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 dream car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PRUSA - December 1 - 12:16 pm

  This car is fun to drive. I cant recall having so much fun in driving a car as much as this one. My next car will definitely be a Prius. I bought the PKG 6 Touring, but the base is the one I would get the next time around. I dont have to worry about gas prices because I only visit the gas station twice a month versus every week. Great in mileage!

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  Great car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By al - December 1 - 7:33 am

  I have had my Prius for 2 months and I love driving the car. I am averaging about 42 mpg for the first 3,000 miles. This is my first Toyota and the quality of the car is great.

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  Prius 3 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Amy - November 30 - 1:53 pm

  Just bought a 2010 Prius 3. My husband had really been wanting it so finally pulled the trigger. Has a nice ride but the acceleration is awful unless you put it in power mode. I dont feel comfortable merging or going uphill. Great gas MPG of course but other than that nothing special.

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  Fun Drive! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Bluebonnet2 - November 29 - 8:40 pm

  Had the Prius 3 weeks and really enjoy driving it. Big change coming from a 4Runner SUV. Debated between Camry hybrid and Prius, but Prius was $3,000 less with more mpg. Waited 5 weeks to get it; still waiting on a couple of options to arrive for it. There is a lot more road noise than I expected on rough roads. Smooth roads are a quiet, excellent ride. Handles very well and parks so easily.

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  A Definite Upgrade! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Michael - November 27 - 7:23 am

  I purchased a 2013 Prius Three for work a few years back, which I really enjoyed. Traded that one last year and missed it, so I purchased a 2016 Prius Four in March, 2016. Wow! Loving this car. My 2013 was not super comfortable, especially on long-haul trips (which I did on a weekly basis). I purchased my 2016 (black exterior, white interior) about 10 hours from home and had a very comfortable drive back - the vehicle feels stable on the road, and the seats are more comfortable. Add the safety sense package into the mix and my long drive was downright enjoyable; I love the adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist and would definitely recommend splurging on it if you can. I also got the upgraded JBL audio system, which sounds 1000% better than my last Prius (some may not care, but its important to me). Another improvement is the touchscreen - In my 2013 Prius and 2015 Tundra, the touch screen does not do well in sunlight - I would always have to shade the screen to see. This is not an issue on the 2016 Prius. I have only a few gripes to date. 1) The sun visor - it does not extend, so when the sun is hitting you from the side it is quite annoying. I will be ordering an attachment on Amazon to fix this problem. 2) Not enough front seat storage. My 2013 had a larger middle console and glove compartment; 2016 model is lacking in these areas.

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  The Little Red hybrid that could - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By CE - November 25 - 9:43 pm

  Quite responsive. Enjoyed the smooth take off with the absence of shifting quite noticable. Plenty of snap for passing, especially considering only a 1.5 liter. Breaking and cornering very nice... smooth. At first thought the small steering wheel felt strange but now enjoy the extra room it facilitates along with ease of control.

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  Glad to own one - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Happy - November 23 - 12:40 am

  I enjoy this car, it handles very well and the gas mileage is great. Especially now with gas prices this makes owning one a very intelligent purchase.

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  Hybrid Fun - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By B. Olive Young - November 22 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is very spunky, lots of fun to drive, lots of get up and go. Lots of leg room for my grown children, who are very tall. All my neighbours are very envious, and interested in the new style with all the special features in the dashboard. I love passing all the gas stations and laughing.

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  NOT WHAT I EXPECTED FROM TOYOTA - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JOHN SMITH21 - November 22 - 2:00 am

  WHEN I COMPARE THE HONDA VS THE TOYOTA THE CIVIC WAS A BETTER BUY FOR THE PRICE

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  Dont miss my Cadillac! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By vinceburns - November 20 - 10:00 am

  More than a year now and the Prius goes humming along. Great seats,comfortable ride and quiet interior are joined by excellent mileage (44 at 70 mph on the highway, and 46 mpg overall).The trunk is plenty big and all useable. The sound system is surprisingly good. Cant believe how much room there is; Im 62"/260 lbs, and I am comfortable in either the front or the rear. !