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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  Best hybrid ever. - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By scdi - July 5 - 6:23 am

  Bought it after all the bad Toyota news. Allowed us a good deal. Drove on 3500 trip for break-in. Mountains, deserts, and all kinds of weather. Favorite thing is going down the long hills at 70-80 mph and noticing that the gas engine is off. Up the mountains it kept up speed and passed others with room to spare. Even at 75 mph with 40 mph headwinds we got over 40 mpg. Handled well with the wind as well. Averaged about 50. We were in stop and go traffic the other day & I noticed the mpg climbing from 57 to 59 mpg as we crawled along electrically with the rest of the traffic. Only complaint is the GPS will not let us program while moving. With 2 in the car this was frustrating.

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  Love Our 04 Prius! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By LuvR Prius - July 4 - 2:00 am

  I always rely heavily on Customer Reviews on the Edmunds website when purchasing cars. However, this is the first time Ive felt compelled to write a review of my own. Unfortunately your site wont take my 400 word review because it repeatedly states that its over 700 words. I saved the review so you can let me know when you get the problem fixed and Ill submit it.

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  a super automobile... - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By L. Talbot - July 3 - 12:43 am

  A well built automobile that delivers all it promises... seats could be improved a little to make it a "perfect" car!! Road noise is minimal... gas consumption is not what the sticker reads... but no car reaches that level... Im totally happy with my purchase...

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  It does everything - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Antonio Ramos - June 28 - 5:10 pm

  I am going to Home Depot to get my weekly supply for my projects on my Prius. I am not driving my Toyota SUV at all. The Prius is perfect to go to work on San Diego roads and large freeways. Perfect to go to school and the supermarket. Now I go to Home Depot or other home centers for maintenance type of goods without thinking about a lot of room for shopping. This is like been in Europe again. We do not need a large vehicle to do your every day routine. Americans move on. Hybrids is the only solution at this time and for a while. Sorry Detroit for been so stupid again!! Tell me about any other type of vehicle that turns the engine off when you are waiting at the traffic light?

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  16 months of ownership so far... - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By jgilliam1955 - June 25 - 1:24 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. I had a VW Jetta Diesel with 200K on it but it was in the shop for eletrical stuff all the time. So I wanted regular gas car with diesel type mileage PLUS a back seat for the grandkids. The Prius fits the bill. Gas is 75 cents per gallon or more cheaper. I now have 28800 miles in it. On weekend trips I get low 50s mpg at 70mph & higher if I go 60 mph. Overall I have averaged combined MPG of 49.9. When I fill up its $26. I take a ferry to work & it is nice to sit in a car with the AC or heater on & the engine not running. I carried my Garmin GPS for back up but the Prius GPS works great.

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  Almost perfect Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary - June 25 - 5:56 am

  After 14 months my only problem has been having to have the computer screen replaced under warranty. I am probably averaging about 44 miles per gallon. Incredible.

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  I love it, very dependable - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Ttommmeee - June 20 - 8:20 am

  I have 147,000 miles on mine and am very happy. On trips we get 43mpg and often average 40 and up to 65 according to the road and traffic. Driving a whole day without filling up is also fun. It is EXTREMELY quiet, I didnt like the 4 cylinder vibration at idle on the other cars, there is none on this one. All issues were covered by the warranty, the gas tank, computer systems and steering were replaced under warranty (even after it was expired). I never replaced the fuel rheostat and it somehow fixed itself. Oil just never gets dirty. 7500 miles + works fine for me. I always take it to the dealer. Maintenance is less than any other car I have owned. It is just KOOL!!

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  Great, fun car! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Eddie Vedder - June 19 - 5:03 pm

  Getting 50 MPG & only filling up every 2 weeks. Smooth ride & roomy interior. Backup camera is very cool & helpful. Lots of safety features including side airbags, traction control, and ABS. Hybrid technology is well worth the premium.

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  My best car ever! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By PriusFan - June 17 - 4:26 pm

  After one year I am as enthusiastic as ever. I love to demonstrate it to friends, and sometimes strangers. We have made many long trips in comfort.

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  Lotta Car For The Money!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Terry - June 13 - 3:43 am

  After 1 year of ownership, I have to say, I love this car! Never have I so throughly enjoyed a car before. Toyota has really made leaps and bounds in Hybrid technology. I seem to discover something new in the car every time I drive it. This car has ample space on the inside. you can actually put an 8 foot ladder in the car by folding the rear seats and the passenger seat. The voice activated control system is a little quirky to use but fun none of the less. The GPS is nice too. The Prius is a great conversation starter, whether you are at a party or at a traffic light. People are just curious about it. Im only too glad to tell them about it. You have to experience the Prius. I love mine...