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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  Great Gas Mileage - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By sprugg828 - October 15 - 4:03 am

  Its been 6 weeks now and boy does it get great in-town MPG. If the MPG gauge on the car can be trusted, I get 55-57 MPG in-town (max speed ~50mph). I took a long trip and got 43mpg @ 75mph, 45mpg @ 70mph so EPA ratings for hwy driving must be at 60mph. The 8hr trip was fairly comfortable. AC didnt affect gas mileage much. The base model seats could be more comfortable, but they could also be a lot worse. The front seat headrests are rather uncomfortable, they point forward causing your head to bend forward when leaning back in the seat, an uncomfortable position. Cruise did a god job on hills and still got good MPG. ECOMode is a bit "Big Brother"ish depicting every driving style good or bad.

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  Good car, but not perfect - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ross Purdy - October 13 - 2:36 pm

  Currently we have 63,000 miles so we have considerable experience. Reliability has been superb. Things to fix: 1. Original tires are awful. Why not give us a good set? 2. Seats lack lumbar support. I had to find some special pads to drive more than 100 miles. 3. Allow the front seat to move farther back. Im only 6 tall and Im crowded into the wheel. 4. Move the shift lever so it doesnt bang my knee. 5. Fix the gas tank so it doesnt belch gas all over my feet. (Ive learned to gas up standing well to the side.) 6. Improve the headlights. The lights on my Toyota pickup are infinitely better. 7. Allow more movement of the adjustable steering wheel. Thats a start.

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  I Love This Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By M Boury - October 12 - 6:43 am

  This is my first Toyota, let alone a hybrid. I read everything I could to see if I would even consider it and decided to take the plunge. Am I ever glad I did! The man who went over the cars features explained that speeding up and coasting would be the best way to save fuel. Well see about that, but in the meantime I am having the time of my life in my new "Toy."

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  Love my new Prius - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By pattiprius - October 9 - 11:30 pm

  I owned a 2005 Prius for 8 years with no problems ever. It averaged 48-50 mpg most of those years. My new 2013 is a Prius 4 with more bells & whistles, which I thought would lower the mpg, but not so far. I averaged 53 mpg on my 1st tank! I dont care for the center console area, less storage area than earlier models. And they replaced the map size door pockets with cup/bottle size pockets. I almost went with the larger PriusV because of the cosole area. The solar air circulation seems to work pretty good, considering I am in FL! Anyway, it was a little higher priced, but if it works as well as my old one, itll be worth it not to have any issues!

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  Love it! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By L. Keeling - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Fun, peppy, turns on a dime. Pull into any spot.

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  Prius is the greatest - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Hybrid Heaven - October 9 - 10:00 am

  This car has saved me over $160 a month on fuel.

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  THE MORE YOU DRIVE, THE MORE YOU SAVE - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Zigmeister - October 9 - 10:00 am

  THE MILEAGE IS EXCELLENT, ALTHOUGH DIPS DOWN TO 30-SOME MPG IN EXTREMELY COLD WEATHER AND HOT WEATHER (USE OF HEATER AND AC). TOP MILEAGE HAS BEEN 50, AVERAGE IS IN THE MID TO LOW 40S. THE SMALLER TIRES ON THE PRIUS MAKE THEM *SLIGHTLY* MORE SUSPECTABLE TO DAMAGE, AND THE SMALLER WHEEL BASE REQUIRES SOMEWHAT MORE CAREFUL STEERING AT EXPRESWAY SPEEDS--ONE SHOULD AVOID JERKY MOVEMENTS AT HIGH SPEEDS. OVERALL, AS AN EVERYDAY CAR, IT HAS PREFORMED VERY RESPECATABLY, AND I AM SAVING A FORTUNE AT THE GAS PUMP. FOR THESE 2 REASONS, I PLAN TO BUY A 2ND ONE.

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  Prius Delivers as Promised - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By t higgins - October 9 - 10:00 am

  Have owned PRIUS for 5 months and driven over 5,000 miles. No problems encountered, car performs well as do all Toyotas. Good choice. Surprised at first that the car was not getting the 51 mpg highway, more like 45-46. Turns out, the battery doesnt work as efficiently in cold northeast winter. Logical, but appeared nowhere in literature or on in/on public reviews. Up to 52-53 mpg now, mostly highway. Range is truly 500 miles. Would have gotten the side air bags were they not bundled in with the sort of "bling- bling" an economy customer finds distasteful. Toyota, please give us the safety options separately.

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  no spare tire what were you guys thinking - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By upset - October 8 - 10:51 am

  2016 NO SPARE TIRE - we liked our 2007 so we traded up to a 2016 without looking in the trunk - ridicules toyota - YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELF LET ME SEE ONE OF YOUR EXECUTIVES WAIT 2-3+ HOURS ON THE ROADSIDE WAITING FOR ROADSIDE SERVICE !!!! or better let me see you leave your wife and children stranded in a bad district for 2-3 hours But of course we live in a perfect world and somebody would be there in minutes right! My wife got a flat because of construction 3 times good thing we had a spare!!!!!

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  Red 2004 Prius Fully Loaded - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Holstein - October 7 - 8:16 am

  Im only getting 40-43 mpg. A service manager at the local dealership said that is typical of customer reports. I love my Prius on the same level as my pets. It makes me feel like a good citizen by reducing my negative impact on our precious environment.