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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  Toyota Prius is excellent for commuting - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Bruce Wilber - January 2 - 12:23 am

  We bought the Prius in order to get better fuel economy for commuting to work. I was impressed by the space utalization of this vehicle. We enjoy using this car for most of our dday to day travel and highly reccomend this vehicle to anyone looking for a midsize vehicle.

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By four door std hatchb - January 1 - 6:03 pm

  Great ride, great mileage, great handling. Slightly cramped space for me in passenger seat. Poor visibility to the rear for driver. Plan to buy an 07 for myself and give the 04 to my fiance.

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  Amazing car -- lots to like! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By jlbostrom - January 1 - 4:20 am

  We traded a cash for clunkers car and looked hard at the Insight, Fit, and the Prius. We picked the Prius and are really glad we did. The car is an amazing package -- great fuel economy, very good comfort, and solid engineering and design. After 2+ months we like the car more and more. This is a very solid car made for errands and for touring!

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  2016 Prius Three - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Joe Cortopassi - December 31 - 9:46 am

  The interior design is a bit wild with highly contrasting black and white surfaces (we have the Moonstone fabric). The detail around the display screen that extends to the glove box is a definite dust catcher. Having said that, we had a 2007 Prius and the 2016 is much more comfortable for me. I havent had it long enough to know what the mileage will really be.

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  2004 Prius - excellent - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Norman - December 27 - 5:16 am

  It is fun to drive and economical with plenty of space. It seems to get better mileage after a period of warm-up especially during cold or wet conditions so for short hops with long parking times, mileage suffers during the winter.

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  Under 1k miles, - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Alison Rubin - December 25 - 1:55 am

  But so far, loving this car! This is my 3rd Prius and will probably be my favorite - WAY prettier, and so far averaging 57 mpg!

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  Its Great - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ellah - December 24 - 6:16 pm

  Worth all the fuss to get this car. Quite comfortable. More legroom in the back than larger cars. Fuel economy is very good but not what is stated. Getting about 40 mpg so far but drive in a hilly area. Very happy with my new Prius.

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  surprised - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By mcruzen - December 22 - 9:39 pm

  I am an official car nut, bought a new prius 4 in December of 2010 to commute 20 miles to work. Thought I have to sacrifice fun and comfort for the fuel economy. I have been pleasantly surprised. In 7.5 months we have put over 15,000 miles on the car and coordinate all of our travel around the availability of the prius. Performance has been amazing, mileage terrific and its fun to drive. I really wonder why household doesnt have one in their garage.

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  Disappointed - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By m3cg - December 22 - 6:30 pm

  Totally disappointed with the gas mileage. We are lucky to even get 40 miles per gallon. For the price we paid, could be in a more upscale car and still get respectable gas milage.

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  Best mpg EVER!!!!! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Ken - December 21 - 3:50 pm

  Went with the Eco to get the extra mile or two. So far I have 4k miles and have just finished a 250mi road trip avg 62mpg.... mostly highway. I commute 100mi a day and usually get around 55-56 doing 70-75. Anything over that kills the mpg. From 45 to 60 is the sweet spot. Im starting to like construction zones on the highways due to the slow down;). Still has enough get up on the highway if you need to move. insurance is crazy cheap. my 08 Hummer cost an extra $100 every 6months.