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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  MY CAR - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By REDHEAD38 - October 21 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR ESPECIALLY FOR A COLLEGE STUDENT

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  Hybrid technology is now mainstream - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Douglas Wade - October 21 - 2:00 am

  This car is phenominal. My wife refers to it as a "spaceship", but I love it. It is a full sized car on the interior and it is loaded with neat features. Toyota has raised the bar with this vehicle. The smart key system is great, but make sure you put the key in the ignition if youre going to have someone valet park the car or drive it through a car wash. The car will stay running if you leave the vehicle with the smart key in your pocket, but if someone tries to move it the engine will shut off.

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  Great Car...Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By new prius owner - October 17 - 11:53 pm

  Have had my Prius for a month and a half. Great ride after the learning curve. This has got to be the wave of the future. Right around 47-48 miles per gallon so far (new car and winter driving).

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  My best car ever! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By merriama - October 11 - 5:50 am

  Ive owned eight (8) vehicles during my driving lifetime, and this car tops them all. Driving my Toyota Prius is a true pleasure. Its comfortable, pretty, and energy efficient. Because I want to maximize my MPG, Im more conscious of staying within the speed limit. I also enjoy knowing that in a small way, driving this hybrid has a more positive impact on the environment than a regular gas fueled vehicle.

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  Why Not 60 MPG? - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Spindoc - October 10 - 5:13 am

  Love our Prius and am in the process of purchasing a second! Many comments here about not getting the 60 MPG; of course, EPA ratings are a bit optimistic, but the reason Prius CITY mileage is better than HIGHWAY mileage is that the gas consumption goes to ZERO when you are stopped in traffic or at a light. Averaging in those zeros makes for great mileage overall! It is no slouch on the highway and I get nearly 50 mpg at 70 mph (high 40s, anyway). Makes you feel sorry for those SUV drivers out there!

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  Must drive it to see what its all about - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By amh - October 9 - 12:36 am

  Coming from a 1992 BMW 325i, I have no regrets in choosing the 06 Prius! I am saving $100/month in gas, and I dont feel like Ive compromised anything. Granted, the BMW is an excellent car and I believe it is the best handling small sedan available, but the Prius has so many luxury features standard that I dont think its downgrade in anyway. I have no hesitation in recommending the Prius to anyone looking for a fun yet very practical car!

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  Prius - one year - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By RMartin - October 8 - 11:56 am

  We love the Prius. It has more comfort for 4 people than our former Oldsmobile Intrigue. Overall well designed. Disappointing is the mileage in the winter. A typical 30 mile trip is about 46 mpg dropping a little in the winter when the heater needs to be on. Less than quoted. MPG goes up to about 50 on a 120 mile trip to Seattle on the freeway. The mileage goes up in stop and go traffic. The concept is great and if the batteries had more capacity one could draw more from them and mileage would improve greatly. The plug and drive would be immense help for us who typically drive 30 miles per day. Lobby for plug and drive!!

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  Rermarkable Car! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Toby - October 7 - 11:40 pm

  This is the most remarkable car I have ever owned. It is economical, roomy, comfortable (I am 62" and have heard about how it doesnt fit tall people. Nonsense!), and fun to drive. I love the fact that it delivers great economy without producing tons of emissions while at the same time it is quick off the mark and able to climb mountains without hesitation (I have also heard about its supposed defects in this regard). I replaced the tires with Michelin Energy Savers A/S and saw the economy jump nearly 9%. I highly recommend those tires.

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  What a great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By PriusONE - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I was a little hesitant to buy before the technology was proven, but once I drove the Prius I was sold. Its a great little car that feel much bigger when your driving. I live in the city and the turning radius to grab a parking spot is amazing.

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  Prius 2002 model - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By MSDickerson - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Great quality - great sound system with CD player option-Super quiet to listen to great sounds - Phenominal gas mileage - excellent acceleration - good pulling ability (small trailer - not recommended though). Cannot do much better.