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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  STUPID CAR - very disappointed!!!!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By adam07 - July 26 - 5:33 am

  I bought this car in march 08, and two months later, there are countless dents from the smallest branches and acorns, it has dinky wheels, and the ugliest design, plus the brakes got really squeaky by June of 08 and Toyota told me there is nothing they could do. Toyota is the worst car company ever, I made a HUGE mistake, I should have bought a Jeep Patriot instead, it has more style, still has good gas mileage, and is a hell of a lot more durable than this junk!

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  Computer problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By kdc - July 3 - 10:00 am

  We immediately started having problems with the prius computer saying check engine and take to service station immediately. Our dealership said it was safe to drive, and that toyota would have the fix for it in several weeks. Meanwhile, we were responsible for paying for the rental car while they took their time to have it checked out. Toyota customer service is terrible.

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  Poor interior engineering, cheap plastics, cheap fabric - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By malansworth - April 26 - 7:24 pm

  Interior engineering was not well thought out and is deficient in many areas relative to comparable cars. Insufficient storage compartments. The large storage area under the "bridge" is awkwardly placed and leaves objects exposed. Access to seat heater switches and the 12-volt auxiliary input under the bridge is inconvenient and a potential safety issue if you reach for them while driving. The console storage is large and deep, which means that you must pile up objects on top of each other. The USB port is inconveniently located near the bottom of the console storage, so there is the likelihood that the USB drive will break due to contact with the storage contents. Seats lack lumbar support.

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  Theres more to a car than mpg! - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By baldeagle8 - April 26 - 3:57 pm

  Bought 2012 Prius two four months ago. Unless speed control used cant get the 50 mpg. Road noise worse than my 69 Bug. Think all that interior plastic contributes to the noise issue. Display is almost impossilbe to see in the Florida sun. This is of great concern because you cant see the performance icons. Not worried about speeding, this car couldnt win the soap box derby. Cloth seats hard to get in and out of. High beam lights are not adjustable and need it badly. Selling dealer staff not knowledgeable about features. Lastly, never had a car hydroplane so badly whcih is a problem with the kind of rains we get in Florida. Has Toyota gotten overconfident?

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  POOR RELIABILITY, MPG NOT AS ADVERTISED - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mikey316 - November 5 - 3:06 pm

  In the first 2 months I have been left stranded twice "Oh what a feeling!" Mileage has been 40-43, not bad, but much less than promised. Acceleration is week, but you have to give up something for 60 mpg, oh I mean 43 mpg. The Prius understeers alot when pushed in the corners, but I guess it was never ment to have sportscar handling.

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  Disappointed - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Rick Samuels - August 13 - 8:46 pm

  I purchased this vehicle to replace my Toyota Echo. I wanted a competent vehicle that gets good mileage. My Echo got well over 40 mpg. This car is slow in acceleration. The battery makes it heavy, so handling is diappointing. People and cargo room is lacking. I knew the styling was ugly. But, this is not a fun vehicle to drive. Interior is typical Toyota cheap. On the highway, mileage suffers. I dont know if I can recoup the higher sales price in fuel savings. What was I thinking?

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  Its o.k. - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By subodh sunil patel - June 26 - 12:04 pm

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  Beware Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By FMjustice - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Has a maintenance requirement that Toyota fails to disclose except in the fine print in the manual. The car must be run for 30 minutes at least every two weeks or both the 12 volt and hybrid battery may deteriorate. Upon being asked, Toyotas staff informs one that failure to comply with the requirement may result in the warranty on the hybrid battery (for which they will not disclose the replacemet cost) being voided. Honda, at least, gives you a month on its hybrid, and does not threaten to void your warranty. We also experienced an exploding tire and have never achieved the advertised gas mileage.

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  Dont Buy - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - April 30 - 11:56 am

  My prius has 10000 miles on it and I average no higher than 36mpg and only 25mpg in the winter. The fuel gauge reads no gas left but when I fill up it only takes 7 gallons to fill its 11.9 gallon tank. The engine is slow, loud, and noisy. For a $30,000 car I expected more. For an extra $5,000 my Subaru Tribeca gets 25mpg highway, power and heated seats, sunroof, AWD, 6 cylinder engine and better safety rating.

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  Overall Feels Like a Toy Car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By rent11 - December 1 - 7:20 pm

  Ive had this car for a little over 6 months and am HATING the car. Im not hating the car because its a bad car, it was just not the right car for me. I was coming from 2006 Volvo S60R which had the most comfortable seats ever. The Prius seats lack any support and whats with no power seat option. I added every conceivable option to my Prius including Navigation, Bluetooth, Smartkey, JBL Audio and leather and I still cant stand this car. I know this car is meant for Fuel Economy but Toyota could have spent some money on comfort.