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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  Lust, Love, Commitment - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rpaulh - January 14 - 12:36 pm

  The tank is still FULL from the dealer, after one week and 100 miles! I cant stop thinking about "her" at night, in the morning, and during my day. Is it possible to Lust, Love and Commit to Prius? "She" is even better than MapQuest and Google maps combined! Always powerful, sultry looking, Smart in multiple ways, an efficiently pumping Heart, and filled with Soul. Luckily, my wife approves - and we are a happy family of three :) I LOVE YOU PRIUS!

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  10K and rolling! 30K Annualized. - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By therealhboggs - January 13 - 10:08 pm

  Overall 49 mpg. Oddly, the 48-51 EPA is backwards from my actual experience. I get around 45 in town and 52-56 on the road. Also, the onboard trip computer is approximately 5% high consistently. Otherwise, subtract 2mpg from the computer reading and you have the more correct mpg. Very comfortable on trips. Totally pleased with my car.

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  After 1 year - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By chuck - January 13 - 6:06 pm

  Have not had any problems. great mpg 52-44. plenty of cargo space. very firm ride. transmission and no drive belts are my favorites. read and reread owners manual.

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  Great Economy Car - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By G Honey - January 11 - 6:01 am

  Reliable and comfortable

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  Toyota Hybrids still rule - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Owner of Two Hybrids - January 7 - 10:30 pm

  Excellent car except for expectation of better mileage has been a miserable failure. We also own a 2002 Prius and its mileage per gallon is close to the Prius 04. Both average between 37 to 41 miles per gallon. The 2002 has about 20,000 miles, while the 2004 has just under 10,000. Sharp turning radius is great. Steering and suspension the best of any car Ive ever owned. Its too bad the rating is so far off and is still being used on the new window stickers.

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  After 2 months - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By p50 - January 7 - 2:26 am

  The first several tanks average between 42~45 mpg for mostly city driving. I am pretty happy about that especially considering it is during Jan and Feb, the two worst fuel economy months. Didnt have any fuel gauge inaccuracy problem as stated by previous reviewers. The car produces several funny buzzing sounds when braking and after parked. It is not loud or annoying, but I was a bit worried initially until I realize it is normal (by observation and talking to the dealer). The acceleration is adequate but could use some boost. The car is otherwise great. A fully loaded car with a price comparable to a similarly equipped 4-cyl. Camry. I only waited for 3 weeks.

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  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Malaan - January 6 - 11:03 pm

  I have owned the 2007 Toyota Prius with package 6, for a week now. It is put quite simply a great experience. Fuel economy is good (avg 41 mpg) even though it is below freezing. The smart key system is an excellent idea, and the Navigation system is a real nice addition. Voice recognition is good with the Nav system. Stability control is also an excellent add-on... it really works. What a great car!!

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  9/10 - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Katrina - January 6 - 3:30 am

  I have had my prius for about 4 years now. When I bought it I had to fix a few problems with it but since the car has been wonderful. I read a lot of comments about catalytic converters and oxygen sensors. I am also having problems with that, but I am convinced that in the 2001 that is one of few problems with the vehicle. I now have 227,000 miles on my car and she is still runnning great! My advice is to take good car of your prius, fix the minor problems... DONT PAY THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS to the dealer for parts, buy them online or from junk yards and the fix up wont be so pricey and your car will run for years!

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  I LUV my PRIUS - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By KNB - January 4 - 4:43 am

  I love the virutal zero emissions more than anything else!

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  Awesome Car and Fun to Drive - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By RP Messenger - January 2 - 3:30 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. In almost two years of ownership have put 46k miles on the car with no issues. Unfortunately, last month my husband was in a car accident that totaled our beloved car. This car is so well designed that with the total loss of the vehicle my husband walked away with only a seatbelt rash. The airbags are amazing and did their job perfectly. The police were surprised he was not hurt. If you are looking for a safe, reliable, fun, high MPG car then this is the one for you. We miss our car are waiting to the 2010 Prius to replace the 2007.