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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  Good - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Chute - November 9 - 10:00 am

  I have this car a little over one month. Purchased the latter of April 2003. I drove this car to Jackson hole Wyo. last month, there wasnt an incline in the Rockies From I 70 to Denver, to Salt LAKE CITY,then on to Jackson Hole. I 80 back to NYC. that I couldnt climb at 70 to 80 mph. Im very pleased so far and just turned over 8000 miles.

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  Prius w/over 48,000 miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ronnie873 - November 7 - 4:33 am

  I purchased a pre-owned Prius. It now has over 48,000 miles. My primary complaint is the exterior door material. If you barely hit the door, it leaves a mark or a ding (my car is white). Also, the interior is extremely difficult to keep clean. The armrests are very worn. The fabric seems cheap. Other than that, the car is great. I always average over 50 MPG. I routinely drive the car on the highway at speeds greater than 70 MPH and I still get great gas mileage. I traded in my Jeep (14 MPG) for the Prius and Im so glad I did. The car is quiet, smooth and a joy to drive.

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  First Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ed Weissman - November 6 - 6:16 pm

  First hybrid owned. Amazing amount of interior space; most versatile small hatchback around. Interior fit and finish a little disappointing (large gaps on chrome trim on steering wheel) and the color matching on the hard plastic surfaces is peculiar. "heads up" display of steering wheel controls not particularly useful; soft control buttons annoying. Handles well for a car with 15" tires. Have noticed the braking issue on uneven surfaces, though. Getting 55+ mph combined mileage without driving abnormally.

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  What a Great Car!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Susanne Stafford - November 6 - 4:50 pm

  I love my Prius! It is beautiful, I love the design, and the headlights - she seems sassy to me. The interior is spacious and you feel like your in a much larger car. There is a lot of leg and head room, I am short and find it comfortable but have taken lots of tall folks around in it and they all agree that it is spacious. But the thing I most love is bragging about my really great gas mileage! I get an easy 48.8 mpg and on a recent trip got 48.5 at 77 mph. Great car! Thanks.

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  2010 Toyota Prius IV with NAV - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By agnosto - November 5 - 6:10 pm

  This is the 2nd best purchase of a vehicle I have ever done and I have no regrets so far after over 400 miles. I used to have a 2007 TCH and traded in bought a 2010 4Runner LTD 4WD V6 with NAV and traded in to this beauty 2010 Toyota Prius IV with NAV and my experience so far is what an amazing vehicle. Only regret is I did not purchase it earlier and instead of the 2010 4Runner

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  Toyota Prius The Car of This Century - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Widdletink - November 3 - 9:36 pm

  You have all heard about the great fuel economy, but that is not the reason to buy this car. The innovative, intelligent, user friendly design. The unique look, the ease of driveabilty. The turns-on-a-dime handling. The trailblazing technology displyaed inside and out. And, the just plain fun this car returns to driving are the reasons to buy a Prius.I now look forward to being in my car. I feel the thrill I had the first time I ever got behind the wheel of a vehicle everytime I drive this car. The message it sends to the world that I am smart, environmentally responsible and cool are good too. And 50MPG in the real world doesnt hurt either! I LOVE my Prius!

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  Great new Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By John Mokricky - November 3 - 4:23 pm

  No comment

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  Money in the bank - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Freedom1 - November 3 - 10:00 am

  As a 1st gen hybrid Toyota has done a superb job. If you are curious about the other manufactures reports check out the Dept of Energy web site and compare the notes yourself, Toyota leads the others by 10yrs in development this car has been operational on the roads since 97 in Japan and available in the US since 01. Seating 5 pax and an excellent commuter, I would recommend this car to anyone who loves to save money with an 11.9gal tank I got 485 miles on one tank, and average about 40.2 mpg my last 3000 miles I have driven. Given that I drive hard and fast that’s great for a lead foot, the car maxes out at 101mph.

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  Awesome !!! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By P.R. - November 2 - 2:40 pm

  I traded in my Honda CRV for my Prius. I wasnt sure about going from an SUV to a car, but I love the Prius! I was getting 25 mpg with my SUV, but I get 46+ mpg with the Prius. I drive 48 miles one way to work everyday, and owning my honda was killing me in gas. Now, I smile when I go to work and spend under $30.00 for the whole week in gas. Buy a Prius!!

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  BEST CAR I EVER OWNED - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Russ - November 2 - 9:33 am

  What can I say? This is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. After 78000+ miles we will be trading for a new 2010 next week. The trade in value makes it possible to get a new model for almost half price. We have enjoyed many trips in our Prius and had fun playing with beating our mileage. Our best was 610 miles on one tank full. (about 11 gal as we still had some left). I never new how much cargo a hatch back could hold until we loaded up our Prius, because of the ability to lay the seats flat, I can haul almost as much as my other car an SUV.