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 futures technology here today - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Norman Wagner - September 1 - 11:08 am

  For a small car,the new Prius is head and shoulders above its competitors in performanceand features it offers,but at a price. Compared to the Hyundai Sonata Limited Im currently driving,it provides much better mileage with its 1.8 engine,which while quite adequate, lacks the snappier performance of the Sonatas 2.4 engine. Surprisingly,the ride is actually more comfortable than the larger, roomier Sonata. Both handle well. The interior trim does leaves something to be desired,while the expensive add-ons are a negative,however.Still, my research indicates it to be one of the safest, most economical autos to own for the long haul and has superior resale value.

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  Chrchnrs - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By chrchnrs - August 31 - 8:03 pm

  I have owned my 2005 Prius for about 6 months. I have had no problems. The gas mileage was not quite as advertised, but still very pleased as compared to conventional cars. I plan to keep this car for a LONG time.

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  Best car ever - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By MARVENE - August 28 - 10:00 am

  I beleive the Prius is by far the most confortable small car ever. We have a great time filling it up with gas. It takes just a few seconds. All of this plus, it is a good looking car and fun to drive.

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  Love my new Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kutya - August 28 - 10:00 am

  Havent had it long enough to tell about reliability and check mileage in all conditions, but it is so much fun to drive. It is the quietest car Ive ever been in. I espeically like to watch the fuel l.e.d. screen tell me Im getting 99.9 mpg when my foot comes off the gas pedal. It was worth the 4 month wait, but I paid a premium over msrp. All dealers in the pacific northwest are charging a mark-up and nobody is negotiating price.

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By nyc4at - August 28 - 10:00 am

  The best car I ever had. Fun to drive, all kinds of new ideas (electronic throttle, smart enter, digital spedometer and odometer, touch screen for controls, etc.), great fuel economy, "stealth mode" (electric only mode). This is the car of the future, and I congratulate Toyota on its vision and commitment to excellence.

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  Real World Transportation - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Jeff Backman - August 26 - 8:43 pm

  My daily drive to work is 36 highway miles one way. Turnpike driving 95% of time. Average 45.2 mpg. Great gas mileage, comfortable seats, real nice stereo, all with temp controlled AC comfort. Nav sys. is fun (and helpful) on weekend road trips to new places. Body color chosen.. white. In Florida, this was a smart buy. Interior seems to stay cooler and doesnt take as long to cool down once the AC is turned on. Many controls at your fingertips (on the steering wheel). My next cell phone will have bluetooth tech. so I can use the hands free feature. Plenty of storage space and with the back seat folded down, we carried about an 8 rug with the hatch closed! A true hybrid at its best!

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  Good family car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By anhdao - August 24 - 8:43 am

  Traded in my Acura RSX for this prius when I was 6 months pregnant because I wanted something more family friendly that would also be easy for me to drive late in my pregnancy. This car runs well, is very comfortable and practical. Now that I have had my baby, it fits my car seat and stroller and I even have

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  MPG - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By footloose - August 24 - 2:13 am

  I have been keeping careful records of my fuel consumption. My calculations have been about 3 mpg less that what the cars computer says. It may say 50.3 mpg but when I do the math I am only getting about 47 mpg.

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  A few quirks worth the sacrifice - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By colorado - August 22 - 11:46 pm

  Ive had my Prius for 3 months now and have decided it was the right purchase for me. I do a lot of driving for work, especially over the mountains, so I have really pushed it to its limits. The Prius does great in town: mileage is over 50mpg and it out-performs most every other car on the interstate. On my drives across the Rockies on I-70 I usually get 44mpg average. The engine starts to "whine" when Ive been going straight uphill for too long and the battery has emptied. I am 59" and the car is perfectly sized for me, but my husband is 61" and its tight for him. All in all, the sacrifices are worth it for me; I LOVE the great environmental profile and the low cost at the pump!

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  2004 Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By strata - August 21 - 10:20 am

  My 2004 Prius was bought in Oct 03 because of the claim of outstanding mileage, the federal tax incentive and I was driving a large crewcab pickup. Mileage range from the high 30s in the coldest (below -0 F.) months to the low 50s once the weather gets warmer in the spring. It gets the best mileage in city driving about 40 mph. It is fairly comfortable in day to day commuting. The hatchback feature is very useful with the extra room with the rear seats folded down. The biggest gripes are the light beige cloth upholstery that show dirt easy and the couple of times that it left me stranded with computer glitches once at dealer when they were doing a recall and once 300 miles away.