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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  Love it! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Saba Bob - February 6 - 3:30 pm

  Waited 8 months for deliver - bought it with all the options. Never fell in love with a car before & Ive always owned good running cars (Acura Legend, Toyota Avalon XLS, etc.). Only item I dont know yet is how long the batteries will last - theyre warranteed for 80,000 - hope they last longer. I keep my cars well over 200,000 miles. I own it almost 18 months now & have over 33000 miles on it. Averaging 48 mpg city & highway combined.

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  Had to replace 2013 Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Maury lyon - February 6 - 2:33 am

  Better than the last one

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  Jeans 2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jean - February 5 - 6:40 pm

  The 2005 Prius is a fun car to drive. Its SO quiet and smooth and handles well. My husband and I prefer the Prius over our second car (a Mercedes convertible). Seats are very comfortable and have good lumbar support. The cup holders are excellent and very convenient (2 in the front, 2 in the doors and 2 for the back seat. Sound system is great. Rear luggage compartment is more than adequate. Back seat leg room is very spacious. Dash has a very simple and elegant design and is user friendly. Very large glove compartment and ample storage in arm rest console between the 2 front seats. Lots of foot space to easily enter and leave from the front and rear. We love it.

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  Car of the Century - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Mark Anthony - February 3 - 10:06 am

  The interior is much roomier than my 2006 Corolla. But Im only getting 40-45 mpg combined city and freeway driving contrary to 51-60 mpg on sticker. I tried using mostly cruise control as suggested by one of the reviewer but the lesser mileage I was getting. Better mileage if driving not more than 60 mph. The ride is a little bit bumpy. Powerful brake is great.

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  Super mileage, but no fun to drive - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Sabine Cordes - February 3 - 9:23 am

  Our mileage (5,700 miles) is 38.7 mpg compared to 20 mpg with our BMW which it replaced. Excellent. But no fun to drive; the indifferent imprecise steering feels like a 70ties car, and it accelerates very slowly in the beginning. Once it moves, it is okay.

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  Great Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Annette - February 1 - 11:10 pm

  I LOVE MY PRIUS and brag about it frequently to others. I bought it new and now have 81,000 miles on it. It still runs perfectly. The gas mileage is not as high as was advertised, but I still get 41 mpg even when running the ac or defrost. I was nervous about the reliability of the Hybrid System but Ive had no battery problems. At 70k miles, Toyota replaced the computer chip (warranty) as I had a "Start Failure" warning light. It seems to have fixed the problem. Others comments are true re: wind resistance, poor tires, turning radius excellent for parallel parking, and computer screen making my foot lighter...

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  prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By pookster - January 31 - 10:00 am

  great car,great gas milage,fun to drive,no problems.we have two of them

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Marty G. - January 28 - 10:00 am

  After first test drive would have bought the vehicle right then had the dealer had the color and features available on the lot. Rented one later for the weekend. Fun to drive. Mileage in mix of city and hiway driving around 43 MPG. Am waiting for the 2005 models to come out. Will be buying one.

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  Awesome Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By DianeN - January 28 - 3:30 am

  This car is really neat and gadget rich. Just got my bluetooth phone (Motorola Razr M3) and it works great. Cant think of anything else they could have added except maybe a better adjustable steering wheel for comfort.

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  The green machine - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Robert Arky - January 27 - 5:13 pm

  I enjoy driving this car and especially like features like automatic climate control and the touch screen and steering wheel controls. The Smart start and entry system is neat. The driver seat and position are the most comfortable I have yet driven, especially considering that I have back problems. The audio system is very good.