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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  My 2007 Touring Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By DGervais - April 17 - 11:20 am

  I got my 2007 Prius nicely discounted with around 50,000 miles. Ive had it a month, and so far so good. Millage ranges in the mid 40s, about the same city/highway. Also, unlike the horror stories I was reading about the traction control, she ran fine through the worst of two snowstorms. On hills, the car does struggle when climbing, and the car does move a bit in high winds, drawbacks far outweighed by its efficiency, and its maneuverability, and its handling in almost all conditions. As a parting note, the space age exterior design is sleek, sporty, and unique.

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  LOVE My Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Gigi - April 14 - 10:00 am

  Been a Honda driver since the 80s and decided I wanted something different. The lease rate was so great on the Prius that I just couldnt pass on it. Its so quiet that you cant hear it running, it looks so high tech and the gas mileage is fantastic. Im averaging 50 MPG and you just cant beat that! Keyless entry is also a great feature. I hate digging for my keys. Now I just leave them in my purse. I have plenty of room for my 62" husband and my two dogs. Love the hatch back styling. I use it like a wagon, always hauling stuff. Im spoiled! I can never go back to a non-hybrid car.

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  This is the best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By spaam2021 - April 14 - 1:57 am

  The gas savings is obvious -- Im getting 50MPG with 90% highway driving. If I drive in the city only, I can get 60+MPG. My fuel costs went from $200+ per month to under $100 with barely any effort. The car has also been highly reliable. After all this time Ive owned it, it didnt need anything beyond basic maintenance. Sometimes it doesnt even need anything beyond an oil change. I also LOVE the interior in this thing. The Start ignition button, joystick shifter, LCD dashboard, multifunction display....it all looks very futuristic to me. I wish the car has a temperature gauge on the LCD dashboard and that it is more comfortable to ride, but otherwise, its an extremely great car!

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  Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By myprius - April 12 - 2:00 am

  This car is extremely fun to drive and very quiet. Perfect for listening to music in or just relaxing. Exterior noise from other cars is cancelled out nicely and you can enjoy a smooth quiet ride. If you practice at it, you can learn to drive a certain way to increase fuel economy and get better than the posted avg of 60 mpg. However, in the winter months my fuel economy has dropped and Im not sure why but assume it is due to the temperature drop. The car works well in all conditions, but you do have to be careful on wet and icy roads because of the small wheel base.

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  Dont Buy a Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By pam2bad - April 10 - 3:20 pm

  When I first got my Prius I loved it. Now, a year and half later, Im hating it. For the past 2 months I have had trouble with the headlights going out on me and I have had it not start for me several times. The dealership I took it to in Maryland said it would cost me $400 to replace one headlight. When I told them about the car not starting they said it must be my battery. Then when they looked at it they said the battery was fine. I went to start up the car two days later it wouldnt start. I didnt leave any lights on or anything that would drain the battery and who knows how much a new battery for this car will cost. When you buy a car it should at least hold up longer than 1 1/2 yrs

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  2004 Prius -- Early Experience - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By davebizzak - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Vehicle has suprising acceleration due to electrical motor assist. Start/stop of engine while driving are seemless and hardly noticed--not noticed if you are listening to the radio. Ride is quiet and controlled. The most striking difference between the Prius and other vehicles is the small steering wheel, which takes some getting used to. In short, there is not a more technologically advanced vehicle on the market, at any price. Its too early in life to rate reliability, but I have been impressed with build quality and past experience with Toyota suggests that reliability will be good.

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  Turing Heads - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By SoCalRoadster - April 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned my Prius for about one month. After driving an SUV for the past 6 years, I guess just about any fuel efficient vehicle would impress me. However, I am extraordinarily pleased by the $$ that Im saving with my Prius. The first time I filled the tank, I thought the pump had prematurely stopped. To my surprise, the tank was full! $11.00!!! (in comparison to $40) I did the money-savings dance in front of the pump!!!

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  Great price in using Edmunds.com. - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Walter Velicaria - April 8 - 11:14 pm

  Check Edmunds.com first, then compare.

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  What a Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By resoh02 - April 6 - 7:40 am

  I have a 2006 with 27000 miles avg between 46 to 50 mpg. Absolutely think this is the best car on the road dollar for dollar. I cant believe the car, ride, room, and mileage.

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  Best Purchase Decision - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Betty - April 4 - 1:40 pm

  The Prius has turned out more than I expected. It is light and swift, and its smooth transitions between electric and fuel motors makes it really fun to drive, and the energy monitor makes it interesting to see how the car works. The mileage it gets is wonderful, with my initial tank at about 48 mpg to my 3rd tank at about 57 mpg, and thats highway/surface street combo driving. With the current gas prices, this car is worth every penny. People complained about the seat, but I havent noticed it. Perhaps on longer trips? So if you are considering a hybrid at all, you wont be disappointed.