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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  Love my new Prius 3 - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Sue Harris - April 30 - 9:13 pm

  I am averaging almost 60 mpg!! Love the information available at your fingertips. Comfortable and more sporty than my previous Prius.

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  Mileage Surprise - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ned.dick - April 29 - 7:50 pm

  With the premium some dealers are adding on to the Prius I started wondering if my concern for the environment was worth it. I have been pleasantly surprised. Driving the car reasonably with acceptable limits I get just under 49 mpg. On a trial using max speed of 55 mph and air conditioner only when really needed I got an incredible 62.4 mpg. Since I live in the foothills of western NC I think this is outstanding. Just watching the use of my air conditioner and staying at the speed limit (70 mph on Interstate I travel) gives me an average of 51.3 mpg. Over my 6 cyl. SUV that I use to commute in Ive saved over $800 in the 15,400 miles I driven in the last 8 months.

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  1ST Hybrid - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By dale - April 27 - 11:40 pm

  We have only driven 800 miles so it is very early to write a report. We are enjoying the adventure of driving a car that gets 50mpg, every trip we have enjoyed the car more. The sound system with JPL speakers is excellent the storage with Hatchback is good but backing up there are blindspots. Overall we are very happy

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  really satisifed with 2014 Pruis II Sea Green Pearl - 2014 Toyota Prius
  By 58stevo - April 27 - 8:07 pm

  my first new car in about 25 years, very impressed with 51mpg

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  Travelling salesman sold on Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By danbarnardjr - April 27 - 6:46 pm

  In 18 months I have put on 54,000+ miles on my Toyota Prius. Small problems with some defective sensing units were identified by my dealer and corrected (at no cost to me) by Toyota. The car drives like a real car: I can accelerate and pass when necessary; I can drive all day long at highway speeds. I can carry a full load of samples and catalogs and still average 52-55 mpg. In the winter (I live in NH) the mileage drops to between 48-52 mpg. I spend 3-4 hours a day in the car. My back feels as good as my wallet.

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  179,476 miles and still going strong - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By ehaw - April 21 - 9:08 pm

  LOVE my Prius! We are high mileage commuters, perfect car for the miles we drive. Purchased for $15,200 in 2009 used with mid 20k miles. Use Michelins for a better ride and gas mileage. We are getting 44-56 mpg depending on how much we run A/C (Hey its Texas, so most of the time) Early morning when it is still cool can easily hit 52-56 since most are highway miles. Expenses occurred so far: Use a K&N engine air filter which saves on air filter expense - not that hard to clean and recharge. Oil changes at 5000k, wiper blades, and I change cabin air filter myself to save service charge. Biggest expense - replacing a part that controls the changeover between electric and gas. $500

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  Prius - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Mark - April 21 - 5:16 pm

  Im 6 4" and the front leg room is very tight. It is also a bit narrow. The fit and feel is very good for a mid size car. Its so quiet on start up. Acceleration is slow but reliability should be outstanding.

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  Excellent, Fun, Fast and Fuel Efficient - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By cbmd - April 21 - 10:00 am

  This is the most technologically advanced car on the road and its Honda competitors are not even near the usefulness or speed even though slightly more mileage with Insight. My Prius has had three small problems. Tire wear was the worst, but a tire or wheel change should fix it nicely on the 2004 model. Toyota and the dealer replaced the tires and have done all servicing without any charge.

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  Think Twice 2010 Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By margieprius - April 20 - 9:26 am

  I have 4 Toyotas all purchased from Westbury Toyota. All was good until I began to experience brake issues on my brand new 2010 Prius. The dealers service was horrible, and they denied there was a problem. Eventually a recall for the non existent problem, and after the recall the braking on the car is less reliable then before, they say thats the way all the 2010 Prius are.

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  high tech marvel - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By marty - April 18 - 5:43 am

  Purchased a Prius V with advanced tech package. Its really space age fun to drive. The car "purrs" when I get close. Then its super quiet and feels like driving a computer. All the tech gadgets are amazing beginning with the gear shift knob, laser cruise control, lane keep assist, parking assist, etc, etc,...Have driven 2000 miles and just love it. The navigation system is superb and very fast and easy to use. All the tech gadgets are remarkable, and definitely a splurge, but I keep cars for 10 years. The gas mileage displays always bring smiles to my face as I enjoy seeing more than 50 mpg nearly all the time! It has enough power. This is the car of the future!