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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  Getting What I Expected - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By mallard - December 2 - 2:43 am

  This is probably the best car I have ever owned. I bought it for fuel economy while providing luggage capacity for my fishing trips. I feel it delivers in both areas. Mileage is in excess of 46. I have only two significant problems. One is rear visibility. I anticipated this problem and purchased the navigation package which includes the rear view camera. The camera does help with the problem when in reverse. This is what I expected. However, the rest of the navigation does not, in my opinion, compare with the $170 after market Tom Tom I had in my previous car. While the display is superior, other features are lacking and the data base is inferior.

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  Wow Toyota - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Poli20 - December 2 - 2:00 am

  Wow This car is asome and good.

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  Great car for practical people - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Allen - December 1 - 4:53 am

  I went from a 98 Chevy S-10 to a 07 Prius and have yet to have a real complaint. Dont care about image or stupid things like 0-60 in under 5 seconds, Im just going from A to B and I like to throw a lot of things in the back like my old truck. I get about 50-51 mpg consistently (my wife is pedal heavy and she still gets 44 mpg at worst); so what if it doesnt hit EPA, no car does, and Im still easily beating most cars at 50mpg. I would totally recommend this car to anyone who can afford it. The most basic Prius comes with many more features than most other cars so dont be tricked into thinking a basic hybrid is way more expensive than a basic Civic, compare it to something similar.

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  Best cars Ive owned in eighty years! - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By fruthaler - November 29 - 5:23 am

  Ive now driven this Prius 4000+ miles in two months. It gives better gas mileage than the other five Priuses Ive owned! And is as comfortable for long drives as any car I ever owned. My first Prius was the 2003 model, and Ive driven all of them 100,000+ miles, around home and on long trips. Perhaps Im small enough to be comfortable, but I really cannot understand the complaints about the seats for long trips. All Priuses have been excellent for driving in mountains, but the 2013 model is the best. No other car I ever owned climbed interstate grades easier in cruise control, and because of the transmission, no car descends steep grades better!

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  Great Car! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By bpetz5 - November 28 - 5:50 pm

  I have driven the car for about 550 miles. The first tank I filled up with I got 54.5 miles to the gallon! The display says that I am getting close to 57 mpg on this tank full. It is sort of a game to see how good gas mileage you can get, by coasting to stop lights and accelerating a little less from stops. Have had a lot of compliments on the car. Styling is improved from past model. I got the blizzard pearl paint job, and it looks awesome in the sunlight, also easier to keep clean than some other color choices. I chose the II model, because I didnt need the 6 CD player or the bluetooth for an additional $1,000.

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  Problem with highway Steering - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne - November 28 - 9:43 am

  We brought the car for its great fuel economy and nothing else. The car isnt cute, the ride is not what we were used to but we knew that. We test drove the Prius many times before buying it. But during our first long distance trip (400 miles) we experienced handling problems. The car wanted to move from side to side, I was constantly adjusting the wheel. There were also cross winds during part of the trip, which made things worst. Spoke to my local Toyota Service department and corporate Customer Service, they indicated the car was "Working as designed". My wife refuses to use the Pruis for long distance highway driving.

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  Fear of Gas Pump Gone!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lesleigh Tolin - November 27 - 7:20 am

  Im a professional woman in the healthcare field who currently has to commute 60+ miles for patient and office visits...Ive owned my Prius for a month. As a "directionally challenged" woman Im now delighted with the direction from my GPS!! The gas milage is ... awesome: between 40-53 mpg. Its wonderful to no longer "feed" my auto more than my personal grocery bill!!! The Prius provides a smooth ride and is much larger in the interior than it appears.

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  Doesnt get any better - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Gordo3 - November 26 - 5:23 pm

  This is a fantastic car with significant attention to smart technology. Its quick, tight, and cruises effortlessly at higher speeds. I think everyone should own one.

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  GOTTA HAVE THIS CAR! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By EarthSavySuprGrl - November 24 - 5:53 am

  This car is amazing... for the price you will never find another sedan like this one, plus it saves you so much on gas. They also are giving away substantial tax breaks in some states for owning these cars plus "Clean Pass" priveleges (HOV lane w/o carpool). Also, its sooooo quiet, youll never even know its on half the time. Overall, for the money and the features you cannot beat this car!

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  More than just great gas mileage - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Convert - November 19 - 2:03 am

  This is my first hybrid car. I expected great mileage but an unexciting car with limited power and many compromises. Was I wrong. While power is nothing to brag about this engine responds to all driving situations. It does roar when really pushed, but in ordinary driving there is minimal engine and road noise. Comfort is decent and it feels like a bigger car than it really is. Functionality is great with the hatchback and folding rear seats. The first 3 fill ups yielded 42, 45 and 50 mpgs. I was told that mileage will improve and it has so far. The navigation system, back up camera and bluetooth are great. The Prius III does not come with homelink, but the dealer added it for us.