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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  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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  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. !

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  Fun and practical car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By RJC - November 20 - 5:50 am

  I have driven my 2005 Prius nearly 30K miles and have little to complain about. I average 43/44 MPG on interstate highways at 80 MPH average. Best mileage per tank was 51 MPG. No complaints at my average speed and no problems for the car to handle 90+ MPH. Utility of car is a very pleasant surprise as storage space with rear seats folded down is impressive. Bluetooth doesnt work very well but NAV system is much better than on my wifes Lexus. Wind noice at high speeds is my only complaint as well as "feeling" road surfaces a bit more than larger car. I will gladly accept this tradeoff however for this great car.

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  Fun to drive - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Grabsback - November 17 - 2:03 am

  When we started looking at all the hybrids, we saved the Prius for last. Its totally different for all the rest out there. It has so much more power and interior space for its class. Everything is well placed and easy to use. The touch screen is really neet in the middle of the dash, constantly updating information while your driving. But be careful and keep your eyes on the road - no matter how fun it is to watch the screen. The only thing that I find is a problem is the gas gauge. Since the gas tank is actually a membrane and not a solid tank, its not 100% reliable. But I fill up when its down to the last bar so its not a problem for me. Overall, I would highly recommend Prius.

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  Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By jmdog - November 16 - 2:00 am

  Great car, brings hybrids into the mainstream

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  Good car - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Cecilia Urrutia - November 13 - 7:35 pm

  Its really a very well designed Beautiful car, its hard to See thought the rear mirror sometimes because of the hatchback but can adjust. The technology is amazing and easy to use

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  Driving Habits - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By HAF GAST - November 11 - 10:00 am

  If you must be the first away from the light so that you can be the first to arrive at the next, the Prius will usually deliver . . . but youll be miserably disappointed at the MPG. In order for this car to perform as designed, one must adjust their driving techniques; easily done by monitoring the "consumption" screen. Once accomplished, I found that even in hilly Western Pennsylvania, averaging 55 MPG/tank is a fun and easy exercise.

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  wouldnt drive any other car. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry22 - November 9 - 10:00 am

  Love it, its a hybrid that I can live with. Its easy on the road, and easy on the enviroment. Its a car for the future. Its a car for the now. It shames the Suvs, even though the people in them dont know it.

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  Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ghamm - November 8 - 11:13 am

  Love it. Gas mileage is 46 combined city/highway. Most driving is suburbs. Did get some paint damage on front from road stones.