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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  Three Month Review of Prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Tideland Pearl Owner - August 17 - 10:00 am

  I put my order in in November 2003 and finally took delivery in July 2004 The car is VERY MUCH worth the wait, in spite of frustrations with the dealership and Toyota! 8 tanks of gas, averaging 48.63 mpg -- with a high of 53.55 and a low of 45.18. All of this is a combination of city and country driving. Seem to get best mileage around 40 - 55 mph. Coming from a Civic, this feels like a luxury car -- extremely roomy, comfortable, lots of extras. Even the "skeptics" have enjoyed the car and been impressed. Still "enjoy" the feeling of the car "stalling" at a stop (actually, engine is shutting off).Wonder what a real stall feels like?

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Jim - August 15 - 11:23 am

  Having owned a Porsche and Nissan Pathfinder you would think the Prius would be a major step down. Not so! This car is fun to drive, feels sporty, and handles superbly. Ive even come to like the unconventional appearance of my state of the art gas saver. Instead of taking the other vehicles I find myself jumping in the Prius. Its very comfortable and fun to drive. No fuss, no muss. We went with option #6 and love the features, controls, and surprising roominess. Simply press the button an go! I cant say enough about this car, its fun, has plenty of acceleration when needed, rides quietly and smoothly. The 45 mpg is unbelievable but not the only thing impressive about this car.

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  Toyota Prius: BRAVO!! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By Brad Munger - August 13 - 2:00 am

  Toyota has produced an excellent vehicle with exceptional gas mileage! With an EPA city mileage rating of 52 MPG and highway 45 MPG, and a "Super Ultra Low Emissions" (SULV) Toyota has hit a home run. To me it is an attractive, comfortable, and practical car with good acceleration and performance. I was expecting compromises with the purchase of a hybrid vehicle, but there are very few!

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  Awesome car - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By junior 8 - August 9 - 5:50 am

  Had to learn how to drive again. Gas mileage depends on this and it went from 45 to 55 by just learning a new style. Awesome car. The fuel mileage is estimated at 64city/54 highway. I believe you can get 64 if you drive it correctly and live in an area with not too many stoplights. But realistically I would say 54/54, which is awesome. Thanks

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  Dons Salsa Red - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By donalldredge - August 9 - 4:03 am

  Took delivery of my 2005 Salsa Red Prius in December of 2004. I have owned about 20 cars in my lifetime and the Prius is by far the best yet. The "Gee Whiz" gadgets are a joy. The Navigation System is the best. No problem at freeway speeds and it handles like s sports car~

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  Love my Prius! - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sue L. - August 6 - 11:03 pm

  Less than 2 years old, and Im replacing a headlight bulb... for $311 plus labor! Ouch! So much for having an inexpensive "green" car! Come on Toyota!!

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  You CAN get that many miles per gallon.. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Justin - August 4 - 10:03 am

  Toyota continues their tradition of quality and commitment to reducing waste with the 2005 Prius. Please take a few moments to view Toyotas web site to see how they help reduce and reuse at their productin facilities also. Some claim that it doesnt get the EPA rated milage, but as long as you pay a little bit of attention to your driving habbits, the ratings are easily achieved.

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  It doesnt get any better than this. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By wbretz - August 4 - 12:00 am

  The car is absolutely a blast to drive - I havent had as much fun since my last corvette. While the car wont do the EPA mileage numbers, 50 MPG is still outstanding. Typical Toyota Build quality, and outstanding engineering. If it just didnt look so funny, it would be the perfect automobile!

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  Beat Expectations - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By TheWanderer - August 3 - 10:00 am

  I wanted a Prius ever since I heard they were coming to America. Recently purchased 2003 and it turned out better than I had hoped. I love this car. Totally impressed me in the Rockies where I thought I would be having to used the slow lane for the uphill runs. Nope, I ended up passing nearly every SUV around! Going down was a breeze too. Got awesome gas mileage in the mountains and that was a huge surpise.

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  Best vehicle I have ever had in my life - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Daisy Munoz - August 3 - 8:30 am

  I was looking for an economic gas car, the dealer show me the Hybrid Prius Toyota and I have to be honest I was a little bit afraid to buy it because I did not know anything about it.I found now I did a very good selection and I am more than happy with my excellent car