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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  Think twice - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Dazzled and Dismayed - May 27 - 11:36 pm

  Overrated vehicle. Dazzled by the bells and whistles, I failed to see the inability to adjust the seat. It is so uncomfortable over 30 minutes behind the wheel. The interior lacks basics, i.e., console-dash easy access storage, visor extenders, change dish, etc. Feels like a cheap car. Display is distracting and annoying. Reverse beeping is beyond annoying. I wish Priuses were refundable. Caveat Emptor

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  goin green - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By dave - May 26 - 5:53 pm

  I really like the 2005 model prius. I got the smart entry which worth the extra money. My only disappointment is the winter driving milage. I get about 40mpg (they boast 50-60mpg). In the summer mpg is about 45. They dont tell you your winter milage will be less due to the fact that the engine must stay on longer in order to keep the interior car temp. warm. But...40 mpg is still great considering the roominess and comfort of this car.

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  This car is the way to go - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Raslin - May 25 - 9:30 pm

  I have almost 600 miles on it and I have never had so much fun driving a car I love the constant gas status it makes driving efficiently fun. I was afraid the Bluetooth would be as bad as it is on many new cars but the sound is great and the auto linking is priceless. Also never having to use a key to lock the car unlock or start it is the coolest. The car has more power in take off then my Corolla did too.

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  After one month - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Carl Straub - May 25 - 7:43 am

  The Prius has been better than anticipated. We have the #1 option. (no GPS or fancy key). Rented one for 4 days so we could try first. The electric engine provides a lot of torque going up hills etc. The acceleration is actually good if needed. It has good room inside. You soon get used to not seeing front "hood", actually stop too far away at first. Also own large sedan (LS 400) but find we jump in Prius most of the time. Here is clincher--was able to get a load from Costco home (folded down rear seats). If youre consider it-rent one first. Enterprise has them.

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  So glad I bought this car! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By KMarie - May 23 - 4:03 am

  I LOVE this car. Had it for over a week now, and its averaging around 37 MPG. Im in WI and weve had a lot of snow lately - it handled the slippery roads VERY well. No complaints. I have the extra stability control feature which may help for that as well. Drives very smoothly, pick-up from a stop is pretty decent. This car is so quiet sometimes you can hardly tell its running. The "Power" button just floors me, so space age! Turning it on and shifting takes some getting used. Eventually you stop reaching for the key in the ignition. ;) Love the SmartKey feature. But be warned that a replacement key is $400.

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  My 2005 Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Victor - May 22 - 6:33 am

  I experienced excellent performance and gas mileage average of 49.5 mpg with my 2005 Prius unlike my last 13mpg 2001 Ford F150.

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  Prius Review. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MarkD - May 22 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Very happy with the milage vs. previous prius models. Out performs the honda hands down. Finished off well. I am really enjoying the car.

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  Best car to own for fuel and family!! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By bnonhof - May 18 - 10:13 pm

  My wife has been driving the Prius back and forth 160 miles a day to work. She puts on 4K a month. She drives 95% highway miles and she has been getting 55-57 mpg when the weather got nice and 47-49 when it is colder. You cant beat that at $3.00 for a gallon of gas! I am a big guy (64", 300 lbs) and I fit just fine in this car. I can even sit in the back if I have to (my hair just brushes the top). Go Toyota!

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  2005 Toyota Prius Power - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By mb - May 17 - 1:06 pm

  Driving this vehicle, when my wife allows, is fun. It’s quiet! It’s mechanically sound and fuel efficient. It’s part of the oil consumption solution. I like the fuel consumption gauge and center display, which is fully adjustable to the light conditions. The car accelerates well, it’s not a dragster. There is more room in the rear seat for me at 6’2”. We get anywhere from 47 to 51 mpg. The smart entry system is great as well as the standard safety features. We wish Toyota would use better interior trim materials, add an option for a small towing hitch or bike racks. A larger battery capacity with an increased range in speed would make the car more efficient.

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  MPG varies widely -- for a reason - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By IowaCityOwner - May 16 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car - comfortable, handles well, fun to drive. The fuel gauge is a mystery as it raises the alrm way too early; but accumulated MPG figure on the screen is accurate, so just multiply that by 10 and youll know when 10 gal. are needed. Ive seen complaints about the fuel mileage not being as high as EPA ratings. People need to realize that when you drive an efficient car, the effects of variations in driving conditions -- cold, wind, hills, fast accelerations, etc. -- are a lot more noticeable than in a car that just burns a lot of gas all the time, no matter what. If you want predictable fuel mileage, buy a gas hog and youll get it!