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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  Great Hybrid! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lsm79 - September 13 - 2:33 am

  I love our new Prius III. Great fuel economy. Just over 500 miles on vehicle and averaging 49.4 MPG. Only on my second tank of gas, averaging 55.2 on this tank. Interior well designed with above average materials. No new car problems whatsoever. Exterior fit and finish is top notch as well. CVT transmission is very smooth. JBL sound system very good. Bluetooth link flawless. Displays busy at first, but Im used to them now. This car is everything I was looking for...and more!

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  The car we needed. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Benny - September 12 - 4:33 pm

  We want to buy two now. It is everything we needed in a car. The gas mileage is not as advertised but it is better than anything we have had before. Great car!

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  Sips gas. - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Cher - September 10 - 7:09 pm

  This hatch back holds excellent amount of cargo for the size of the car. Excellent mileage and reliability. Fill gas so rarely often forget. Wish it had better visibility, and more drink holders.

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  Gotta love it! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By liftnwt - September 9 - 2:00 am

  So far my experience has been very positive. While I do a fair amount of highway driving and the Prius gets better mileage in stop and go, Ive been averaging 45/48 mpg (less than the 55mpg that is advertised). When I go to fill up after driving approx. 350 miles and only put in around 7 gallons, Im a happy camper.

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  This has been an AMAZING CAR!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By priusmatt - September 5 - 2:00 pm

  I have had my 2006 Prius V for a year and a half and just had to write a review because it has been such a wonderful car. I bought this car in May 10 w/ 80k miles on it and was a little worried at first because of the high miles. I ended up getting a smokin deal & the only fixes that this car has needed has been an A/C fan regulator, front light bulbs, and the typical oil change, brakes, tires. I now have 122,000 miles on this car (I drive about 3,000 miles a month) and man, what an excellent car! I have range 55-70 mpg (yes 70!) here in Phx. So, if you are considering used, go for it! This is a GREAT CAR that runs well as the miles get up there. Trading for an 11 Prius this month!

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  Prius - It could be better. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mrbehmon - September 1 - 1:53 am

  Engine noisy during acceleration. A rattle developed in the dash and the service department cannot seem to fix it. The Prius has a small fuel tank (only 11 gallons) - which means that the driving range is not far - though gas mileage is good. The Honda Civic Hybrid has a standard tank (13 gallons) and much longer range. If I had it to do again I would go for the Civic or no hybrid at all.

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  One Sweet Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bev42 - August 29 - 8:46 pm

  I waited from 6/28 to 10/29 for delivery and I received exactly the vehicle I wanted-pkg #6, a 2005 salsa red pearl loaded. I drove home from the dealership on the freeway at 60 - 65 mph and I got 47 mpg! Two weeks later, I filled the gas tank for approx $14! I had already driven my sons 2004 with pkg #8, so I wasnt surprised by the quiet motor, smooth ride, and good pick-up. I sat in the drive the next day with the engine turned on (not a sound) the car in park learning the mapping system and setting up the Bluetooth link with my Motorola V600 cell phone. (20 minutes) The mapping system later guided me directly to a hotel 190 mls away.

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  This car is a 10! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Irene - August 29 - 3:33 am

  What can I say, this car is very roomy inside (if youre a skeptic, go test drive one, you will be pleasantly surprised!), it is reliable, economical and it looks great! I bought it just in time as the price of gas was really beginning to climb and now I am at the gas station once every 3 weeks. It may be a little pricier than other vehicles, but it makes up for it at the pump. Buy this car and become environmentally and financially smart. This car is a 10.

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  Carolyns Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gordon Peltonen - August 26 - 9:33 pm

  Our Prius is an excellent automobile in every respect. We have driven it on a long trip through the mountains and snow, city driving, hot weather, rain and it performed beautifully. On a long trip we never got tired of riding and were very comfortable. The engine has plenty of power and zip for its size, even accelerating up the mountains of Colorado. We are glad that we were patient enough to wait for it, eight months, it was worth every minute and cent we paid.

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  $$$ Saver !!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Les & Huong - August 24 - 10:00 am

  skepticism was my first feeling but it was won over by the gas saving feature. The voice activation is a bit "clumsy" (ie "AM" vs. "ATM") but we work around it. Constant MPG tells us our economy which is good. Only one some thing I find is the body in which can be improved to look like a car rather than a "Jetsons" car. It is economical for the one wantting to save gas and preserve the world, but for the power hungry driver (as I am), not one to have in your driveway. Thanks Toyota for the car, more money to spend on the wife.