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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  5000 mile review - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By George Szpak - September 30 - 12:16 am

  Comfortable drive, however small steering wheel is cause for sensitive steering. Loss of trunk space I had in previous Saturn cars.

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  Exactly what I expected - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By michael - September 29 - 10:50 am

  The prius is incredibly economical and the advanced powertrain engineering is very clear. The interior space is exceptionally good, although at 511" it would be nice if the driver seat could be moved and additional inch rearward. I have owned SUVs as well as sports cars and sedans, but this is one of the easiest cars Ive driven yet. In town this Prius gets 53 MPG and for day to day commuting it handles well. It is not a car that I enjoy driving fast, since at the limit of handling it is a little unsettled. The turn radius is fantastic though, and it understeers predictably through tight fast corners. The acceleration is similar to a mid 70s American sedan - it wont win any races.

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  Prius 2001 Review - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By E Davie - September 27 - 10:00 am

  The Prius I own is probably the most completely integrated maching I have ever known. Everything works so well together and so efficiently. It is beautifully quiet and responsive.

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  Excellent Gas Mileage and what features! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Carlos Shepherd - September 26 - 9:56 pm

  When I got the fully loaded Prius (2005) I had trouble keeping my eyes on the road as I drove this baby home! So much eye candy! The Navigational System is awesome and the 9 speaker, 6 CD in dash player simply ROCKS! I commute to work 60 miles one way, (120 round trip) and driving this state of the art machine makes my commute a whole lot easier!

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  TRADED IN CMAX AFTER 10 MONTHS FOR THIS PRIUS - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By tradedcmax - September 22 - 4:13 pm

  I had decided to buy the Ford Cmax over the Prius without having tried the Prius. I did so because I bought into the hype and I really did like the way the Cmax drove. I also wanted to do the buy American thing. After 10 months and nearly 15K miles, never going over 37mpg, dealing with the many build quality issues (lots of them) I stumbled upon the NHTSA recall for the safety crash thing and said it was the last straw. So I traded in the Cmax for the Prius. And I havent looked back. The first 3 fill ups were 49, 47, and 45. Already I got the MPG that the CMAX could not. So it wasnt just me. The Prius works great, is comfortable, and is an amazing build quality!

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By wyoung62 - September 21 - 10:00 am

  22,000 niles and not 1 defect or problem. Best car I have ever owned. Love getting 44 mpg average

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  Great Car in the Snow - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jane A - September 18 - 2:33 pm

  This has been a great car for me in Alaska. Of course, I upgraded from a 1991 Toyota Corolla All Trac with 180,000 miles on it so it is really hard to say how it would compare to any other new vehicle. It handles very well in the snow with the steering stabilizing (or whatever it is called) option. I have some troubles going up snowy/icy hills though. The car just shuts off. Last winter I had it in a carport in Anchorage and it did fine. This winter I have moved to the much colder interior and really need a garage for the vehicle when it dips down below 20 below 0. It is really comfortable to drive and the gas mileage is great. During the winter I am averaging about 35-39 mpg.

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  2008 Toyota Prius Touring - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 2008 Prius Touring - September 17 - 5:53 am

  The new Toyota Prius Touring model is the third generation of Hybrid Automobiles. It is the most different car I have owned after nearly 40 years of car ownership. As far as fun, it takes me back to my 1973 Volks Karmann Ghia. As far as fuel economy, not even my 1960 36 HP Volkswagen bug could top the Prius. It makes a game out of saving gas and works like a champ. From my home in central California to Sequoia Natl Park , and return , I averaged 45MPG . That with climbing up to over 7000 ft. elevation, a trip of 302 miles with only 6.7 gallons of gasoline. Two different 650CC motorcycles could not do as well. I was cruising about 60 to 65MPH on the flats .

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  A Hybrid Worthy a Family Vehicle - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By ACKnecht - September 15 - 2:00 am

  My husbnd and I have been talking about a hybrid vehicle for our family for awhile now. When the 2004 Prius was released my husband had a chance to test drive it. He was so excited about it! I went to test drive it that night. Its spacious enough for a family of 4 AND it achieves our goals of reducing our gasoline consumption and being friendly to the environment.

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  2004 Toyota Prius -- Puget Sound area - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Price T. - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I have a 2004 Toyota Prius with 1,100 miles on it after 2 weeks (I took a trip last weekend up to Vancouver, BC). It has great handling qualities, is more "zippy" than you might expect, great interior and nice interior and -- did I mention the mpg? My last tank was 50.8 (calculated).