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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  Prius overrated - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By tg - August 27 - 7:36 am

  The car has been recalled for steering problems and has died twice on the freeway because of another problem. I get anywhere from 38 to 41 mpg. I do take short drives to work on the freeway which reduces fuel efficiency apparently. The car handles poorly and is very top heavy and sways while Im driving especially if there is any wind at all. Its hard to see out the rear window. C+ rating.

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  Maybe not for shorties - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By southerntier - July 25 - 7:06 am

  Just cant get comfortable. Back and bottom hurt after two hours, not like my former ride, a Grand Caravan, which was comfy. Has few adjustments, and I cant find a combination of seat and steering wheel positions that works for me. I am 5 1" and 125 pounds. The console thingy is annoying, maybe because I am so far forward but otherwise cant reach the gas. So this is why it has not been so fun to drive. Averaging 47 mpg.

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  Not comfortable.... - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By indian77 - July 11 - 10:16 pm

  The car is great, the comfort level is not so good. What this car lacks is what the latest certain Prius models have improved upon. There is no power driver seat, so finding that sweet spot for driving is a real challenge. For example, you will be finding yourself reaching out for that steering wheel when you are in a comfortable position. That will put strain on your arms while driving. There is no lower back support, so for long drives that can be for hours, this is a lower back killer. Make sure you do your daily stretches to overcome the physical drawbacks of sitting in this car.

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  I Miss My Cabrio... - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Melanie R. - June 13 - 6:30 am

  Purchased 2010 Package III w/the sunroof/nav and added leather. Two months and 2,200 miles later Im still waiting for the fun to start. Car is cool looking and very roomy but simply cant get used to the hitches in the engine or the sluggish starts and the braking flat-out frightens me. Its a good thing the sunroof is there -- when I opened my window slightly the ensuing wind force almost blew my head off my neck. And Id rather dial a number from my cell than listen to the Voice Guide go thru her spiel again. Toyota really needs a lesson on designing user-friendly interfaces. Package not worth $$. Mileage not much better than Cabrio because I dont drive like my grandmother.

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  Not Without Compromises - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By wcascrs - May 8 - 6:52 am

  I like the car because its very easy to use with its Smart Key entry and Push Button Start. I also like the way the hybrid system works and sure dont mind the 50 MPG combined. But power and handling are lacking and it lets road noise right on in. Climbing steep hills around here gets the gas engine pretty worked up, and it lets you know it too, right into the cabin with the road nose. It has a torsion beam rear suspension and goes around corners ok, but it has a fair amount of body roll doing so and gets a little unsettled over bumps. it seat four really well, five adults not so much.

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  EPA test lies to buyers - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Stan Seamone - May 4 - 10:00 am

  Gas millage advertised on EPA is a fraud. Actual millage about 32 to 40 if your lucky, called EPA and they said Toyota gave them figures? I asked them to show me that my car delivers 60/51. I would be happy to get 50/41. I think Toyota has these big figures on the cars so they can sell them fast.

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  Toyota, go to the next step - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By jakiefnh - January 27 - 8:30 pm

  There is no reason why this car cannot achieve 100+ mpg. Both the batteries and electric motors are underpowered. I would prefer that this be a plug-in electric car with a high-end on-board electric generator. That said, I achieve 40-45 mpg in the winter and 50- 55 mpg in the summer. I do not understand why the electric motor cannot power the car from a dead start without the gas-powered engine having to kick in.

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  Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By larry platt - December 11 - 8:06 pm

  The car is not made for anyone over 62, there is no leg room. On a long trip the car is impossible to get comfortable in. The car is dangerous in the snow. Even a small amount of snow causes the car to slide out of control when braking. On a snow covered hill if you have to stop the car will slide backwards because there is not enough transaction. Because of where the dashboard is located, at night there is a "green" glow on the windshield that is distracting and on darker roads the green glow will affect road vision. The rear camera for backing up is useless. There are blind spots. When passing a car on an interstate you need to constantly look over your shoulders.

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  sad - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Fayjie - November 3 - 10:00 am

  Toyota took something that actually works. and made it ugly,in my oppinion. I am certain they did not intend to but the appearence remains that in an attempt to make something look air dynamic they put a point on the hood, nose, of the vehicle that just as well might be a mustashe on the Mona Lisa.It really was not needed.

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  Not well designed. - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Larry - September 1 - 9:40 pm

  I bought the package 6 which has navigation, upgraded audio, and leather. It gets good gas mileage, but not the 52-60 that was on the sticker. Audio system has respectable sound. Ride is uncomfortable on trips, mild winds pushes car around. Manual seats are hard to adjust, spoiler obstructs view, dash lights are hard to see in sunshine and there is a reflection on the windshield, gas gauge readings are not accurate, navigation system awkwardly placed.