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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  2006 Toyota Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By desertdragon - November 18 - 7:53 pm

  A phenomenal engineering feat available to mere mortals - thats the Prius in a nutshell. This is one of the most highly optimized vehicles Ive ever driven - it combines economy, performance, convenience, and passenger comfort almost flawlessly. I just wish it had an EV mode plus an external recharge option - but it is brilliant even without those... highly recommended!!

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  Love it so far - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By woodschuck - November 18 - 9:16 am

  Bought a used Prius 3 months ago - drive it 60mi R/T to and from work each day, now use it for all errands on the weekend. Extremely pleased with it except for heavy snow - we are on a hill and when snowed in have to take the Nissan SUV to work instead. Average MPG is around 60, mostly secondary roads. No issues at all in terms of reliability, etc.

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  its always been about the environment, not your wallet - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By whcc90069 - November 16 - 1:35 pm

  bought the package 4 not long ago. it took a while to get accustomed to the "park" button, the "gear" selector, and the complicated instrumentation display. the car is fairly quiet, though, i remember riding in a 2nd generation prius which seemed better at taking care of road noise. i drove it from l.a. to phoenix and had no problems accelerating up hills. with the a/c running, i averaged 50.9 mpg throughout the entire 780 mile round trip. the seats are comfortable and theres plenty of legroom for everyone. toyota made the prius because of their (mis)interpretation of calif. air quality standards way back when. the low emissions are great, and, the high MPGs are an added bonus.

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  Most fun ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By rhoward - November 13 - 5:23 pm

  This car is just plain fun to drive. I cant ever remember having as much fun with a car. AND it so much fun passing all of the gas stations. Best mileage in a tank so far has been 54 mpg,

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  Only the Best Car EVER!!!!! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Tamara - November 10 - 9:16 pm

  This was my very first brand new car and I couldnt be happier. With all teh features of this car I almost feel like Im in my own little space ship. I cant get enough of teh navigation system or the voice commands. I have such a great time talking to the car.

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  Great - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Mikie77 - November 10 - 10:00 am

  I picked up this car 5 days ago. I love the handling the pick up AND I drove 262 miles and needed 4.6 gallons of gas. I might kep this one 2 years.

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  my little prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By gerald shook - November 7 - 2:06 am

  My only complaint is the touch screen.. when it is cold, it is nearly black when it is bright outside the message is almost wiped out. I made a cardboard shield, painted flat black(inside), taped it to the border, and could then see the message in bright sunlight. You should offer this!! I love this car!!

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  great car to own - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By downey owner - November 6 - 10:03 am

  We really love this car. Its great on gas, its fun to drive, it looks small but its roomy inside and comfortable.

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  2008 Toyota Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By CAS - November 6 - 8:06 am

  Owned Honda 2000, very disappointed in fuel economy. Researched hybrid, even though honda had a hybrid didnt like the fact back seat did not go down. Toyota prius has it, 3 weeks so far great, 50+ mpg even with the mountains we have around here, wish it had lumbar support, other than that needs no improvement.

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  Meryl Streep is right! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By donallen - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Meryl Streep (who owns a one) asks "why doesnt everyone drive a Prius?" Toyota engineering brilliance has seen to it that theres no sacrifice to getting 50 mpg. This is a solid, comfortable, roomy, powerful, well-made sedan that delivers the mileage Toyota says it will.