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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  The Future Today In A Prius! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Cullen - March 12 - 5:03 am

  I get giddy when people ask about this amazing hybrid car. It simply delivers like no other car. It does all you ask of it and leaves you with smiles & pride in your selection of a new car. Now with 95K miles after over 5 yrs it stands all the tests that other cars cannot. Now, with only a replacement of an hd lt bulb, I look back and realize what dependability is all about. Ive saved over $10,000 in gas compared to my SUV I once had. Whats even better is that my car looks just like an 09 Prius. This is the car of the future today.

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  The perfect ten. - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By zes - March 6 - 2:33 pm

  Without question the best car I ever had. Fun to drive. Excellent quality. Perfect reliability. Efficient, great handling, clean exhaust. Great dealer relationship. Affordable, consistent 50 MPG fuel consumption.

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  Best Car Evar - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jimintampa - March 2 - 2:03 am

  I drive a lot - bimonthly trips from Florida to Arkansas, a lot in Florida, its simply the best car I ever had (and Ive had a lot of cars). Best part is the way it teaches the driver.

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  Value - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Sam - March 1 - 6:30 pm

  Test drove this car on a lark after lunch after planning to purchase a Pontiac G6. The G6 might be more sporty looking but doesnt drive as well and gets half the mpg. I really wanted to wait to make a purchase, but my wife loved it so much we bought it immediately. The Prius has plenty of get up and go and will seat 4 adults comfortably. Our mileage has been in the 50s with every tank of gas so far.

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  Still love my Prius - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By art man - March 1 - 11:50 am

  I now have over 5000 miles on my Prius and have been very pleased. When I had my recall taken care of, I had them make the car so it would only beep once when I put the car in reverse (they did it for free). It has made the car more enjoyable to drive. Since I have had the car, I have been getting over 50 miles a gallon, thats with mixed driving. The car is fun to drive and the more time I spend behind the wheel, the more I like the car. Over all I am very happy with my Prius. Anyone who gets one will enjoy it, just give yourself a couple of week to get use to it, because it is quit different than most other cars.

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  Love it - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Dea - March 1 - 10:00 am

  Really enjoy my new Prius, 52 average miles to gallon. Used to drive Jeep liberty so the Prius gas saving is huge.

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  I Love My Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By jussmith - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  I have owned a Prius for 2 1/2 years. I love it. I have had no trouble with it. The only time it did not start the temperature was 40 below zero and I really dont think many cars were starting that night. I have had no problems with the car. I would probably get better milage if I lived in a city instead of the country. If I keep my speed to 50 miles/ hr or less i can get 52 miles/gal. But since I drive 40 miles a day to work one way and my speed is between 65 and 70 miles/ hr i"m getting about 45 miles/ gal. the car is wonderful the only thing I would change is that I really like a sun roof and this year did not have one.

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  A match made in heaven - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By 2010-V - February 28 - 11:10 pm

  It has taken approximately three weeks to acclimate to driving this hybrid. Wet surface braking is different, be prepared to skid and activate the anti-lock braking system if you brake hard. My mpg is 49.4 with mostly city driving.

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  Love this car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve - February 27 - 8:06 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned. Great mileage, lots of fun to chat with folks whove never seen one. :-) All in all, a reliable (although not the most comfortable on LONG drives), cute, fun, responsible automobile.

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  My 2002 Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By mi - February 26 - 8:13 pm

  Its a fun little car on the outside and very roomy and comfortable on the inside. Until you sit in it you dont realize how big it is! Very comfortable on a long drive.. No problem going up mountains - and passed many that were bogging down. The milage was great, over 40mpg going up above 7K feet and 49mpg coming back down!!