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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  My Jump to Toyota - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Paul Bagwell - April 17 - 5:00 am

  As a first time buyer of Totota Im very impressed with the purchase procedure from the dealership and the performance of my new Prius. From being on the waiting list to my phone call that it was my turn to make a decision I was treated with respect and honesty. One disappointment was that the Toyo Guard Protection was automatically included in the price. I dont feel for the price its worth it. My best fuel economy has been 55 mpg for a tankful of gas and the worst 42 mpg, an interstate trip @ 70-75 mph sustained, which I was delighted with.

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  Only one thing can make it better - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By VBPGMR - April 16 - 12:00 pm

  This car is great. It gets great millage and handles like a dream. It has lots of get-up-and-go. I usually am the first off the line. The voice recognigition dosnt always understand me, but I can live with that. This free GPS upgrade that Im getting next week might fix that. I would like a few of the extras they have on the Japaneese models, like the beeping bumpers, the tilting mirrors when backing, the auto paralell parking feature sounds great too. Im glad other Prius owners dont have the TV, but I would like to have that feature.

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  Best Car on the Market - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jason K - April 14 - 7:43 pm

  This is the second prius Ive bought. I got one for my mom two months ago and I think Ive spoiled her. The car is unbelievably quiet, and it handled the recent thunderstorms and winds in Los Angeles like it had four wheel drive. And, this car is clean. The other morning I sat on the 405 parking lot watching SUVs spew exhaust fumes, while my engine wasnt even running. The rear area of the car is perfect for taking the dogs to the dog park and hauling groceries. As for pickup, it has reasonably good acceleration, and Im still getting 50 miles to the gallon. The Prius is the real deal and with all the extras driving is fun again.

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  Perfect sporty hybrid/poor music quality - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Jen - April 11 - 3:21 am

  I love this vehicle,even from coming from a new explorer previously. Gas usage and fill up cost is amazing. I average 54.4mpg with lots of driving. I love the interior two toned leather seats. The touchscreen is easy to figure out. My kids have plenty of leg room. The engine is very quiet. The ride is very smooth. Trunk space is great. My only negative is that this vehicle comes across as a sporty hybrid but the sound system is very poor quality for it.

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  Dead in Seven Days - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By R. Hauch - April 7 - 9:13 pm

  We drive this car around town mostly and average about 45 MPG. Several times a year we drive from Florida to Michigan and back. The last trip our mileage average was 48.8. When the car sets for seven days or more, without being started, the battery goes dead. Local dealer and Toyota advises this is normal. Their "fix" for this problem is having you disconnect the negative battery cable and then reconnecting it when you want to start the car. The battery is located beneath the floor in the cargo area.

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  Very Impressed - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By David - April 6 - 7:20 pm

  I have had the 2008 Package 6 for a little over two weeks and so far, I am very impressed overall. We had to turn in a leased vehicle so the timing was right to get something that made the most sense. After checking out everything out there, my wife and I chose the Prius. Very quiet, fun to drive and see how high you can get the mileage up to, and impressed with the thinking that went in to this car. As we are now seeing oil climbing at a stupid pace, each time I fill up I am reminded of the quality purchase I just made. It is too bad other companies have not been more proactive, like Toyota has been, with this type of technology. The competition has dropped the ball big time!

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  Space Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pir8fan - April 6 - 3:40 pm

  Sleek and fun to drive. Average 49 mpg city and 53 highway. Multi-function display is great as well as the nearly heads up display. Upgraded sound system is very good. Ride is smooth and quiet with only noise being tire noise. No wind noise at all under 75mph

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  Amphi-prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Spectra - April 5 - 2:16 pm

  Replaced an aging Jeep Wrangler with the Prius, and never looked back ... except to remove the Thule roof rack & install it on the Prius. This way, I can carry a kayak & 2 bikes at once. Hence "Amphi-Prius" Its the most basic model, right off the lot, but light years ahead of the old Jeep. Great Fun! Quiet, smooth, roomy. Terrific A/C. Now that Ive got the technique down, am consistently getting 63 MPG (!) at moderate speeds on secondary roads.

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  Thoroughly amazed - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By coggs - April 5 - 10:26 am

  We did a lot of research before purchasing and our patience was thoroughly rewarded. Trading in a Dodge Durango that got 13.7 miles per gallon will save us almost $13000 in fuel costs alone in the next 5 years based on $3.20/gal. The car has been everything expected and more. We are amazed at not only its mpg (averaging about 49) but its overall comfort and affordability as well. It has numerous qualities including good handling, low noise level, smooth ride (at least compared to our ex-Durango), good rear seat leg room and good performance for a small car. It wont beat a Viper off the line but the 40 to 60 acceleration is amazingly good. Overall, an excellent choice for us.

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  My Experience With My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kathitb - April 4 - 11:40 pm

  With the price of gasoline right now, I feel that I have made a good choice with purchasing my Prius. I get excellent gas mileage and am impressed with its design. I get 43 miles per gallon in town and 51 miles per gallon on the road. People who have never seen a Prius before are really impressed with the keyless entry and ignition system. They are also cant get over not hearing the engine running when the batteries are powering the car.