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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  WOW!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Callinectes - May 4 - 2:00 am

  I had been researching this car since about July of this year. Everything I had learned was astonishing, from the features to the hybrid system. I am the type that gets my hopes up in anticipation and usually I am disappointed when I finally get to use the product, but not so with the Prius. It is simply AWESOME. Fun to drive, great head turner, great gas mileage, and Im not hurting the environment as much as the average driver. If you can get your hands on one then do so!!!

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By stefanieblaine - May 2 - 3:50 pm

  I love my Prius. Could have more luxury features. I get stopped all the time and people tell me its beautiful. Gas mileage is incredible. I pay with a $20 and get change back!!! You get better mileage in city driving than country or highway. I get a new car approximately every two years and cant wait to see what theyve added on my next Prius. Roomy inside and I travel with two children. Trunk space is more than expected. Ride is nice, could be a little smoother. Handles well and doesnt hesitate when turning into traffic. Has great extra features like the rear view mirror auto dim at night and the day/ night mode for the navigational screen. I like the lower emmisions.

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  Big improvement over older Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By prius_driver - April 30 - 5:43 am

  Bought this car in July 2009 and then drove it on a 2,040 mile round trip with three people and two dogs, plus luggage. Got 51 mpg westbound, and 54.2 mpg for the 1,020 mile eastbound journey. Much better than the 2004 Prius which got 46 mpg for the same trip. 2010 is much better in the snow, Bridgestone Ecopia tires handle the wet roads and some snow where the 2004 had the Goodyear Integrity which is only good for dry pavement. Current mileage is 57 mpg in mixed highway and 30 to 40 mph driving. I would like to see the drivers information display centered where the driver sits and of course be sure to turn off the annoying back up beeper- dealer can do this in 10 minutes.

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  Want my other vehicle back..... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jan - April 28 - 1:50 pm

  It drives okay, handles pretty well. I think its pretty zippy, when I go to pass I just shift into B. It is very difficult to judge the front because you cant see it & backing up with the camera is deceiving-objects are definitely closer than they appear

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  Run to your nearest Prius dealer to get 1 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Irene W. - April 28 - 6:20 am

  This is the first "new" car weve ever purchased, and it was well worth the (six-week) wait. Driving this Prius makes you feel young again, hip, and enviromental -- all at the same time! Surely, Toyota neednt continue to take "a loss" on the cost of the technology in this baby. I wouldve paid a lot more and waited longer, had I known what a gem this would be!

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  Great bang for the buck!!! Love it - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Sheri Rosager - April 26 - 12:51 am

  You cant beat the gas mileage and its fun to drive.... Plus you can park it anywhere :)

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  The best car so far. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Alex P - April 22 - 1:10 pm

  Handles very nicely. The Prius easily gets 50 miles per gallon, meaning it can go for more than 500 miles before you need to refuel. Slick aerodynamic design and HID headlights add to the attractivness of the car.

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  2011 Prius Level 5 with all the electronics - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By Ranger Rick - April 19 - 5:14 pm

  This vehicle is excellent overall. The ride is good and the noise level is good (not as good as the Lexus RX 350 but still good for its class.). Gas mileage is about 44 to 45 most of the time in the Florida traffic. The level 5 in Barcelona red and the level 5 wheels make an excellent package. I would buy this vehicle again. The new Prius is not nearly as good looking as the old body style. I have not had any trouble at all with the mechanics, and the vehicle has only been in for 3 oil changes, one every 10K. The oil is synthetic and cost about 60.00 bucks each time at the dealership. I think besides that I replaced the air conditioner filter also on the dealers recommendations. I just purchased a new set of Michelin All Season tires at 30000 miles. The headlights (led I think) on this vehicle are excellent. They were just rated best of all vehicles. They are bright white at night and really light up the road. Toyota / Lexus make fine vehicles with excellent reliability.

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  Great Car for if You Want MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By notch8 - April 17 - 12:27 pm

  I got the 2012 Prius IV after trading in my fully loaded 2005 Prius with 200,000 miles. The 2005 still drove like new and was a solid vehicle. Im a little disappointed with the 2012. It feels and sounds less well built than the 2005 and I miss the little storage areas and layout of the interior on the 2005. But I bought the Prius for good MPG and thats where it satisfies. I drive about 95% highway miles carrying about 100 pounds of cargo and Im getting actual calculated mileage just shy of 49 after 17,000 miles. My 2005 averaged just under 44 but that included several Wisconsin winters that cuts into the MPG. Overall Im satisfied. It does just fine for what I expect.

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  Godd car, so far - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Priusdriver - April 17 - 10:00 am

  Great car with lots of room. Plenty of power. Im consistently getting 50mpg combined.