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:

• 

  Gayles Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gayles Prius - August 3 - 1:30 am

  Fabulous car....I am amazed at the smoothness of this car. It has incedible power and the gas mileage is fantastic. I commute 40 miles each way every day and still average between 44 and 48 mpg. I also love what I am doing for our earth and the environment driving this vehicle. It is a PZEV..Partical Zero Emission Vehicle.

• 

  Love My Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Papa Bear - August 2 - 9:26 am

  The Prius is fun to drive. I love the technology of the brake regenerating electric power. I get a kick out of fighting my own personal war on terror by limiting the money I send to the oil to the fascist terror masters on Iran and Saudi Arabia.

• 

  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ron - August 2 - 4:46 am

  Dont expect the advertised 50 - 60 mpg. Best Ive done is 44 miles per gallon and Ive talked to other Prius owners with the same experience. Great road handling and ride. Fast 0-60 and actually, the faster you go the easier it is on gasoline since the electric engine kicks in. If you want a $20,000 model expect to wait two years for one. The upgrade to leather and nav system is well worth it. The Pirelli performance tires and fancy 17 inch wheels are prone to flats from potholes. This baby is fast with great speed and transmission.

• 

  Best car Ive ever owned ! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Fred in Seattle - July 30 - 4:26 pm

  I just love my Prius! I really dont have a single complaint. I deliberated whether I would wait another year before trying a 2009 but I couldnt. Mileage is great, great room, great for long trips.

• 

  Wow - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Terry Gardner - July 30 - 12:00 pm

  Bought new in oct. And wow what a car. The advanced technology package is unbelievable. Did not know a car could do so many things well. First tank of gas had an average of 56.5 mpg. It was worth the wait to get this car. Toyota is light years ahead of all the other cars on the road.

• 

  Save on Gas - Help America - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jimmy - July 30 - 10:00 am

  We just bought the car two weeks ago and so far love it. The savings at the pump was the number one reason we bought the car. The ride was very smooth. Like you were driving in a Disney monorail car. Im a big guy and felt there was enough room for me.

• 

  2005 Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By TOM OMALLEY - July 29 - 12:10 am

  I love my 2005 Prius. The sticker of course says 52-60 mpg, but realistically you can probably expect 47-52 mpg. I live in Colorado and have driven it several times up to the mountains for a day of skiing and the car really moves up the hill with no problems.

• 

  Cheap Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Cheap Car - July 27 - 10:26 am

  Make no mistake, this is a cheap feeling car. Its light, noisy, rides rough, and has no refinement or elegance whatsoever. It drives and feels like those mini Toyota Tercels that girls drove in college. The interior is plastic (silver plastic?), and the dashboard screams cheap and plastic. Ive already had a door piece fall off. Its not nearly a midsize; sit in it and compare it to a Camry. It also gets blown all over the road, and gooses itself up hills. For $22,000+, this car isnt a real car. This is the most expensive car Ive bought, yet it drives and feels like the cheapest. Wait for the hybrid Camry, or try a hybrid Civic or Accord.

• 

  Love my Priuss - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By rubber2road - July 26 - 3:58 pm

  At age 56 I have come to appreciate the practical things in life much more. No more do I require a vehicle that does 0-60 mph in less than 6 seconds. I much more appreciate value for my $1. My 2007 Prius was my first purchase of a Toyota and I had to convince my wife of the new purchase as she didnt like the looks of the car. But after driving it and seeing all the features it had, she suddenly changed her thinking and hopped on board. That was 8 years, 174,00 miles ago. Though we bought a new 2014 Prius in July 2014, we are finding it hard to part with our 07. It runs great, has the original battery and will chirp the tires during hard acceleration from a stop, something the 14 wont do.

• 

  I love my Prius! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By luvmyPriusII - July 25 - 10:00 am

  I have owned Hondas all my life. the two recent being a 2003 Honda Civic and a 2008 Honda Fit. they were both excellent cars, fun to drive, amazing reliability, and good fuel economy. except the Fit Sport which i was averaging around 25mpg!! and in the three years i owned the Fit, the body panels had gaps that seemed to get bigger which i never experienced before. so since i have been dreaming about the new 2010 Prius even before it came out, i decided to upgrade and upgrade i have!! the Prius II is a luxury car compared to the Fit. it rides smooth, the exterior is beautiful, the interior is amazing with all its graphics and info. the quality materials are top notch. dont wait. buy one!!