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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  Another Happy Prius Owner - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Harris White - October 7 - 3:00 am

  All I can say is that Im very happy with my new Prius. Everyday I learn something new about this car. Its such a joy to own and drive everyday!

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  Happy Camper - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Willy - October 4 - 10:56 pm

  I was driving a Jaguar Vanden Plas full size sport sedan. Loved that car, but the Prius is just as fun and at the same time economical and environmentally friendly. I would definitely buy another, and may in fact in a month or two. I did get the configuration with every accessory available and that is part of why I love it so much. But, I am a 6.5 hour drive from my daughter in Atlanta and $20 in gas to get there even at $3/gallon is out of this world. One of my sons and I also like to see how long we can drive just on battery and post 99+ mpg on the panel; 15 minutes, WOW! Dont buy one! That way I wont have such competition when I buy my second, third, and fourth yet this year!

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  2009 Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Gail - October 3 - 1:26 pm

  Just got the car, I love it. I cant believe the gas mileage. Its very comfortable and roomy.

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  Love this Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By mona813 - October 2 - 3:56 pm

  Have owned Hondas the past decade. Driving 26K per year, my CR-V was costing too much. Test drove the Insight but wasnt impressed. Test drove the Prius and fell in love! Ive been averaging 51 mpg so far. Very quiet and smooth. Just crossing my fingers it will handle winter and snow well.

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  Highly Satisfied - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jennifer - September 30 - 9:13 am

  This has been the best car Ive ever driven. It doesnt get as good of gas mileage as they advertised, but what car does? Its a blast to drive and cute too!

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  After 3 yrs - we bought a second Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By sergelbergeron - September 30 - 12:36 am

  We have had our 2005 Prius for over 3 years now and it performs just like new. We bought another one - a 2008 package 5 in October and they both ride the same even though the 2005 has 50,000 miles. I live in Canada and in the winter it is also a charm. Absolutely no problem with battery. Starts at -40 degrees, etc. It is an excellent vehicle.

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By 4ecofriends - September 29 - 6:13 pm

  My goal of purchase: 10 years of ownership same or better than non-hybrid and I save >1/2 CO2, then it is a good purchase. And this car does just that, and then some. Its fun to drive (as intended, not in the same sense as BMW) and as practical as any family sedan of its size. I kept up with V8 cars to snow trip without degrading MPG. I drove up Grapevine, CA, full load full blast of air with the same MPG. I got 47mpg for ~12000 miles of driving. No problem todate. Toyota has met design goal: practical green family car.

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  Less dependency on oil imports - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Rienhart - September 28 - 5:23 am

  We have owned the Prius for about three months and are impressed with the mileage and power when needed. Versitle with the fold down seats and hatchback, room for four adults, comfortably, and did I mention the emissions rating? It is a car for the times and when more hybrids hit the market, the Middle East will have less of a strangle hold on our economy.

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  Absolutely Fabulous Mileage! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Greenleaf - September 25 - 10:00 am

  My highest MPG was 58.7! I drive to LA regularly and the two-hour commute is zippy in this little car. Ive had no trouble out running an 18-wheeler with 5 people in the car and the A/C on full blast. The only trouble Ive had was the rack-and-pinion, which needed to be replaced at 16K. The interior seems to be taking a lot of wear also.

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  A very well designed vehicle. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By A Great Car - September 22 - 2:50 pm

  The Prius is a very well engineered vehicle. I particularly like the field of view accompanied with the captains seats make it almost like driving a bus or van. We like the performance, gas mileage, road handling, and all around comfort. This is one of the best car buying decisions my wife and I have made. We took the Prius on a round trip 969 miles and performed well, has plenty of power, and averaged 45.8 mpg. The dealer asked us if we wanted to trade it back in, the answer is a resounding no.