today. It lives up to the hype and then some. Averaged 55 mpg on the drive home. Incredible!! Interior comfort exceeds the Mercedes. Interior appointments functional, beautiful and fun. Driving experience major fun. Handles great, sound system a wow. Tons of room, Im 6,1". Superb interstate handling doing 70 mph. An incredibly versatile, functional and fun ride. And that 55 mpg burning regular, just keeps a smile on your face.

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  Driving Mind Mixer - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By FL2MI - January 15 - 11:26 pm

  This is our first hybrid. Ive been driving a Nissan Maxima for the past 10 years, so this is a BIG MIND change. Now I have to really focus on if I need to put my foot on the brake to start the car, watch the gauges to make sure Im getting optimal performance (MPGs), pushing a button to park, making sure I dont pull too far forward onto a cement parking stop...its like learning a new language. And even with all these oddities, I am truly enjoying the Prius. Ill know more as I drive more, only has 250 miles so far. I love the fact that I can sit parked in the car in the hot sun and run the A/C without having the gas engine on! I love getting 48+ mpgs! I love the quietness of the car!

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  05 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Drazzst - January 15 - 3:50 pm

  2005 Toyota Prius, "Pkg 9" Mile: 22700 Purch: 12/31/04 Loc: New Hampshire This is probably one of the best cars that I have purchased. Toyota quality is very prevalent in this model. Vehicle handles very well in most weather, including snow and ice. Mileage is ~40mpg Nov-Mar, ~50mpg Apr-Oct. Learning to drive this vehicle does take some time, as working the accelerator is key to activating the gas/electric motors. Visibility out of the windows is decent. The main plus for this vehicle is the money saved on maintenance. Vehicle is serviced approx. every 5k miles.

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  So much fun - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By panda4 - January 15 - 2:33 pm

  This solidly built car is so much fun to drive. An incredibly tight turning radius with a smooth quiet ride (this coming from someone who has never had anything other than 4 cyl cars.) Plenty of room inside for 4 adults on a long trip. Ive been getting 47mpg in town and 50+ on the highway. Another nice plus is there is no drag on the engine when running the A/C, I guess its pulled directly off the battery.

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  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By From Seattle - January 14 - 10:46 pm

  Good car overall. After two years overall MPG is 40. I have been driving with traffic. I guess if you drive delaying everyone then you can get 50 mpg. Otherwise forget about it. After two years rattles started to develop in the cabin. Toyota should be looking closer at who is buying the car - this is not Echo/Corolla crowd. Toyota, please dont hesitate to make car a few grand more expensive, but make interior higher quality and insulate sound better. I dont need Lexus 450h, I want better Prius. 2007 model adds leather, but seats are still cheapo stuff.

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  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Denise - January 14 - 12:33 pm

  I have very much enjoyed owning and driving my Prius. It is responsive, zippy and quiet. Its going on two years old and still feels new to me. Ive had a couple warranty items fixed: the windshield washer jets (they werent spraying properly) and the locking component for the glove box (the finish chipped off). Its reliable and comfortable regardless if youre small or tall. I chose Package 4 which has the Vehicle Stability Control and side front and rear airbags. I love the safety features.