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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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Owner - September 22 - 10:00 am

  While the fuel economy is slightly less than advertised (i am getting about 50 mpg in mixed driving) it literally "sips" the cheapest fuel. acceration is adequate but even better "off the line". It has many really great features like "bluetooth technology". With a "bluetooth enabled" cell phone (I have a motorola V600 and AT&T) when you get into the car it "reads" my cell phone and magically (without even taking the phone out of my pocket!) becomes a fully integrated car phone - using the cars computer screen, speakers and microphone. What a deal.

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  Piece of Junk, Insulting Manufacturer/Dealerships - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By uffdaje - September 20 - 11:05 pm

  , I completely agree. I have been taking the car back to dealership I purchased my car at as well as 3 others and no one can fix the issues. I contacted Toyota National and they told me that they will not do anything about this and that I need to continue to work with dealerships on these issues. I have to use earplugs to drive this piece of junk, the engine sounds like a race car at full speed, the ride is rough and vibrates clear up the seat to head, tires lasted only 25K miles, etc. Dealer I bought car at told me to turn up the radio, use earphone or earplugs, that Toyota reengineered the side mirrors and small window and that this is the cause of the wind vortex sound around doors, that

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  Prius Number 2 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Ron Whited - September 18 - 4:00 am

  This is our second Prius, We has a 2001 and both have been excellent vehicles - I love it! when driving on the road "Prius" owners always wave to each other...Its so much fun

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  1 complaint - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JMo - September 14 - 12:50 am

  I love everything about this car but 1 thing. Everything scratches / stains really easily. My pin strip is pealing off a little but toyota will fix it for free. I have a couple scratches in my glove box already and the floor mats soak up dirt like no tomorrow. I can over look it though because other than that it is completely outstanding!

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  Priusmobile - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By lhand - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Fun car. Plenty of zip on to the interstate and over the road. Better gas mileage on the highway than stop and go (contrary to the manufacturers claim). Maneuvers extremely well. Could use some work on braking capacity. Great trunk space. Tolerable back seat leg room. Good front seat room and comfort. 42 to 45 mpg real #s for me. Some concern about ultimate cost of battery replacement since I tend to keep cars a long time.

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  SO GLAD I GOT THIS CAR! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By b14 - September 13 - 1:39 am

  I had a toyota corrola almost 20 years ago when I was getting out of college, and drove it til almost 170k miles. After that I wanted luxury and performance. I flopped back and forth between VWs and Honda Accords, and after having lots of expenses with both (I think my hondas were defective), saw an ad for a Prius lease for 179/mo. I never thought Id drive off the lot, just wanted to "see". After checking it out and driving it, then calculating the incentive deals and gas savings, I realized I could afford this car no problem. The cost to own is so low. Change the oil every 10k miles thats it. Drove to NYC from Boston and back for $30! Unbelievable. Attractive-Fun to drive: Will be buying!

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  2010 prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Ron - September 12 - 10:43 pm

  Coming from a conventional gas auto there is a learning curve but its no big deal, just a couple definite changes in perspective. The car drives just fine. Noticed road noise was quite variable depending on type of road, some rather noisy others not at all. Side winds were more noticeable than expected but this is a light car after all. The CVT transmission is different and quite nice after a little getting used to it. The power delivery is totally linear, especially noticeable on steep roads. No bogging down and shifting down, rather nice just driving up the hill, probably the most notable driving feature. Notable whine on breaking from the energy recapture feature. Great mileage.

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  Happy Prius Driver - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By prius - September 12 - 10:03 pm

  Very happy with the car, traded in a lexus for the Prius. Best move I ever made. Gas is an after thought, I go to the gas staion for coffee

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  My White Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Albert - September 12 - 4:20 am

  I like the way the vehicle looks, and drives, especally the CVT. We are averaging 45 mpg with the air conditioning system on constantly, and 50 mpg with the air conditioning off.These mpg figures are for about 75% in town driving, and 25% freeway driving. My wife and I both love this car!

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  Minimal - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By overcooled - September 11 - 10:00 am

  Every time I go to my car in a parking lot, I look for the coolest car and it has always been my Prius.