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:

• 

  5 Day Owner - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Nicole - November 5 - 6:36 pm

  When we first went to the Toyota dealership, my husband and I had plans on "just looking". We were actually interested in the Scion Xb. Mainly, we wanted to downsize from a Toyota Tunda (gas guzzler) and into something more economical. While we were waiting for the salesman to get the keys to the Scion, we wandered over to what would become our car. Needless to say, we drove away with a new Prius. All I can say is, "Wow". This car is amazing and totally fun to drive. Im averaging 45 mpg.

• 

  not sorry - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By neal schwartz - November 2 - 10:03 am

  Great gas mileage & reliability-- however, not 60-55, more like 45 miles per gal.

• 

  Design Problem/Opportunity to Improve - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By OLCB - November 1 - 2:30 am

  The smartkey is nice. But twice I thought I turned off the engine when I left the car, the car was running without the smartkey in the proximity. It ended up running the car for more than 10 hours in the parking lot. Toyota should have a function to detect if the smartkey is inside the car at idle, otherwise, the car should be shut down within 10-15 minutes.

• 

  4 month unpdate - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By boeserkritiker - October 30 - 9:00 am

  previously mentioned Bluetooth connectivity issues had to do with the phone, not the car. I basically want to give a mpg update. it really does not seem to make a whole lot of a difference trying to specifically drive in a max. saving manner or just go with the flow. I tried both and you get somewhere around +/-54mpg per computer in mixed driving. just dont have a heavy foot. trying to squeeze out one or two more mpgs really makes you the slowest on the road. the two best tips I have is leave as much as possible to the cruise control. the computer seems to do the most efficient choices. and forget the eco mode button. i drive a lot in slightly hilly areas and the small engine really

• 

  Great little car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Lonnie B - October 28 - 4:30 pm

  This was absolutely an impulse purchase, but we are loving this terrific little car. In fact, my husband now chooses to drive it to work in place of his big Lexus! Were still getting to know it, but what we see so far we like: design, comfort, size (fits five adults easily with plenty of leg room in back), and of course gas mileage.

• 

  Energizer Bunny - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By P Holloway - October 24 - 2:50 am

  We purchased our Prius with 7,000 miles on it (original owner left country). It has performed exceptionally well except for the electronic issues that were repaired by removing and replacing the computer screen (Toyota covered it). Only other issue is Tires. The vehicle is heavier than most and you need to ensure that you purchase tires recommended by the owners guide to ensure that you do not risk the tire "rolling" onto the sidewall in a higher speed turn or situation where you must "dodge" an obstacle at higher speeds.

• 

  Uncomfortable, at best - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Uncomfortable seats - October 22 - 2:40 am

  Overall this is a great little car, but be careful if you dont get the adjustable leather seats. Ive had the car for about 1 1/2 years and although Ive saved a lot of money in gas, Ive spent a lot of money on acupuncture treatments for my back - and I didnt have a back problem before I started driving this car. It seems they put all the expense under the hood and then skimped on comfort. I tend to get a new car every 2 to 3 years and Ive never had one with such an uncomfortable seat. Im selling it soon.

• 

  I love my Prius! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayle - October 21 - 11:13 am

  I love this car. Besides being a clean air car and fuel efficient, I got what I think of as luxury features such as bluetooth technology and a navigation system at a modest price. I love the keyless entry and the fact that I dont even have to put my key in the ignition to drive the car. The milege is great as gas prices keep rising.

• 

  Props for the Prius - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By bluegrass in hogtown - October 16 - 3:13 pm

  What a cutie-pie!! I was going for a new CR-V but the Prius was the same price. It totes my upright bass + banjo, guitar, etc., as needed. 51- 53 mpg with no special effort, very cool. Try it, youll like it! Package 5 works well.

• 

  Carefree car ownership - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By goodeyb - October 15 - 9:53 pm

  Traded my Jeep Wrangler for this Prius about 18 months ago...it is unbelievable how practical, reliable, and inexpensive this car is. Outstanding gas mileage, almost no maintenance, and much more space then one would think.