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 - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By prius owner - July 22 - 7:13 pm

  I have no complaints about this car. I gave up a Mini Cooper, my dream car, after 2 1/2 years due to the high maintenance cost (I drive almost 100 miles a day and high performance tires are expensive and dont last). Since I gave up the dream car I went for highest MPG. After the first test drive I thought it felt like driving the space shuttle. However, it grew on me and I am happy with my decision to trade.

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  WOW!!! - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By tomhocutt712 - July 20 - 11:54 am

  Just got into a prius 5. I was a honda person for many years up until recently whle dealign with quality issues that I just could not work through. I wa considering a Mazda5 but gas prices suddenly jumped up and this became the more responisble purchase. Its smaller than Im used to but it wil get the job done.

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  Not bad but not all they say - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kate - July 14 - 6:30 am

  Mine is simple/no extras. Bad news 1st Seats noticeably, miserably uncomfortable, says everyone. Interior flimsy plastic. Cup holder snapped off so easily thought maybe it was a bizarre break-out safety feature. A+ for interior space. Hatchback holds two medium dogs; seats fold, flip, split to meet every packing challenge: tree nursery, Home Depot, Ikea, kids with bikes and whatnot. Pickup/speed are very good. Handles in snow with regular tires much better than popular Swedish cars Ive owned with snow tires. Never had mechanical or any problems. Mileage okay but never, ever anything like high 50s as stated. High forties in summer with just a driver, no cargo. Otherwise averages mid 30s.

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  High Tech Wonder - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Troika - July 13 - 11:46 am

  I have had this car for over a month now and find it most enjoyable driving and learning about all of its features. I promise to revisit this website a year from now and post a year-end assessment of the car. I expect to put about 15000 miles on it.

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  Not worth it - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By photo123 - July 13 - 8:34 am

  To buy a new hybrid is OK if parts are under warranty. It seems that the HV battery (High Voltage batter) at a cost of $4000.00 installed dies after 8 years and around 150,000km . Just when the warranty dies. Hmmmm!! The car is nice to drive, but, so is a Elantra and the Elantra is way more reliable and coat effective to fix for the same year. Then there is the converter!!! Another $4000.00!! Please read carefully the reports about the 1 gen Prius. The HV battery will go on you and they were a poor quality. If you are buying a Prius to save the planet, forget it! The cost and consumables related to keeping it going including maintenance and repairs will far out weigh the savings.

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  Love it! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By pretty in a prius - July 11 - 12:26 am

  I LOVE my Prius. Previously drove an Audi, so was used to a bigger car. I get an average of 46 mpg, driving 100 miles per day, highway and city. I love the roominess and how the car handles! I would buy another in a heartbeat!

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  Love my Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By lucky lindy - July 10 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car; quiet, comfortable and efficient. What a difference from the 14 years I had driving a minivan. Love to go to the gas station and get money back!!! I feel I am contributing to the environment with this gas/electric vehicle. Thank you to my ecological daughter for talking me into viewing (and buying on the spot) this wonderful car.

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  Got Lucky - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Pri-ferred - July 9 - 11:53 am

  I was a Legacy owner for 14 years and swore to buy another Legacy. When we were car-shopping after my car died suddenly the Toyota dealer had a Prius in the showroom, a model with all the bells and whistles (someone reneged on the deal, I got lucky). I had wanted a green car, but didnt think I would buy one this time. The Prius is an absolute dream. I live in a hilly state and dont do much city driving, but Im still getting 44mpg. After loving a manual all these years, I instantly got used to the Prius controls: park, reverse, drive. It runs like a dream, makes a little more noise going uphill, but its still quieter than my old standard. If you can buy a Prius, DO IT

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  Much More Than I Expected - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By John - July 6 - 3:56 pm

  My new Prius is now two weeks old and has 700 miles on it. What a great car! Incredibly quiet, even when the gas engine kicks in. I am already getting over 50 MPG with a car that has plenty of zip when you want it. I am most impressed with the interior room and the seamless operation of the power train. The CVT is very smooth and quiet in its operation. After reading other reviews I was concerned the seats might be uncomfortable but have not found this to be the case. Very good back support. My wife feels the ride is choppy compared to the Chrysler van we have been driving but under most road conditions it is fine. I must admit I am finding excuses to go places in it!

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  I love my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve Updegrave - July 5 - 4:43 pm

  Ive had my Prius for 2 1/2 months and 3500 miles and really like it. Its not only economical, but it is fun to drive- particularlly past $2.15/gal gas pumps. The High-tech display gives a feeling of driving a much more expensive luxury car. If you want XM radio which is not offered through the Toyota package- the XM modual for the Sonoma is plug in ready.