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 Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By CB - June 21 - 5:40 pm

  The best full efficient, environmentally friendly car on the market. Driving experience is wonderful, even driving in snow is no problem with this car, except ground clearance. A real good set of winter tires and it goes where my SUV used to.

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  Love the Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Dave Martin - June 19 - 4:30 pm

  We purchased the 2007 Prius in Nov of 2006. At first we were getting 48 mpg. It is now July and we have 6500 miles on the car, and we are getting 52.4 mpg. We are retired and on a fixed income, so the fuel economy matters. We traded in a 2006 Ford Freestyle, which was a nice car, however the Prius is quiet, very comfortable, and a well made vehicle. I would buy one again.

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  Great fuel efficient Car! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By esther78 - June 16 - 4:25 am

  My dad traded in his Sienna for the prius cuz he was spending $400 ~ $450 per month on gas, which is equivalent of making monthly payment on a new car, so he decided to get the best fuel efficient car - the Prius! After the purchase, we went to Penn, 189mile one way, on a full tank, and on our way back, we filled it up again, so all in all, we spent $37 for a 378 mile trip! Amazing! Its only been less than a week we had the car, but its def worth the purchase! I would recommend anyone looking to purchase a car to buy Prius!

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  Unexpected Problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By carlsonr - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a Prius sight unseen on Sept 29, 2004. I was told by my dealership, that my exact speced car they would be able to tell me when I would get the car in early October. In mid-November I called and the tune had changed...maybe theyd know by Feb 2004. In January they called me...I had a shot at a Prius..not the one I wanted...or I might have to wait half a year more. It was a trac car with 730 miles..they gave me 15 cents a mile, and I had to pay MSRP. Also, because I live in a small market repairs may be a problem (only 1 other prius sold by this dealer). You relly have to want his car to put up with what is going down.

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  The New 2016 Toyota Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Frank Schwakhofer - June 15 - 12:11 pm

  This is the first car that I have owned that exceeds the mileage that is expected by what is on the window sticker. First two fill ups, 58.4 miles per gallon. A very nice surprise.

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  Dominos Prius Update! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By alexx52093 - June 15 - 9:34 am

  Wrote a review about my Dominos stores Prius! Updating it! We now have 3 Priuss! Two 04s and an 05! The one I wrote about before is an 04 which now has 220k mi on it and still no problems! It never breaks down or gives up! And it gets driven HARD by many different drivers! The battery still holds charge pretty well, not quite as well as our other Priuss but still returns over 50mpg if driven frugally. Our other 04 Prius has 160k mi and runs great! Same with our 05 that has 120k mi! These vehicles are workhorses! You want a reliable, affordable commuter or work car! This is the one! If it can deliver pizzas, it can do anything!

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  Be sure this is what you want - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By unixfreak0037 - June 13 - 1:29 pm

  I was pretty excited when we first bought this car. Now that the hybrid novelty has worn off I realize what this is really is -- its a decent family car that gets really good gas mileage. It is essentially the mini-van for small families. So be sure this is what you want. Its pretty boring to drive, and the cheap seats (in the base model) are not all that comfortable for long trips. The engine gets loud on hills, the the noise on poorly maintained roads at high speeds can be unbearable.

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  Love My Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By NJ Driver - June 11 - 10:53 am

  I bought my Prius used from a limo company. Got a great deal because they took good care of it. I am 65 and 240 lbs. and fit fine. Its a great car and I have a lot of fun with it. The pickup is good for a 4 cylinder and better when Premium gas is used. Gotta love it when I fill up the tank with premium for $25 and drive 450 miles. My wife owns a Lexus SUV and we take my car more often than hers. Id buy another one but a new one next time.

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  04 prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By mddddddd - June 11 - 10:00 am

  love it, great car, milage is perfect, lots of zip, easy to drive too

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  awesome car. love to drive, JUST LOVE IT - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By joe lewis - June 11 - 10:00 am

  i think very stylish, comfortable, roomy for the size of the car. very little outside noise when driving the car. great performance. have base model. very pleased with the options. great enough for our famile. just love it.