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:

• 

  I Love My Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By M Richards - February 17 - 10:46 pm

  Other than the fact that I dont know anyone who gets close to 60mpg. I love my car. I get around 40mpg overall and I live in a hilly area. I went from a big SUV to the Prius and I feel very safe and am more comfortable in this car than I have been in any other. The displays are easy to see and read. I love my GPS system.

• 

  The ONE - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By beaverfood - February 16 - 4:28 am

  Ive owned a 2011 for only 8 months, and it has 15,000 miles on it. The mpg = 54! This is my 2nd Prius. The 1st was a generation 2. The 2011 handles well, is fun to drive, and simply easy on the pocketbook.

• 

  Great Vehicle! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Robert A. Mayes - February 15 - 8:30 pm

  Its a fine vehicle. Ive shown it to many people and most are highly impressed by its features. I always show off the mileage of the vehicle, which always ranges from a low of 45 MPG to 57 MPG. There are a few glitches, including the glare on the monitor when the sun shines making it difficult to see. I suggest that they figure out a way to protect it from the sunshine. Another thing is the disabling of some features of the monitor, including phone numbers that appear when others call as well as map features. I understand why it is done, but when a passenger is in the vehicle, they should be able to use it when driven. The other is weak headlights. I feel Im blinded in night driving.

• 

  Close but not cigar - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By cheapdeep - February 15 - 2:53 pm

  I really wanted to like the Prius but ended up trading it in about a month after buying it. It drives like a golf cart but Im ok with that. What really bothered me were some missing features and the ergonomics. This is a bit of an exaggeration but it felt like I had to press 3 buttons to change the radio. While the touch screen is cool and futurisic, nothing beats a button for functionality. Nothing on this car was intuitive. I constantly felt like I was doing a science experiment. And the transition between the electic motor and gas was not smooth.

• 

  Fuel Economy? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By wd - February 14 - 3:23 pm

  It is what it is, fuel efficient, not pretty, reliable, roomy for an econo box, and echo friendly. Ive slowed my driving pace substantially from the past and Im playing the "computer get the mileage up" game, but getting 39 MPG. Not complaining, but how others are getting over 45 MPG is hard to believe. I wouldnt want to drive in line behind them.

• 

  My 2009 Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Dave - February 13 - 8:56 pm

  Okay, so Ive only had my 09 Prius for four days and 200 miles! If this was a preview, then I cant wait until it gets really broken in and the mpg goes up. Saturday we drove 60 miles round trip on flat road and averaged 51.2. Not bad for a rookie.

• 

  Love my Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By jimjkc - February 13 - 8:38 am

  I was impressed from the moment I sat in the 2012 Prius, it has so many features and I have found it fun to drive on short and long trips. I owned a RAV 4 before trading it in for the Prius and found the Prius to be quieter than the RAV so I was happy about that. The milage is great and I am happy with the cost so far. I believe this will last me for a very long time. A couple of negative things, the USB port is in an awkward place and the date is very hard to change on the computer and the seats could be more comfortable.

• 

  THANK YOU TOYOTA - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By marcia boemmels - February 12 - 6:10 pm

  This is our second Prius. Our 2002 was great! This one is 100% better....more comfort, better gas mileage, larger vehicle, larger tires, and alot more fun to drive. Our Prius also comes with side airbags which makes us feel much safer. We are very very happy with out new car and will buy another next time around! Our experience has not been great with American made cars and were hesitant on going foreign........but we have had NO PROBLEMS with either of our Prius. THANK YOU TOYOTA

• 

  Good, not great - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By M.B. - February 7 - 5:10 am

  This car is overall well-built. I am not as impressed as I thought I would be. For around $30,000, this car does no better in fuel efficiency than my old 1995 Honda Civic VX hatchback. I once got 65 MPG on a trip in my Honda. The Prius, with all its technology and synergy drive, cant beat the fuel efficiency of a 13 year-old, non-hybrid, 5-passenger hatchback. Above that, the battery packs on this might soon run out. Im thinking Ill sell this and look for my old Honda.

• 

  Everyone should have one. GREAT MPG - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By harrispotter - February 6 - 6:03 pm

  recently purchased it at 0% special. Already saved tons of money. Used to get $400 worth of gas a month on my 4runner. Now I pay no more than $50 a month. Its fun to drive. MPG gets better and better. Battery charges when you apply breaks. Interior looks very nice. High tech functions. It has a built in phone. It uses Bluetooth. I keep my phone in my pocket just use the car. No more keys. Keys are for old school cars. I bought it a grossinger in downtown Chicago. Purchase was quick and simple. I priced the car from the dealer over texting. I got there straight to finance and done. 0%.