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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  Smooth - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By hondageek1 - November 1 - 12:11 am

  I read and heard alot about the prius mainly negative. The wife and i took a test drive and bought on the spot. It is quiet smooth and feels sturdy. The gas milage is heaven espicially with rising prices. Quite a techno machine but if two regular people over 50 can figure the car out anyone can.

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  2007 Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Bob - October 31 - 1:10 pm

  I have only had my Prius for about 3 months. So far, I have averaged about 51 mpg highway and city combined. Sure beats my old car that got 23 mpg. It seems to get better mpg on just highway driving - about 55 mpg, In just city driving it is more like 45 mpg. Still very good, but not the 60 mpg that Toyota advertises.

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  Love the 2016 Prius Two Eco - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Javier Jimenez - October 29 - 10:36 pm

  After 2800 miles the car is averaging 70 miles a gallon. Thete is a power mode button where you can go to full power (121 HP 4 cylinder 1.8 liter) if needed. The car rides great, it is comfortable, roomy, hatchback with plenty of cargo space, double wishbone suspension and amazing MPG with the new rechargeable lithium ion battery.

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  Mostly Great, some problems - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Francis Degnin - October 29 - 1:13 am

  Mostly a love this car. I really wanted the plug in version, but decided it wasnt worth waiting. If you live somewhere with snow and ice, you should also be prepared to purchase very high quality winter tires--I recommended this to a friend of mine with Prius two years ago, it solved the problem of a light car on an icy hill. I have noticed the reported break problem twice in three months--even though it was supposed to be fixed. The bigger problem for me is a very high pitched whine which comes from the engine in warmer temperatures. The dealer wants to say its normal, but none of my friends with earlier models report it. Thats the only really annoying issue I have with the car.

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  Toyota Hybird - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Clara - October 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive and it is very comfortable and the gas mileage , you can not beat it. I would buy another one for sure.

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  Prius 2004, one month - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By geo241 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  The Prius rides well on the highway, and in town is totally fun just trying to coax out more time/distance on the electric motor system. The electronics are like Disneyland, and the GPS system is wonderful compared to a number of aftermarket, pocket pc level, alternatives I have tried. We are waiting to activate a Bluetooth phone so we can take advantage of that feature as well. The first two tanks of gas have averaged over 48 mpg in mixed driving.

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  Unreliable - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By bellmel5 - October 26 - 9:40 pm

  I was very excited when I bought this car last November. It only had 24,000 miles with one owner. When I bought the car the dealership said they installed a brand new battery. After a month or two, the battery would not keep a charge. I had to go buy a battery charger (dealer suggestion) and now have to charge the car every other week or it wont start. The dash electronic system shows that the battery is being charged as I drive like normal. But, it wont hold the charge and drains VERY easily. The dealership wont do anything about it. Wont buy from them again. Normal battery cost $250-300! It has turned out to be a very unreliable car because I never know if it is going to start or not.

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  One great car. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By tigkoly - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I picked up my Prius on Sept. 30, 2000. I have a one way drive to work of 60 miles and currently have just over 52,000 miles. I drive 74 mph back and forth to work every day and even at that speed have plenty of acceleration when I want it. The gas milage is great. I have saved about 490 gallons of gas compared to a car that gets 28 miles per gallon. I drive almost exclusively on the highway and I get right at 38 mpg @ 74 mph. The only bad thing I can say about this car is that the front end is so short that I get alot of chips on the hood from road debris. That is the only bad thing this car has to offer.

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  I love my Prius, too! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By PrAl10 - October 25 - 2:00 am

  Bought my 2010 Prius (my first Toyota) to replace my 2003 Altima (with 280,000 miles!). I am impressed with how brilliant its design philosophy is, and, of course, the amazing fuel economy (53 m.p.g. actual average over the first 10,000 miles). I love driving it, I feel more relaxed and no longer "sweat" traffic jams and red lights as much as before. Compared to the Altima I am saving ~$40/week at the current fuel prices. I think I will always buy hybrid cars from now on!

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  Sweet! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Lauren - October 22 - 12:36 am

  I am so happy with my Prius purchase. You get so much in a small package. Very roomy inside. Very cool interior styling. I am currently getting about 48mpg with mixed driving. The black exterior looks great with the tail-lights. Fun to drive, looks great and I love saving on gas!