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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  I love this car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By T Harris - October 6 - 7:26 pm

  I purchased my 2006 Prius in July and I am so impressed with this vehicle. I have been averaging around 50 miles per gallon, which is less that what EPA estimates, but still unbelievable. It also has nice pickup and plenty of power. I traded in my SUV and have never been happier with a vehicle. I highly recommend this vehicle.

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  Great Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Floyd - October 6 - 2:40 am

  The car is both fun to drive and an attention getter. Average mileage has been 49.1 to 52.6 around town. 55 to 58 out on the highway. Thus far it has been a great experience to own.

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  Second Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Herbdelis - October 4 - 10:00 am

  Just call us Priusian~bought the 1st model in 01, had to get this one! DH commutes 90 miles roundtrip and loves it. Only drawback was the dealer, ordered the wrong car (we were 1st in line for the car in the city) and since we are in Fl, had no choice but to accept or wait an unknown time. Other than that, love passing the gas stations and getting over 500 miles per tank.

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  Honest Opinion - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By SR - October 2 - 5:30 am

  Hybrids are the shape of things to come, & from my test drives of available makes, Toy is on top of the game as usual. Driver & passenger comfort good with impressive haul space. Fun driving? Hey, its a single gear electric car! Heres my honest take of pros & cons. The Prius is a great car for city, flat highways & perfect conditions. Its biggest downside is over engineered aerodynamics. Introduce a hill, kiss your mpg goodbye. Introduce wind, kiss your wife goodbye. Handles snow & ice superbly, gravel & bumps are Kryptonite. A quick car, after the initial hesitation from a standstill. Tires wear 30% faster. Dangerously quiet for pedestrians. Buy the service contract.

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  Great Vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Tim - September 30 - 3:26 am

  Toyota has built a great vehicle that is practical, comfortable, and fun to drive. The navigational system is a huge time saver for those who travel quite a bit. The NAV sys. is also suprisingly accurate. Mileage is very good at about 51-54 MPG based on about 50/50 city/HWY driving. The computer tracks mileage at 47-49 mile, however, when checking it at fill-ups it is higher. This is due to the computer mpg maxs at 99.9 mpg when coasting or using the electric motor. As far as power goes, this car has plenty of torque to get you up to speed quickly. The reviews say the controls are hard to use. Not really, but you have to take a little time than standard cars to get to know them.

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  Great Investment - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Allen - September 26 - 5:30 am

  I have put about 1400 miles on this car so far and love it more each day. It has a lot more power than I expected for a gas saving vehicle. Plenty of power to pass. Very stable on the road. 44 to 50 mpg with more aggressive driving. More room inside than it looks. Ive also road as a passanger in the back, even with the front seats all the way back there was plenty of room. Handles great on wet pavement and taking corners fast. Very smooth ride and feels like it has control of the road. Plenty of room in the hatch back area with additional underneath, also has a cover to pull over to hide it all from view. Plenty of compartments for cups front and back, sunglasses up front.

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  A tool for the job - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By LouFrez - September 22 - 1:20 pm

  Im an outside sales rep, travel approx 2000 miles per month. I Always have driven BMW or Acura, great cars, However I noticed that a lot of colleagues in my industry have gone to the PRIUS especially since the 2010 model, so i decided to switch to a PRIUS. Here are some reasons, 1- lower my fuel cost from $300 per month to $120 per month, 2 - we do our part in helping the environment, our clients like that part and it shows smarts by us. 3 - by far the best Hybrid buy in the market. 4 - The tools Toyota provides are second to none, like the bluetooth, navigation, stereo, and the cockpit is cool. I got the solar panels as well and they are worth it. Great Car would recommend it!

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  40k miles of great driving - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jim Reed - September 19 - 6:03 pm

  Our 2004 Prius is our fourth hybrid. 03 Civic Hybrid 5spd, 02 Insight CVT,03 Civic Hybrid CVT. The Civic 5 spd was traded for the Civic CVT after a deer strike. All have over 40k miles now. The Prius is the best car we have owned. Rides better than our Mercedes or Volvo did. Very quiet except climbing mountains. Prius engine noise higher than our other hybrids while climbing steep grades. Excellent in snow on windy, hilly WV roads. Acceleration, power excellent, 92 mph passing on I-68 7% upgrade. Mileage: 61.7 (steady 55 mph 400 miles, 82 deg, in VA and NC), 55 mpg (2 tanks), 5 tanks 50 mpg in summer all in WV mountains. Winter avg is about 43 mpg. Lowest tank 38 mpg, heavily loaded in winter

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  Prius Addict - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Prius Addict - September 18 - 7:10 pm

  This is my 4th Prius. Started in 05 and traded every year since (I used to drive Marquis). Trade in value excellent, my mileage usually ranges between 44 - 46 mpg calculating miles driven divided by # of gallons (the display on all 4 Ive owned is a little optimistic). It holds the road great and has enough get up and go when you need it to get on highways, etc. I wish it had a moonroof option but as far as performance - Ill put my Prius up against any other compact car in its class - and alot of intermediate size cars too. Comfortable enough for long trips - but remember this is an "on road" vehicle. Cant pull itself out of much of anything but on asphalt its the best in the world.

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  We love it - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Kate - September 15 - 12:36 pm

  I only have this car for a month now, and I love it. The only problem I have is the rear mirror - wish there was a better way to see out of it. I also get about 45 mpg - do not know how to get it to go higher. That is around town. I got about 51 on a trip last week. Great car-traded in our Hondy Odyssey since the family is now grown, and my husband and I just love the Prius. We keep our cars forever and I believe we will be keeping this Prius. We love it so far.