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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  I love this car. - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Jan - October 21 - 1:30 pm

  I am 56 years old and this is the first car I have ever loved. I am proud to be driving it. My average mileage over 86,000 miles is 49.2 and I have not had to replace the battery. Keeping the right tire pressure makes a difference of 2-3 mpg. It has plenty of pep on the highway, feels solid in the wind and on wet pavement, and will cruise at 70 mph. It is maneuverable in traffic and parking. It is bigger inside that it looks. Four ride comfortably. I have had almost no trouble with it. The warranty was generous and Toyotas service has been superb before and after the warranty expired. The 2005 has some nice features and a bit better mileage but I do not want a hatchback.

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  Amazing - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Pegwukguy - October 21 - 2:00 am

  We have driven Volvos for over 20 years and I was VERY hesitant about "downsizing" to a less than luxury car. But SURPRISE! This aint no tin box. It has everything I could possibly want - love the sound system and the technie dashboard and flat panel displays. Great stuff. Handling is superb. Plenty zippy. Had to crank it up to 87 at one point because of traffic flow - no problemmo - pulled like a thoroughbred. Good stuff

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  Its like driving a computer!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Karen - October 20 - 3:03 pm

  We purchased this car in Aug. of 2006 and have had no problems with it so far. We love the car and it is roomy enough for 2 adults and 2 carseats. My husband wanted a truck, but I talked him into something better on fuel and he now LOVES to drive this car. It has been well worth the money. And he says that it is just like driving a computer because of all the gadgets and buttons inside.

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  Sell the House_Live in the Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Michael Kaplan - October 18 - 1:46 am

  This is the first auto Ive owned that I feel joy every time I get in it. It is also very driver oriented with a complete LCD readout available at all times for : audio, climate, GPA, BLuetooth cell phone, volume of CD;s and aux music player (iPod, iPhone, etc). Things I have come to love: #1 keyless entry and use; steering wheel control (front/back), wiper, cruise, lights stalks. It is the driver designed (instead of engineer designed), e.g., all things to make driving & safety first and foremost--and gas mileage is superb and the constant LCD readout gasoline consumption is not only informative but allows the driver to see, real time, how driving behaviors affect MPG.

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  The best car in the world. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Emil V. Benvenuto - October 17 - 9:40 am

  In April 2004, I purchased a Prius for my wife, but I quickly found that I was driving the Prius 95% of the time. In July I found another Prius available in Florida with all options. We quickly drove to Florida to pick up our second Prius that I purchased over the telephone. I guess you could title that doubling your pleasure. Since I didnt want to put my wife through the task of learning about navigation systems and all the other great options, I decided to drive the fully equipped Prius. On the spur of the monment we could be driving to Toronto, Cape Cob, Pinehurst, NC, or Florida, enjoying the best car in the world. By the way we are both in the mid-seventies.

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  Fun car, excellent quality! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By rigator - October 12 - 9:50 am

  After owning Hondas all of my life, I decided to go with the Prius after driving the Civic Hybrid. I felt the Prius was unique, fun & an excellent automobile. Reading reviews of other satisfied owners reassured me that the vehicle is reliable and the right choice. I highly recommend a Prius!

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  solidly built for a niched vehicle - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By eandlcubed - October 9 - 10:00 am

  it is peppy for a hybrid vehicle. seats are very comfortable for long ride (many trips from dc to detroit). engine is little loud under hard acceleration. the headlights is not too bright. cupholders are too shallow for cans and tall cups. because of the small tire/wheels, car seems to wander in heavy wind,

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  A must now with $4/gal gas - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ken - October 8 - 11:20 pm

  I traded a 2005 Avalon for this car. A bit apprehensive at first, not anymore. My second car is a 2007 Corvette and my wife and I fight for who gets the Prius. I am 62 230 and have adequate room, total volume is more than adequate. Gas mileage after 3000+ is over 50 best was 57.3 worst 43.8 (was driving it like my vette... fast). Mostly highway driving, very smooth surprising power. We are educating ourselves how to get good mileage with the consumption readout. This car is FUN to drive, fun to own, safe with all the safety features, helps the environment by reducing emissions and fuel useage. We figure in 2 years it will pay for itself. Recently we sold our 3rd vechile 2005 tundra. *smiles*

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  too new to have problems - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By haireebear - October 8 - 4:03 pm

  I have less than 400 miles on my Prius. Mileage would be in the 42 to 45mpg so far, highway and city. but I am having display console issues already. Some options gray out when I accelerate and once I could not control the radio volume manual or remotely. Car has potential but these problems should not be happening.

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  Great Everyday Driving - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By James Emrich - October 8 - 10:00 am

  My wife and I love the gas mileage and the feel of the car on the road. There is some pushing around on interstate roads when driving near large trucks.