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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  Every car should be this great! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By John Moss - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my 2004 Prius (Package #9 - loaded) since October 15, 2003. I believe I was one of the very first folks to take possession of this incredible automobile. I have been driving luxury and sport cars for more than 35 years, and I have never gotten as much pleasure behind the wheel as I experience daily while driving my 2004 Prius. The technology is a marvel. From the bluetooth phone to the Navigation to the voice activation to the driving in stealth mode, this car is a blast. In every way, owning a 2004 Prius has exceeded my most demanding expectations.

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  Little to compromise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By efusco - March 16 - 2:00 am

  Id like the interior tweeked a bit as the drivers seat comfort is lacking somewhat. The fuel guage is not the most accurate Ive seen in part due to the inner bladder design which helps further reduce evaporative emissions. But I cant remember when I had this much fun driving a car and feeling so good about what Im doing for my pocketbook and my world....without compromising anything.

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  southern CT prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tom Conti - March 16 - 2:00 am

  The dealers were adding $5k to the sticker and telling me that there was a 12 to 15 week wait for a 2004 Prius. I called a dealer in Va and told him I would be in his area in 10 days or so, on a business trip, and I would like to pick up a new prius while I was there. He said " sure, what color do you want?" I told him red would be nice. He said he would have one ready for me when I arrived. I arrived on schedule, bought the car and drove it home to CT. No waiting, no $5k dealer premium, no problem.

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  My Second Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Kas - March 15 - 12:16 am

  This is my second Prius. My 04 had 97000 miles with the brakes never being replaced! Absolutely no trouble with that vehicle. Thus, the second purchase. Gas mileage - I average 51 mpg all around. My last trip to central Pa. I got 53 mpg on interstate driving - 70-75 mpg - put it on cruise. My first Prius was the same mileage. If people are getting low 40 mpg they need a sports car not a hybrid. The way you drive them will dictate your mileage!! On screen navigation will help you here. This one is better in the snow. I live in NW Pa. and we get a bunch. I love the smart key and the new back-up camera and reliability is superb! Resale value is excellent. I love filling up for less than 25 dollars.

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  Love my Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Pikesfish - March 13 - 1:50 am

  Traded in a 2000 BMW 528I in June for the 2010 Prius Level III (updated the interior with leather). Havent looked back once. Had to get use to the way she drives but now that I have that under my belt I am averaging 58+ mpg on a regular basis and getting approximately 600 miles per tank of gas.

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  Good purchase - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Kate - March 6 - 4:50 pm

  I got the Prius touring fully-loaded and it is great. I have been disappointed that I cant average more than 45 mpg, but that is still higher than any other car on the market and maybe the mileage will increase come summertime. The interior is really nice. There is nothing like Toyota quality - they are built to last.

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  A little scary on the Mountains - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By MJ - March 6 - 1:33 am

  First off I love the car. Ive driven about 8k miles and Ive changed the oil once and disabled the reverse Beep by the dealership. I traded in my 2000 Lexus GS and Im in love with the money Ive saved.Gas mileage 48 HW, 51 City. It took the car about 2k miles to break in. I dislike the following: sunshade, Navi (can not input while driving), no lumbar seating, cheap interior materials. I love everything else. This car has more room than my Lexus. I dont have the same confidence when driving on mountains/rain/wind. I tend to slow down because I dont trust the car yet. Perfect for under 300 mile trips! Excellent small bus car! Perfect for commutes, I dont even drive my 2008 MDX anymore!

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  Is it a "big little car" or a "little big car?" - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By priuspapa - March 1 - 6:24 am

  I was "hooked" with my first test-drive. I initially was looking at either the 2010 Sonata or Elantra but the Prius just blew me away with its sophistication and refined performance. So smooooth, quiet, and well-mannered. Ive been a compact car man my whole life but have never owned a car as unique as this one. Im constantly stopped by passers-by who ask me how I like it. My family, friends, and associates are all overly curious about "how it works" and the space-age digital graphic dashboard displays are amazing. Ive only had it for 2 months and about 3,000 miles so far but long enough to have opinions - mostly favorable.

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  Only one car to drive - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By BIG G - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Typical Toyota, superior technology with all the creature comforts. Drives as smooth as a midsize car, with the handling of a small car. More than enough power for for day to day situations.

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  LUV THAT PRIUS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By D. Wilmot - February 23 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned a lot of vehicles over the years but the Prius has to be my favorite for all around driving satisfaction. Most of the professional reviews have "hit the nail on the head" as far as the pros and cons of the car. My mileage tends to hover between 47-51 MPG. The car is really enjoyable to drive and has no problem with steady driving of 80+ mph on the interstate to keep up with the flow of traffic. After 20K miles of driving the Prius, I have found it to be completely reliable and have not put it in the shop for anything but oil changes. I recommend this car to anyone who wants something economical without compromising comfort, luxury, styling or fun! I luv the Prius!