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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  Still excellent after 28,000 miles - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mike - December 16 - 12:20 am

  Excellent car. Does NOT require the "dealer recommended" maintenance services. Follow what Toyota recommends. I have had ZERO problems in 28,000 miles. Average 50 mpg in spring/summer/fall and 46 mpg in winter. I added a tint to the upper portion of the windshield to assist in sun blocking. I will be buying another.

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  Prius Touring 4 not so good - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By disappointed buyer - December 15 - 3:56 pm

  Oh man the seats are very uncomfortable, small and even on a short drive can create back pain. Also very difficult to get in and out of the front seat. Visiblity very bad, the back seat head rest impede view through the back window. Very little storage, crummy single cd player. Interior trim around instruments and center console made with very cheap plastic materials. No spare tire! Wow Toyota how the mighty have failed. I had a 2007 touring Prius and loved it but this 2016 falls short on every aspect in comparison other then mileage.

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  Satisfied owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By D. Fisher - December 12 - 10:53 pm

  This car has surpassed my expectations for a hybrid vehicle. It has more room, response, and features than I expected to get in this type of car. When traveling longer distances, I do get between 48 and 53 MPG. On flat roadways on shorter distances I have seen higher. The overall landscape is hilly where I live and generally the MPG is in the high 40s. This is lower than advertised but much greater than my previous car which had a V-6 engine.

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  Practical sedan thats great on the highway - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Greg F Harris - December 12 - 12:23 pm

  People know the 4th generation Prius is the most fuel efficient car ever. It is also a great highway car. Its quiet, feels tight and cushions bumps. It cruises effortlessly at 75 mph and still gets 50 mpg. If you go the speed limit you will always get 55-60 mpg. If you want a trouble-free car that is likely to go 200,000 miles and cost little to operate, buy a Prius.

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  I love my car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Erik J. Meyer - December 10 - 10:00 am

  I had one of the first orders for the 04 Prius in MA. The wait for it felt much longer than it was. I ended up reciveing the floor model for the dealership instead of the one I ordered. The difference was superficial, I wanted blue and it was red. I have put nearly ten thousand miles on this car from 10/24/03 - 08/10/04. I love it. I was only mildly worried about being attacked when gas prices peaked earlier this Summer. After all I can afford to fil the tank with premium for far less than what a similar sized vehicle can on the economy choice. Overall I would recommend this car to anyone who has a desire to feel good about what they drive.

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  Happy Senior - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Happy Senior - December 9 - 5:46 pm

  This is my second Prius. I had the smaller 2002 model and traded up to the mid-size. On a 3,000 mile trip last summer from Harrodsburg, KY to Tazewell, VA, Geneva, IL, Fond du Lac and Spooner, WI, Story City and Amana, IA and back to KY we averaged 51 mpg. My wife is finally getting used to the quietness. Its fun to drive and has great cargo capacity. Yes, Im a happy senior citizen. 84 this year.

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  Prius Safety concerns - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Rog LaShomb - December 9 - 2:53 pm

  Mileage projections are to high. About 44 is accurate. Storage in back is poor Nice little bins under carpet but they are of no value. Very hard to see out of when changing lanes. Can you this vehicle being accident prone. Hard to see out from sides also. Very poor design for safety factors. Bad seat roomy comfortable. Smart key system makes it very easy to leave keys in car.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Murphy - December 7 - 7:36 pm

  I traded my Toyota 4Runner for a Prius. Average gas mileage went from 18 on the 4Runner to 47 on the Prius. Cruising at a steady 65 MPH, it gets 58 MPG. The Prius also rides smoother and quieter, and is a lot more fun to drive. Despite being a lot smaller on the outside, the Prius has more headroom and more comfortable seating. But ignoring comparisons to a big, loaded SUV, the bottom line line is that the Prius is a really good car. Given the exterior dimensions, it has a surprising amount of space on the inside. I made a short trip with 5 guys. Four of us were six feet or over, and two were over 220 pounds. To our surprise, we all fit with no major discomfort. Its just a great car.

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  One year completed and going strong - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Sanjay - December 6 - 4:43 pm

  I bought Prius in May 2007. In one year I have driven about 17,000 miles and thought I should write something to benefit other potential buyers. I am extremely happy with ride, comfort, performance etc, but most of all with fuel efficiency. I have been consistently getting 52-53 mpg for last one year, with air on 7 months out of 12 months. The best mileage I have received so far is 62 MPG, while the worst was 47 MPG (when I drove 90 miles/hour long distance, full load and AC on.) Settled on Prius for its high power engine and electric motor, uniqueness and last but not the least, a Prius is Prius!

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  My Favorite - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Lynne - December 6 - 8:23 am

  Love this car! Traded in my Sienna AWD Van- 16 MPG- argh. Love the gas mileage so far! Tired of running to the gas station and shoveling out over $60 each time. Looking forward to less visits there.