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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  Low cost and fun too - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Mike Hahn - December 6 - 9:16 pm

  I love my Prius. I will never buy another automobile. I have been in the mountains of West Virginia and North Carolina, and the plains of Illinois and have never had a problem. I just do the oil changes and tires and enjoy the ride. I average 48-55 mpg and have gotten up to 62 mpg in the city. What a feeling!!! Toyota!!!

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  Be careful with fuel gauge! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Len Renfer - December 3 - 2:00 am

  MPGs very dependent on outside temperature and amount of hills you encounter. Surprisingly good amount of interior room and comfort. Only problem is the fuel gauge. Ive discovered that consistently when I have a flashing E signifying empty I still have a third of a tank left. The fuel tank capacity varies with temperature, can be as little over 9 gallons. Running out of gas is not good for this hybrid and the dealer had to recalibrate. Dealer has done nothing and Toyota headquarters states that they are "working on" problem

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  Somewhat Disappointed - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gianni - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This is just a beautifully designed, comfortable, intriguing vehicle. But my feelings are overshadowed by one thing: the poor gas mileage. You may not feel the same. I think it depends on one thing: what is your PRIMARY purpose in buying the vehicle? Mine was fuel economy. So that was the essence of my bargain. I only got 34 mpg on the first two full tanks. On my third tank I am babying my driving to milk every last mile out of a gallon and looks like Ill get 40 mpg with total concentration on fuel economy. Bottom line: be mindful of the true gas mileage when you buy.

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  The Best Yet - Better than my Mercedes - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By GJAYW - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I love driving my new "TOY" [when I can get to it before my husband does]. It performs beautifully and I am still learning about all of the functions that it offers. After having owned and driven Chevys, Buicks, Toyotas and Mercedes-Benz this is by far the most fun. It performs beautifully on accelerating and the gas mileage is all you could ask for.

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  Best of the best - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By solidzeero - December 2 - 1:06 pm

  I am only 16 years of age and I Love this car. I have only put 1500 miles on the car so far so that is must likely the reason the millage is not that good. However, it has increased form 25mpg when i first got it. I am going to get new rims and make it look more sporty. i would recommend anyone this car who has a consience about the enviorment

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  I couldnt be happier! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By T - December 2 - 10:50 am

  I traded in a 1998 Mercedes Benz ML320 for the 2007 Prius Touring edition in Seaside Pearl blue. (Touring has a bigger spoiler, bigger tires and tuned suspension.) I couldnt be happier! Fun to drive, has more pick up than I expected, very comfortable and reliable and, of course, the legendary gas mileage. All my friends made fun of it before they rode in it. Now they love it. I personally like the way it looks and drives. I had mine equipped with leather seats, navigation system, back up camera, JBL audio and Bluetooth. I love the fact that Im reducing my carbon footprint as they say, especially important here in smoggy southern California. Overall, great car!

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  6 Month/7,000 Mile Review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Greener than thou - November 29 - 10:00 am

  I was lucky enough to buy one with only a 2 week wait. Reliability is great. Mileage has been a bit less than EPA; my average was about 46-48 during cold weather but has risen to 50 mpg in the spring (and is also highly dependent on tire pressure-I neglected this and ran out of gas once; luckily the battery had enough juice to make it to a nearby gas station. I dont recommend trying this.) The hybrid really shines in bumper-to-bumper traffic, when battery power alone is enough to creep along. It handles well, although it is buffeted by strong winds. Acceleration is reasonably quick (faster than my wifes Honda CRV).

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  Prius Rating - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John - November 29 - 1:00 am

  A great car for driving and economy

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  2012 Prius III - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By stef6 - November 28 - 7:16 am

  This is my first Hybrid. The Prius is a comfortable good performing car for everyday driving. Two things to remember the Prius is neither a luxury car or a sports car. Once you drive it for a while the gas mileage will make you forget whatever other issues you have with the car.

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  Super Duper Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Ivan Urbina - November 27 - 10:00 am

  The performance of Prius is great! I would say that this is a radical type of car. The instruments are like futuristic. The monitor display gives you information of average mile/gallons, the battery energy storage and many other stuff. (I kick my self for not purchasing the model with a mapping device) The design is sleek and aerodynmanic. I found very confortable on the ride even on bumpy road. The GAS MILEAGE consumption is super duper great!!! The inside four people sits confortable. The fifth person would have to be skinny. But all in all, this car is great for transportation and saves on gas!!!