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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  as advertised, and a bit better. - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Sam - September 11 - 5:30 am

  Bought a 2012 Prius 6 months ago, and Ive put about 8000 miles on it. Observations: Very good in bad weather. Its heavy, with a 4 cyl engine, electric motor, and battery pack over the rear wheels. Stable. Driving on hilly roads with sleet coming down and cars going off left and right, I never lost grip. Felt very secure. Wife drives a Nissan Pathfinder, and the Prius is better on snow (less clearance, of course). Theres a BIG difference in MPG if you drive 65 or 75. I can average over 50 on my 45 mile highway commute (rather hilly) if I drive 65. I average perhaps 40 if I drive much over 70. The Prius is much louder at higher speeds. At 65, its not too loud, and its pretty peaceful. The car has a decent JBL stereo, and it covers up the noise. Speed up another 10 miles an hour, and the road noise and wind noise is significant. Headache loud. So, if you are willing to drive 65 and get passed a lot, the car will treat you better. And I timed it, by the way: I save about 3-5 minutes by going 10 miles an hour faster, on average. Not worth it, to me. Goes up hills much easier than I thought it would. Not at all gutsy, but gets the job done. Engine drones in most unpleasant manner under hard acceleration . . . almost as if Toyota purposefully tuned it to sound ugly so as to encourage me to not floor it. MPG is as advertised, around 50. In town, if I drive carefully, I can get much more--up to 70. Then, though, Im probably irritating people behind me. But its fun to try to keep the gas engine off for as much as possible. 6 months later, all is still good. Boring, now that the novelty has worn off, but still getting over 50 mpg. My gas savings is enough to make 80% of the payment. Couple of years have passed. No reliability issues. 50k miles. Boring car, but still getting about 48 mpg on hilly commute.

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  Way to go - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By secondprius - September 10 - 6:23 pm

  This is our second Prius, our first was a 2004 and we were so happy we bought another one, the 06 seems to ride a bit better, a bit more pep and feels a bit more solid. If this one goes well we will be buying a Camry Hybrid soon. Oh by the way we are not tree huggers we also own a Hummer and a Suburban XL but how can you argue with easy parking and a consistant 48mpg in the city and 46 on the HWY... We love all our cars but I cant argue with saving 6-7k a year in fuel.

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  Where are the Li-ion batteries on Prius? - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Whoofer - September 10 - 2:26 am

  Quiet as long as you arent pulling a mountain or hill. Needs more powerful and better batteries to allow the engine to turn on less.

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  2007 Toyota Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Helene V Fairchild - August 20 - 8:00 pm

  I have really enjoyed my experience with the Hybrid. It gets so much attention. Even other owners stop to chat about how much fun it is to drive. I went back to the dealership and hugged my salesman. I told him that the first week I owned it I counted over 50 miles to the gallon. I couldnt believe it. Stopping at red lights used to really bother me because I thought that I was wasting so much gas and now when the electricity kicks in it is no problem. I just sit and laugh at the poor guys out there losing money. I also find that it can be so quiet. I really like the insturment panel that offers so many choices. Especially the one for climate. I use that continually.

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  fuel economy is misleading - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By prius2012owner - August 20 - 10:02 am

  I was buying this model in February-March 2012, when neither diller, no Toyota website had the 2012 model description. I was told that the model is exactly as 2011. It turned out that theres single difference - parking assist was removed from 2012 model. Huge, huge disappointment! Another minus is that Toyota, looks like intentionally!, overstates fuel economy. The car does regularly show 49 to 51 overall mpg, but the number is always (I mean ALWAYS) 2-2.5 mpg higher than reality (miles driven/number of galons filled in). At 60mph the car shows speed 2mph higher than external GPSes. May be related to the previous. Tires are bad, very noisy on hwy. Hwy mpg is only about 40 at 70-75mph.

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  Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By wbell - August 13 - 9:30 am

  I bought a Toyota Prius in Jan. 2006 the gas mielage is great, I average about 51.9 mpg in city and highway driving, never got that kind of mpg anywhere, so my opinion is that Toyota is ahead of other car manufactures in developing the hybrid, I hope the next phase will be either a hybrid diesel or hydrogen hybrids in the future.iThe Prius is a very comfortable car for long trips, I feel like Im driving a big car without the big car gas mileage.

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  Future Technology NOW - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Charles Suitt - August 12 - 7:30 pm

  Surprising performance for an Hybrid. Driver controls take awhile to learn but they become instinctive. Fuel economy nearly twice that of comparable hatchback sedans. Luggage room excellent and very flexible. Very well engineered technology, particularly the interface between the internal combustion engine and electric motor. The Navigation system works fairly well, although verbal requests frequently result in unexpected responses.

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  My Favorite Car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Sann - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I really like my car. Its fun to drive and one high point, its very easy to make a u-turn. The mileage is not quite as good as stated. I get about 45 miles to the gallon with a combination of city/highway driving, however, I live in an area with rolling countryside.

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  Mileage of Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By TYhealing - August 10 - 2:00 am

  I very much enjoy my Prius, however, the average mileage is far below what they state. One can expect to average 40 mpg. Toyota dealerships now even acknowledge this when questioned.

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  Awesome auto! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Priusmama - August 10 - 2:00 am

  We bought our Prius sight unseen since the dealerships cannot keep them in stock. We have fallen absolutely in love with it. Its fun to drive, economical and very roomy. There isnt one bad thing I can say about it. After seeing other hybrids at the auto show, Im so glad we bought the Prius. It is built so much better than the others. Give yourself the first 500 miles to see your mileage become what you think it should. There must be a break-in period because we saw a drastic improvement after we hit the 500 mark. Great job, Toyota!