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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  Awesome Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Maria Kenez - December 21 - 5:26 am

  This is my second Prius, first was a 2002, also awesome. I was told that highway mi/gal will be lower, but I find that not to be true. I can get as good as 50 mi/gal on long interstate trips. In the city I get somewhat less. There are also some driving habits you can pick up to increase performance. You get ques from the "energy" display. Very clever engineering.

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  A Best Buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Barbara Wilson - December 19 - 5:50 pm

  I waited four months for my Prius and it was well worth the wait! I love driving it, the fold down back seats make it easy to carry big loads, and it gets an average of 45mpg. After I bought mine, three friends followed suit, so now there are four Prius in the parking lot at our health club. We all believe that saving on fossil fuels is a true American value, and so is cutting down on air pollution. My sister and one of my daughters are next in line to get theirs!

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  mini-suv (not just a second car) - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By MGG - December 18 - 12:33 pm

  Apart from all the hype about mileage (all true), cool new technology, and styling, the real story about the 2005 Toyota Prius is its versatility as a primary vehicle for large families. Deceptively stylish on the outside, comfortably cozy on the inside, and compact and maneuverable enough to fit into tight parking spaces, the Prius is also capable of carrying awkward and oversized loads that wouldnt fit into many SUVs. After a year of extensive driving in all sorts of weather (snow, ice, rain, heat) and terrain (mountains, coastlines, rural gravel roads, freeways, city streets), this vehicle averaged 53 mpg overall after 15,000 miiles, with one-tank averages between 48 and 66 mpg.

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  My Prius Experience - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sparkle - December 18 - 7:16 am

  I love the fuel economy, the comfort of the back of the drivers seat, windshield visibilty. Its fun to drive. Improvements needed: --The inside back-up beep, beep, beep distracts my visual concentration. I strongly dislike this feature and I would feel safer without it. --The forward visual field of the low beam headlamps cuts off far too short as soon as the car begins a downgrade. I dont like this. --The drivers seat bottom (of the car) needs to be more cushy My butt and legs are uncomfortable after 1/2 hours on the road. --I havent seen 60mpg except for a few seconds after filling the car up with gas. I avg. about 50 mpg. I am still happy to be driving a Prius!

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  Mr. Economy - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Steve L - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This automobile is very comfortable ahd quiet. My average fuel economy is 44 mpg with the majority of trips being 3.5 miles to and from work. I have read other reviews of the cars poor handling but I find those views to be untrue. This car hugs the twisties and is very predictable in its responses. Power is marginal but adequate. Passing power band is acceptable with a top speed of 104 mph on level road. Top mpg Ive gotten was 53. The feel of the car is much larger that its footprint suggests. The car I was going to get before looking at the Prius was a Mini Cooper. Glad I got the Prius though I still have the "motoring" philosophy.

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  Excellent car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By hbedmunds - December 14 - 8:21 pm

  I was surprised at some of the reviews indicating care was uncomfortable etc. I have never written a car review before, but the 2010 Pirus is such an excellent car, that it deserves a review. I now have 29,000 miles. I track the mileage on most fill-ups, and my average is 48.7mpg over more than 27,000 miles check. Mileage is best in rush hour traffic, worst for short trips of 3 miles or less and when driveing higher than 65 mph. I find the car fun to drive around town and VERY comfortable on long trips, much more so for my back than previous 1990 Maxima and 2001 Avalon. We originally assumed that we would only use it in town, but now use it as exclusive choice for long trips. No issues

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  2007 Touring - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By TJ - December 12 - 7:56 pm

  Just purchased an original owner, 2007 Touring 22k miles, with Package 5. The OEM Bridgestone Turanzas were just about worn out and I replaced them with Michelin Primacys 195/55/16. There are not many tire options with the 16 inch wheels on the touring. Car handles great and is very quiet. Upgraded sound system with 9 speakers and XM is fantastic.

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  04 Prius-Great Car but could be Better - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Raines1 - December 9 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 Toyota Prius is a pleasure to drive, it turns heads & begs for people to ask questions & to look inside. But a few caveats. 1st-The cruise control is attached to the steering wheel (not the column). I cant find it when turning a corner. 2nd-We have both hit the drive control knob by accident and shifted into dynamic braking mode (doesnt hurt the car but I wonder about the car suddenly slowing while going 70 mph with a semi on your tail). 3rd - With light rain/Freezing temps, the gas access door froze shut & no way to easily open it. I hit the access door to free it then used a ball-point pen to wedge it open. Its not really winter yet!!!

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  2001 Prius - Drive it! Love it! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By alangoho - December 8 - 10:00 am

  Other than the initial sale (which was right when the Prius was released for sale in the US), this has been the most amazing automobile experience I have ever had. Ive had it for 18 months without a complaint. I have put on about 18K miles so far, and am averaging about 47.7 mpg. I am re-assured by the quality of the vehicle. Not the cheesy tin can that I was expecting from buying an import. Its got a steel body (which takes away from performance/mpg, but adds to the solid feel). Its no slouch when you need acceleration, but thats not why I bought it. I love "hearing the light change" as the Toyota commercial so succinctly put it. Lots of interior room and a comfortable ride.

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  Bad seat but STILL love my Prius! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Tom - December 8 - 6:33 am

  The poorly designed seat notwithstanding, I have over 35,000 miles on my Prius in the first year. It has been a delight to drive and a pleasure to fill up compared to my diesel pick up! Great acceleration, computerized everything and excellent handling make this car more fun to drive than you might think. Handles curvy roads with ease and has more than enough acceleration to pass in any conditions.