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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  Happy so far - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Jagannath - November 4 - 3:46 pm

  Its about 2 weeks now since we got our Prius and we are pretty happy with it. Many features; we are trying to figure out many of them. Bluetooth setup is acting a little weird-not recognizing our iPhone. Mileage in the city is yet to be really tested. We took it on a little drive (180 miles) to test it on the highway and was very happy with the handling-braking was stable and though lacks the punch in acceleration, am not going to cry over a compromise. Got 48.5 mpg! Thats what I signed up for and hopefully will stay that way. Is comfortable,6-CD changer+JBL is awesome.

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  Love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jane - November 3 - 1:20 am

  We waited 9 months to receive our 2005 Prius and we couldnt be happier. We are looking forward to our first long distance trip. This is our second Toyota. We have a 1991 Previa with 225,000 miles and still going strong. We love our Toyotas.

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  Wish there were some 11s - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Smugly - October 29 - 10:03 pm

  Bought this car 1/16/06 and finally experienced our first problem - right rear tailight bulb burned out (thats what I thought until I jiggled the bulb and it came back on) 61K miles and still have not had to even change the brake pads! Very roomy and comfortable. Surprize - it will do 106 mph (I personally attest)! OK, its not a sporty car - but it is fun to drive on the back roads here in NH. We have pushed the MPG reset button only once - at 36K miles - the first 36k our average mpg was 44.7 and since it has averaged a little lower at 43.9. Cold weather and 4 wheel snowtires (a must where there are snowy roads) decrease mpg considerably. Getting ready to buy a 2010 - psyched!

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  My 2004 Prius review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Vaughn E. Cost - October 29 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my new Prius basically due to an employment change where I lost my company vehicle. I then needed a vehicle with excellent gas milage for my 40 mile trip to & from my new job each day and the Toyota Prius is perfect for my situation. According to the on board display, I consistently get 52 mpg and, with current gas prices, that makes me very happy. My Prius also has a solid ride and more than adequate power to handle the hills of western PA. I now have 7000 trouble free miles on my Prius and I honestly have no complaints. Also, Im 66" tall & 250 lbs....and the Prius has adequate room for me.

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  Amazed! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By guitarjem - October 24 - 12:23 am

  I have been researching the Prius for 12 months before buying and during my research I read negative things about the Prius that I find not to be true. This car is not slow and has no problem keeping up with the pack. You dont have to drive like "grandma" to get good mpgs just go easy on the gas pedal and try to stay in eco mode. The car is very quiet and comfortable for long drives and is by no means a compact sedan but a mid-size vehicle. With that said the Prius might not be for everyone but if you have a long commute and like saving on gas with a nice car to boot..... go for it!

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  Had to have it. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By joerdie - October 22 - 7:43 pm

  Test drove the Prius and had to have it. The Civic has nothing on this car. So far, I have spent most waking hours thinking about it over the kid that I have on the way.

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  I love this car. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Jan - October 21 - 1:30 pm

  I am 56 years old and this is the first car I have ever loved. I am proud to be driving it. My average mileage over 86,000 miles is 49.2 and I have not had to replace the battery. Keeping the right tire pressure makes a difference of 2-3 mpg. It has plenty of pep on the highway, feels solid in the wind and on wet pavement, and will cruise at 70 mph. It is maneuverable in traffic and parking. It is bigger inside that it looks. Four ride comfortably. I have had almost no trouble with it. The warranty was generous and Toyotas service has been superb before and after the warranty expired. The 2005 has some nice features and a bit better mileage but I do not want a hatchback.

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  Amazing - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Pegwukguy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We have driven Volvos for over 20 years and I was VERY hesitant about "downsizing" to a less than luxury car. But SURPRISE! This aint no tin box. It has everything I could possibly want - love the sound system and the technie dashboard and flat panel displays. Great stuff. Handling is superb. Plenty zippy. Had to crank it up to 87 at one point because of traffic flow - no problemmo - pulled like a thoroughbred. Good stuff

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  Its like driving a computer!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - October 20 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased this car in Aug. of 2006 and have had no problems with it so far. We love the car and it is roomy enough for 2 adults and 2 carseats. My husband wanted a truck, but I talked him into something better on fuel and he now LOVES to drive this car. It has been well worth the money. And he says that it is just like driving a computer because of all the gadgets and buttons inside.

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  Sell the House_Live in the Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Michael Kaplan - October 18 - 1:46 am

  This is the first auto Ive owned that I feel joy every time I get in it. It is also very driver oriented with a complete LCD readout available at all times for : audio, climate, GPA, BLuetooth cell phone, volume of CD;s and aux music player (iPod, iPhone, etc). Things I have come to love: #1 keyless entry and use; steering wheel control (front/back), wiper, cruise, lights stalks. It is the driver designed (instead of engineer designed), e.g., all things to make driving & safety first and foremost--and gas mileage is superb and the constant LCD readout gasoline consumption is not only informative but allows the driver to see, real time, how driving behaviors affect MPG.