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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  Excellent vehicle! - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By compcoprinting - August 29 - 2:00 am

  Super car! Fun to own and drive. Averages 50-55 mpg in warm weather and around 40 in winter(in the northeast). Starts well in frigid weather and handles well on snow and ice. Comfortable on long trips--easy on the back. Easy for handicapped individuals to enter and exit.

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  2004 Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By jcraigh - August 26 - 12:46 am

  Overall this is a marvelous automobile. Absolutely love it and will probably exchange my 2004 for a 2006 model, selling my 2004 for more than I paid for it!!

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  My Prius - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Ann Dougherty - August 25 - 4:46 pm

  Comfortable car, many safety features that make me feel secure while driving. Excellent highway mileage. Disappointed in town mileage since they advertise 60 MPG. Im getting only about 46 MPG. Backup camera and high window visability is an excellent help. Headlights range is very good making night driving more comfortable. Backseat passengers have given positive feedback as far as comfort, some of whom have been large people.

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  2008 Prius, package 4 - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By hilary Stellmach - August 24 - 10:26 pm

  Bought our car one month ago. Quiet, responsive, and fun to drive. First gas fill 41.2 mpg, second fill 43.7 mpg (both hand calculated). Friends are impressed with the room inside this car. When someone reports bad acceleration with their Prius, I wonder what they expect. I can pull into heavy traffic on the freeway, and have no trouble accelerating. Ive hauled dirt in the back (plastic tub) and concrete blocks. It is a good all around vehicle. Wish I could put a trailer hitch on the back. Our second Toyota, probably not our last. (still have my GMC diesel pickup) for pulling the boat and camper. Would not be afraid to travel cross country in this car. One fine car.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Micheal - August 22 - 11:36 pm

  I have had my Prius for about 6 months and I am nothing but pleased. I have not found that it has less power than other sedans because of the high amount of torque, I can burn rubber just about any time if I really wanted to do so. Also, in terms of the real-world driving, it is on par with 90% of cars that real world only get about 80-90% of the estimates. It just seems to be bigger because you see a bigger difference in 20% of 60 than 20% of 30. My lifetime MPG is slightly over 45, but this is from driving less than five minutes during colder temps. When we have done 20 min trips or longer, we average 50-55 mpg. I would buy another if I could afford it!

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  From Mercedes to Toyota - 2009 Toyota Prius
  By Bobby - August 21 - 5:56 am

  I cannot say how much I enjoy my 2009 Toyota Prius. I used to drive a Mercedes SUV and never thought of getting used to a smaller car. Honestly I do not miss my SUV or the amount of money that I paid for every service and other things. This car is far beyond of what I expected. I carry same amount of stuffs that I used to carry in the back of my SUV. Just fold the back seats and you got all the room you need. It is a good car for any age group that has a great style. Way to go Toyota.

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  Blowing the gas mileage thru the roof! - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Aubie - August 20 - 5:58 am

  So far after a week of ownership I am getting much better than listed MPG. Today I drove about 50 miles of in city driving with about 5 different locations that I stopped and parked the car I averaged over 70 MPG over the entire trip! Yep 73.1 to be exact (I figure a few mpg fudge by Toyota so lets just say 70)! I am thrilled with the miles per gallon, very impressed with the drive feeling, very secure feeling, decent acceleration, good handling. My only complaint would be the center console that the drivers right elbow sits on is made of some cheap seat material. It screams cheap cheap cheap. Feels cheap cheap cheap. You would think one person involved in the making of this car would have said hey lets make this better. Why not cover that with the fake leather looking stuff thats on the door handles? It would have made the interior much nicer... Update, going on second week, continuing to get 70+ around town. This weekend did first long distance round trip of 200 miles on highway, speed limit 65, averaged 63 miles per gallon over the trip. Still very happy with purchase.

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  Fun and reliable vehicle - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Art Haendel - August 19 - 5:53 pm

  My 2005 Toyota Prius is the most fun to drive, best fuel economy (45-50 mpg) of real world driving that I have ever owned. The vehicle has a 1.5L gasoline engine along with 2 electric motors. This combination provides smooth rapid acceleration. The engines are quiet and vibration free. Controls are conveniently placed, most being duplicated with push buttons on the steering wheel. The interior is suprisingly large. With the rear seats folded down cargo hauling capability is like a small SUV. If you buy the Prius please carefully read the owners manual as the vehicle has some distinctive features different from other cars. The smart key sysem is very convenient. Test drive first.

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  The best car I ever had. - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Patrik Fanning - August 18 - 10:00 am

  I feel bad for anyone who doesnt own a Prius! Im a big guy...and my previous vehicle was a Grand Cheerokee, the Prius has more leg room in the back set with the front seats pushed back than the Jeep. If I could get in and out easily then that was just one more plus. I drive in city traffic the most and my mileage is about 35mpg with start and stop traffic on the road I get up to 48mpg. In the past I havent been a crusader on gas and emission issues, I am now and proud. The price rocks too. Its excellent...age is 52.

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  We love our HIS AND HER TOY - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kay Aprill - August 18 - 10:00 am

  My husband and I both own a 2004 toyota prius. HIS TOY AND HER TOY both get top ratings from us. We love being GREEN and we love the quiet ride. We both are on the road daily and he is getting 54 miles and I am getting around 50. The secret is to go 55 on highway and drive like a grandma in town!