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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  04 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ned Martin - July 13 - 3:56 am

  We have owned this car for exactly one year and have no problems or complaints. We have taken the car on a 3000+ mile trip (CT to Fla) as well as a daily driver, and its been comfortable and reliable as well as a lot of fun to drive. Our current mileage (winter, combined) is about 45 mpg; on the highway if we keep it around 60 mph is 58. Combine this with the fun factor and reasonable price and we are extremely satisfied.

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  Love My Prius! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Cheryl M. - July 12 - 10:00 am

  I love this car! It is so much fun to drive and so comfortable that my husband and I drove from NJ to Georgia direct with only the basic stops along the way and still felt refreshed when we arrived. The car is averaging anywheres from 48 mpg to 59, however, we have already gotten over 60 mpg on occasion.

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  satisfied prius owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pbj - July 12 - 10:00 am

  roomier than last years model.led readout screen is larger and easier to read.gear shift is out of the way and easy to operate .rear backup buzzer is annoying. climate control a plus over last years model,easy to operate. sound system is upgraded also.

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  Love it. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By osol4now - July 10 - 3:50 pm

  Love it. Drives like a champ. Great gas mileage. I was a little skeptical of hybrids, but I love this car. More room than I thought.

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  Every EE needs one of these - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jerry Hudgins - July 6 - 5:03 am

  This is the only hybrid on the market I recommend to all my colleagues. The electrical systems in this vehicle are remarkable. The car handles great and has better traction on wet and icy roads than some all wheel drive vehicles Ive driven. I fight my wife daily over who is going to drive the car!

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  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Daniel McCoy - July 4 - 10:00 am

  This has been a great car for commuting 44 miles round trip to work; but I was surprised that it performed so well on trips to the mountains and up and down the west coast. Amazingly roomy for such a small car. I have no qualms recommending this car to anyone.

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  Best Car Ever!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Charles - July 2 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car. I bought my car in June of 2007 for a job I got that was 90 miles away. I was driving from Germantown, MD to York, PA every day. My avg mileage for the warmer months was 53-55 mpg, and during the colder months I avg 45-47. The car really fits my driving style and is fun to see your gas per mile go up instead of down.

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  Fun to Drive - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By katway - July 1 - 5:53 am

  Absolutely the most fun to drive car Ive owned. Ive owned sports cars, SUVs, etc. But this one takes the cake. Im always eager to take the car out for a spin, run errands, etc. It has a nice ride, is comfortable, roomy, and really a complete all around good vehicle.

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  We have two 2007 Touring models - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PLM - June 29 - 2:50 pm

  After using the initial Prius Touring for one week to replace a small SUV, I bought a second one. Now we have two and like both of them. Very impressive once one gets over the macho feelings of driving an SUV or large sedan (Avalon). High tech features, quiet ride, great mpg, fine stereo, and the leather aftermarket seats installed by the dealer, all combine to make for a superb experience. As seniors (66 & 62) we think these are good travel cars, reliable and efficient. So far--wow!

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  6 Year / 100K Mile Update - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By fido1 - June 27 - 10:22 am

  A quick update... The car is still running great after almost 100K miles. Items replaced - tires, wipers, front light bulbs (I drive with them on all the time), water pump (covered by my 100K extended warranty), and a recall for the hybrid coolant system tank, air filters, plugs, and serpentine belt, and full coolant change out (I do everything early). Live in New England - get 47 mpg in spring, summer, fall, and 44.5 mpg in winter driving. Based on last oil change, estimate that I still have 35% of brake pads left. Will be replacing my floormats soon, driver side wore out.