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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  Computer problems - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Geode - July 22 - 3:33 pm

  The Prius was a dream to drive from the time I bought it 3/04 until 9/04 when a dead cell in the aux battery killed the main computer. I was getting 48mpg city/53 mpg freeway. Now with the new computer, the motor runs more and I can rarely get about 10mph before the motor kicks in. Fuel economy has dropped. I now get 42mpg city/49mpg freeway. I have asked a number of times for Toyota to fix it and they say the computer is not putting out any error codes. Its frustrating. One other note. If the aux battery fails, you cant put the car in neutral, it has to be dragged up on the wrecker.

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  2004 prius sct10 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Steve10 - July 22 - 7:13 am

  This has been a great car so far. We average about 51 mpg even though we live on the side of a mountain and to a lot of mountain driving. I have not experienced a single problem with the Prius. My wife drives it most of the time and really loves it.

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  A Feel Good Car - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By mjvphx - July 21 - 7:36 pm

  I traded in my 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500 and I have no regrets. I was getting 13 mpg with the Benz and it cost me $60 to fill up using premium fuel. Great ride, good performance and the technology is wonderful. Great gas mileage about 48 mpg.

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  LOVE THE PRIUS! - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By chustad2 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  BUY IT, DRIVE IT, LOVE IT AND DONT LOOK BACK (to see the polluting SUVs)! THIS SULEV IS THE BEST! 2004 LOOKS EVEN BETTER!

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  The Best Automobile on the Road - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By Dan Baietto - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, comfortable too-took it on 2- 2000 mile road trips. Great performance, seats 5 comfortably, excl. mpg. Toyota Has another great product.

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  Prius - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By MarySue - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, drove from Michigan to Florida for $50.26! Very comfortable car

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  prius 2004 - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By skibirdx - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I had a difficult time obtaining one of these cars; there is about a 4 month waiting period here in upstate NY. I scoured all of upstate and got on several wait-lists until Kent Brown got a car and called me. Its very roomy and the only complaint I have is that it does not accelerate quickly from the start/ however once its going its great!! I am willing to overlook the lack of acceleration for fuel economy and therefore less dependence on foreign oil. Cant wait to see the Lexus SUV hybrids coming out next year.

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  jacks new prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By john m van zandt - July 21 - 2:00 am

  i find nothing wrong with this vehicle but my abilty to absorb all the technical data especally need quick study chart for guidance system in place of manual which is too difficult to under stand for me. i highly recommend to all who would buy and i am ordering a new hybrid SUV when it comes out. JMVZ

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  only hybrid you should buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By fredr - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I were able to pick up two 2004 Prius in late November. I have 2000 miles and I am now averaging about 50 MPG. She has 1000 miles and is averaging 45 MPG because she only drives 7 miles to work. Toyota has priced this engineering design to force the other hybrid manufacturers to rethink their future development. This car is an electric car with gas engine assist because the DC motor is 295 ft- lbs from 0 to 1200 rmps.

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  Prius: Nice surprise - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By gouldtom - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Cruises the highway with ease and great mileage at 75+ mph. Nowhere near the in city mileage so far (36.6 over first 3 tanks). May have to let up on the lead foot a little.