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 Teachers Pet - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By RunningHooligan - September 12 - 5:53 am

  The Toyota Prius is like the teachers pet from school. Reliable, dependable, unoffensive, well-balance, smart, and always willing to satisfy. What is he not? Not overly exciting, dresses a little weird, and gets picked on by bigger kids. However, in the end he ends up being your best friend.

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  2001 Prius - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By A Massey - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Great!, I would buy another one if I could drive two cars at the same time

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  prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By marsha - September 7 - 7:00 pm

  Easy to drive, great mileage - 50mpg, fun to use screens tracking actual mileage and engine useage, hatchback very large, seats fold easily

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  Love our new Prius - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Kathy Egan - September 7 - 12:19 pm

  Car is brand new but so far so great. Have owned a Prius C, a Matrix and a VW Golf and this is luxurious by comparison. MPG 54 on average in first 2000 mostly highway driving.

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  love my new car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Olga Mankevitch - September 6 - 7:20 pm

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Its weird not having to go to the gas pump two or three times a week. I would highly recommend this car to everyone. If the prices were lower then they would outsell everyone.

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  Changing driving habits - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By John Schneider - September 5 - 1:50 am

  The most rmearkable thing about the Prius is the changes it creates in my dirving habits. With the computer read out giving mpg and speed information, I am much more aware of driving at maximum efficiency, rather than focusing on getting someplace in a period of time. I arrive much more relaxed and satsfied that I have minimized my fuel consumption.

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  What a great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Taxi Mom - September 2 - 12:26 am

  We just love our Prius. We can get 51 mpg on a whole tank just by paying attention of when to lay off the gas pedal. Other times ONLY 46 mpg. Still better than that gas-hog of an SUV we used to drive. Plus were making a stand (as we all should start doing) to stop the insanity of our dependence on oil.

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  Someone if finally getting it right! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Jason - August 31 - 5:36 am

  My wife and I have thoroughly enjoyed our Prius. It is comfortable, fun to drive and so far very reliable. I just wish Toyota or someone made a small pickup hybrid that got 40-50 mpg! We have tracked fuel economy and found that in the winter months we averaged 48 mpg and the rest of the year it is 52 mpg. That is 70% city driving and the rest is highway. The lower gas mileage during the winter is a combination of cold air AND winter gasoline formulation, which means that ALL gasoline cars gets less mpg in winter, not just the Prius.

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  Three for Three - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Kevin - August 30 - 4:09 am

  This is our 3rd new Prius. First was bought in 2005 and major concern was would it start sitting outside in cold weather. Would the battery work and last? Local dealers hadnt seen a hybrid car when we had the oil changed locally. Bought a 2010 Prius II. 110,000 miles later all we change are tires and oil. With every generation they have gotten better. We finally stepped up to the 2016 Prius IV because we wanted the blind spot indicator. The cabin and ride are all improved. The headlights are better than the 2010 which were better than the 2005. There are many great cars available today, but the cost per mile to purchase and drive keeps bringing us back to the Prius.

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  Wowsers! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ace0425 - August 30 - 1:00 am

  I had previously looked at the 2009 and decided to wait due to a couple of features I didnt really love. After driving the 2010 I am so glad I waited. This vehicle is the best hybrid made and every other "hybrid" pales in comparison. I drove the Civic mild hybrid and the Insight before the Prius and there is no comparison. First of all, the Hondas arent fully hybrid and the fit and finish cant compare with the Toyota. The acceleration is a major improvement and the ride is sooooo quiet. I am going to keep this car forever and laugh all the way to the bank.