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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  Simply amazing - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By JanitorJay - December 14 - 4:40 pm

  The Prius has proven to be a fantastic purchase. My primary reasons for pursuing this particular vehicle were a) the savings on gas and b) the "geek factor". My expectations have been exceeded. At an average of 53 MPG, the car is very near to its EPA rating, especially considering the amount of highway driving I do. The "geek factor" is really what has won me over. Smart Key entry, touch screen controls, futuristic exterior and interior, LCD feedback; the list goes on. Overall, a wonderful buy.

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  What a Great Car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Katherine - December 10 - 11:06 am

  I bought my car new in 2005. I am six feet tall and the car is very comfortable front and back. I get between 46 and 52 MPG. I watch the consumption level which changed my driving habits. No jackrabbit starts and I drive a with my cruise control a lot. We have mountainous uphills and Ive never had trouble passing on them - lots of get up and go! Have had no problems with it. You can stuff a lot of stuff into this car. I have always owned Toyotas and this is my favorite.

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  Great vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Joe D. - December 9 - 8:46 am

  Love it mechanically. The display monitor can not be read in daylight hours due to slope of windshield. There are reflections of air vents in both side view mirrors also a result of the windshield slope. Have written to Toyota about this and feel confident there will be a design correction in the future. I have not obtained more than 49.6 MPG in city driving. The smart entry system is great as well as the standard safety features.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gary - December 8 - 3:33 pm

  Just bought a used 2004 and enjoy the drive. We average 48 MPG.

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  I hate this car - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By mak73 - December 6 - 2:24 pm

  We just recently bought a Prius and it is awful. I hate it!!! The reason we bought the car was for the good gas milage which is not 51mpg, it is closer to 44-45mpg. The car is boring is it miserable to drive. the design is terrible, it is a eyesore to look at and everything feels cheaply made. The back window is the worst design, the cross bar is directly in my line of vision so I cant see out the back window. Also because it so boring to drive ill turn on the radio for entertainment just to find out the radio is terrible quality. One last thing i hate about the prius is that there is no speedometer of rpm gage, it has a little screen that tells you the speed.

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  Good in Canadian Cold - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Mike M - December 6 - 12:33 pm

  I bought car in Quebec City Canada and am very happy with the car. First tank of gas 31.75 litres for 464 kilometers or 34.3 mpg US. The car has a very good reputation here in Quebec and is all I need. The lower mileage achieved is due to driving in the snow all the time. It is solid on the road and the power button gives it all the pep I need. My prior car was a SAAB 9-3, this car is way better in comfort, rear vision and any other category you can think of.

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  The Devil Is In the Details - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Savannah Cook - December 4 - 3:40 pm

  I had done so much research on the Prius that I was totally confident in my purchase. I have been so disappointed in some of the design features. The rear window is difficult to see out of because of a bar running horizontally across ... the dash dims when the headlights are turned on, making it difficult to see how fast you are going, and the dash is difficult to see in bright sunlight. The car salesman raved about the new seat fabric, but it is already stained. I would have preferred leather, but was talked out of it. Of course, the gas mileage cant be beat, but its a shame the other elements dont measure up.

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  Not so much - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Don - December 4 - 9:43 am

  Well what can you say. The seats are not comfortable, the ride is numb and disconnected from the road, wind/road noise is at a premium, very jittery over any type of non-smooth pavement. However, going green is the way to go. We need more of these types of cars only with better execution...

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  Its mostly love! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By meshee - December 3 - 3:03 pm

  Driving my Prius is great fun. It gets very good gas milage, but no where near the 60 it advertises. My average is 43mpg. Still better than most 4 cyl. With that said, the only other problem I have is the interior display (heat, radio, etc). Its displayed on a cool, TV like screen, but you have to jump to different screens to change each thing. i.e. You want to change your heat to defrost, or change the station on your radio. Theres lots that can be done on the steering wheel, but I find that equally annoying. If given the choice, you definatley want the rear camera (when you put in R a rear view comes up on that screen). But GET ONE, save yourself some money & save our planet!

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  53 MPG - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By lraisch - December 2 - 3:50 pm

  After one year and a total of 70,000 miles, this car has had zero problems. Gas mileage averages between 50 and 53 mpg. Anyone who expected to get the old EPA estimate of 60 was naive. The car comes with an amazing amount of equipment (mine is package 4) for the price and has been a joy to own. The hybrid performance is almost totally transparent to the driver and the power is adequate. This is not a sports car and handling is not its strong suit, also the car is nervous in cross winds. These are minor issues though. Comfort, quiet operation, high tech goodies and great mileage. I drive the car for service calls all day and couldnt be more pleased. Thanks, Toyota!