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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  Great car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Arthur James - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I bought a Prius after I test drove one and found it quieter and better to drive than a Cadillac CTS (I would have preferred to purchase an American car, but the shortsighted dimwit American companies wont build a car like the Prius). The car is responsive and theres little wind noise; the ride is excellent, and theres lots of room. It seems solid as a rock. I am a bit concerned about the complicated hybrid electronics long term, but the car sure seems solid so far (1200 miles).

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  Mainstreaming the hybrid - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By DiannaFos - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive had the new Prius for about 3 months now. So far Im impressed. Its streamlined body style is quite an improvement over the last model. The extra interior space is nice as is the extra trunk space. The keyless entry and start take some getting used to as does the new gear shift, but all the added features are nice and having sound system and climate controls on the steering wheel is very convenient. And as you would expect, gets great gas mileage.

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  Great car! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By queuetip - July 21 - 2:00 am

  FaNTASTIC MILEAGE AND FUN TO DRIVE. MUCH MORE PEP AND ACCEL THAN EXPECTED. Room for four adults very comfortab

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  PRIUS IN THE OZARKS - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By JACK L.COE - July 21 - 2:00 am

  FUN TO TO DRIVE. GREAT FUEL ECONOMY; BUT NOT THE 50MPG/HIGHWAY AND 60/MPG IN TOWN. I HAVE BEEN KEEPING ACCURATE RECORDS FOR MY FIRST 3000 MILES. I AM AVERAGING 42.6 OVERALL MPG. THE DISPLAY SCREEN IS GREAT. REAR VISABILITY IS POOR.

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  Almost like winning the lottery! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By E.M. Fredrickson - July 21 - 2:00 am

  I didnt expect that it would be so hard to get my new 2004 Prius, when learning that if we hadnt pre-ordered the car, it might be almost a year to have the opportunity to purchase from the dealership! I LOVE DRIVING THE PRIUS! People frequently ask me questions about the hybrid engine, and still have the notion that electric car means I have to plug it in to charge somewhere...Toyota engineering is FABULOUS and the electric/gas engine has plenty of functionality on the open road. In bumper to bumper city traffic, it is so quiet and more comfortable when stuck at a long traffic light. This car is a pleasure to drive.

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  only hybried to buy - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By janetlee - July 21 - 2:00 am

  After only one 1000 miles of use I have been in two major snow storms and have dirven seven hours in snow going to Killington. The car is great in snow but it does not replace all wheel drive. It had trouble going up the bear mountain access road because the road was not plowed. It is at least 10 times better in snow than the 1994 Honda Accord.

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  impressive prius - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By R.Thelian - July 21 - 2:00 am

  This is what the world has been waiting for. Move over oil companies,think global, not with your bank account. 400 miles to the tank full, unbelievable. Leave it to toyota. And just think this is only the begining. What next. Incredible vehicle.

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  Drove cross country - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dietrick van Nassau - July 17 - 7:53 pm

  I was surprised at how quick it it. I sold my Mercedes SL 500 and was expexting to really miss it. The Toyota Prius made that transition easy. I got about 34 MPG at 90 MPH and 38 MPG at 75 MPH and loved the way it handles. It has a very small turning circle, has plenty storage space and holds quite some luggage. I cant wait to see a larger car with this milage. Bottom line: I love this car, its the most fun I have had driving and feeling good about it.

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  A Wonderful Car - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By kchandle - July 13 - 10:00 am

  The only negative about this car is: the back seats dont fold down. This car is one of the best purchases I have ever made. High mileage, clean, quiet, technologically sophisticated, comfortable throughout: a well- integrated whole. I wouldnt take it to the drag strip, but acceleration (due to the CVT) is smooth, consistent and perfectly adequate for any driving I need to do. My operating costs have dropped by 30% from those of my 1987 Saturn SL2 (imagine the difference if you have an SUV now!). I recommend it highly.

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  Happy Owner - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By RonBo - July 10 - 10:00 am

  With demand so high there were few chances to test drive, so I expected some unpleasantness when I got the car. Waited 8 weeks. Driving it for 60 days and I think its great. Avg 52 MPG. Instrument panel is a lot of fun. Nav system is very cool and the sound system is fine. I highly recomend the Prius