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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  One step at a time. - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By joe sosa - January 30 - 5:23 am

  We wanted to walk the walk and not just talk the talk. By going hybrid we are trying to take that first step and wonderful things are taking place. People are talking to us about the idea, logistics, etc. The car seems very well thought out and user friendly. Whatever you do may seem insignificant, but it is most important that you do it(Gandhi) Hopefully our Prius will lead to many good things. I have to give credit to my wife as she really pushed the idea!

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  Traded a civic HCH - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Yup - January 29 - 10:10 pm

  Owned a Civic hybrid for 2 years, this is a better car in every way, features, function, mileage, and room.

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  So far Im pleased - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Nevets - January 29 - 4:43 pm

  While Ive only had the car for three weeks, so far it exceeds my expectations. The mileage is amazing, the seats are excellent and its comfortable for 5 as theres a lot of rear legroom, although not a great deal of rear headroom.The car has the navigation option, with smart key and has so many gadgets that I keep being amazed by what it will do.For the money, it offers a lot.

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  112k miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Cris M. - January 28 - 7:50 pm

  This car is still running strong after 112 thousand miles. Ive driven it across country, to high altitudes, across tough terrain. Other than basic maintenance and one small recall (and a bit of rear end work after an encounter with a sleepy driver), the only thing we needed to have done was an adjustment to the fuel gauge, which read empty prematurely. I love this car, and plan to order another one within the year!

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  Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Marie Currie - January 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the car for the car. I also like the benefits. Im in real estate. People may or may not do business with you based on the car you drive. The Prius crosses all monetary barriers and is suitable to ALL my clients... the wealthy and humble. If you drive too nice a car some dont want to deal with you since they think you make too much money. If you drive a clunker you are not successful enough. Perfect choice.

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  great for normal people! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By dafish3 - January 25 - 12:36 am

  I puchased my current prius used with 20k on it, now I have over 100k. I am still getting 46mgs driving everything from in city to 85 on the highway, and not easy through winding roads. For on road use I think there is no real car that can compare. I can fit a 8 surfboard inside or bring it to the snow, the car is really flexible with the seats taking no time at all to fold down and the under floor storage in the back there is a ton of room. I have taken this car for 14 hour car trips, with no compants coming from my wallet or the car! Being 6 tall I fit great into the drivers seat and can even fit in the back...

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  Greatly improved mileage over 2014 Prius 2 - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Stephen Vear - January 23 - 7:46 pm

  New design greatly improves Fuel mpg, averaged 48 on 2014 Prius 2, have gotten almost 70 mpg non highway, frequently over 60mpg driving 100 miles to work, combo rural and interstate, current average is 58.6 for all miles driven a 20% improvement over the 2014 Prius 2 I owned. Advanced Technology package well worth it, Active cruise control, collision avoidance, lane departure correction. AND the only way to get a moon-roof which I hope will improve resell value as it is only offered on model 3 and 4 !

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  robo car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Don Lane - January 20 - 10:00 am

  A really fun car to own and drive. Previous car was a MB 350ML. We are getting 55 MPG average city and highway

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  mpg not what it seems - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By DRJ - January 19 - 12:50 pm

  Its very deceptive advertising that the vehicle gets 60 mpg- in the NEast, consistently getting between 42-50 mpg: much poorer in the cold weather!

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  Late-in-life decision: Hybrid Purchase - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lee Roach - January 17 - 11:36 am

  At 78 years of age I had decided that buying a new vehicle was frivilous. After all, my 95 Lexus SC 300 5 Speed only had 50,000 original miles. However, after reading about the Prius I made a decision to buy sight unseen, and not having driven. It should be noted that cars have been my hobby throughout life, beginning with a 31 Chevy purchased for $15.00 as junior in high school. This Prius is fascinating, actually one is driving a computer, literally. They may be rare now, but it is the future until fuel cell cars arrive, which I may not see. 50 mpg is also fascinating, the envy of particularly SUV owners. And, it performs well - does everything it isasked to do.