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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  Loved it at first, now I absolutely hate this car. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By rex81 - June 29 - 8:31 am

  Dont get me wrong, the Prius is a great car to get from A to B. But it has so many faults, mostly in the way it drives, that I had to get rid of it after 30,000 miles. For efficiency of fuel and space, its unmatched. Its roomy and gets great mileage. But... The auto on/off of the engine is choppy, the brake feel is eneven, rock hard seats, the steering is numb, the ride is harsh, there are a ton of rattles throughout the car, and the car feels like it weighs twice what it does. Just a terrible driving experience. I was getting about 39 mpg consistently. No reliability issues whatsoever. But in the end, life is too short to drive a car like this. Thats why I got rid of it.

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  Not too bad - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Fred - June 9 - 9:40 pm

  Looks good, nice interior. Jerks around too much when engine switches from gas to electric!

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  Think twice - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Dazzled and Dismayed - May 27 - 11:36 pm

  Overrated vehicle. Dazzled by the bells and whistles, I failed to see the inability to adjust the seat. It is so uncomfortable over 30 minutes behind the wheel. The interior lacks basics, i.e., console-dash easy access storage, visor extenders, change dish, etc. Feels like a cheap car. Display is distracting and annoying. Reverse beeping is beyond annoying. I wish Priuses were refundable. Caveat Emptor

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  Good car, but make sure its right for you - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Paul - May 15 - 5:50 am

  I ended up with a Prius due to a strong, strong recommendation from a family member who swears by them. I took a data-driven approach to justifying the purchase, showing that the Prius is the car the minimizes lifetime cost for a set of safety, reliability, and size characteristics. Here the Prius has lived up to my expectations. So yes, the Prius does often make sense for your brain. However, make sure that its really the car that you actually want too. A bunch of things beyond the numbers really bug me about it. The outside is really ungainly, and the insides high contrast color scheme isnt my style. The center speedometer I thought would be fine, but when I hold my hand around 2 oclock on the steering wheel, my hand blocks it. Without a doubt the Prius is an incredibly well engineered car, but thats not all there is to a car purchase. If I were doing it again, Id choose one of the many other cars that is also well engineered but looks and feels a bit more conventional.

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  MPG - Yay! Everything Else - Meh. - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By missmytsx - May 8 - 9:22 am

  Toyota has made one efficient vehicle here. I achieve 45 - 55 mpg without really trying. In fact, I drive %100 of the time in "PWR" mode just to give this car some small modicum of driving enjoyment. But its very small. This car, simply put, sucks all the enjoyment out of driving. It is painfully slow. Those who claim it is not slow have probably not driven a normal car in a quite a while. It is very loud - lots of road and wind noise. At highway speeds Ive got to crank the radio nearly full blast just to hear the music or speech. If high real-world MPGs is your one and only criterion, then you cant do better than the Prius.

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  HUGE Blind Spot - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lee M - May 8 - 5:33 am

  The 2010 model has improved in adding more interior space; however in doing so, a blind spot of 2 feet on both sides of the rear corners were created. Another trouble with visibility is from the bar the rear windshield wiper is attached to. There is a vent in the back corner that cannot be blocked so a passenger cannot use a pillow to lie on. The seats are rock hard, the steering wheel is positioned too far away. The low beam headlights dont shine upward (the beam is cut in half) so it is impossible to view the road in front of you if you are driving up or down a hill. Mileage hangs out at an avg of 47. The blind spot must be fixed in a new model for me to purchase another one.

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  Think Twice 2010 Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By margieprius - April 20 - 9:26 am

  I have 4 Toyotas all purchased from Westbury Toyota. All was good until I began to experience brake issues on my brand new 2010 Prius. The dealers service was horrible, and they denied there was a problem. Eventually a recall for the non existent problem, and after the recall the braking on the car is less reliable then before, they say thats the way all the 2010 Prius are.

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  Dont Buy a Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pam2bad - April 10 - 3:20 pm

  When I first got my Prius I loved it. Now, a year and half later, Im hating it. For the past 2 months I have had trouble with the headlights going out on me and I have had it not start for me several times. The dealership I took it to in Maryland said it would cost me $400 to replace one headlight. When I told them about the car not starting they said it must be my battery. Then when they looked at it they said the battery was fine. I went to start up the car two days later it wouldnt start. I didnt leave any lights on or anything that would drain the battery and who knows how much a new battery for this car will cost. When you buy a car it should at least hold up longer than 1 1/2 yrs

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  Traded a civic HCH - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Yup - January 29 - 10:10 pm

  Owned a Civic hybrid for 2 years, this is a better car in every way, features, function, mileage, and room.

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  Problem with highway Steering - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne - November 28 - 9:43 am

  We brought the car for its great fuel economy and nothing else. The car isnt cute, the ride is not what we were used to but we knew that. We test drove the Prius many times before buying it. But during our first long distance trip (400 miles) we experienced handling problems. The car wanted to move from side to side, I was constantly adjusting the wheel. There were also cross winds during part of the trip, which made things worst. Spoke to my local Toyota Service department and corporate Customer Service, they indicated the car was "Working as designed". My wife refuses to use the Pruis for long distance highway driving.