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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  The best car ever - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Gary - July 9 - 3:10 pm

  I enoy driving the vehicle. The milage is excellent. I gave up quick acceleration but the mileage is worth the difference. I do not need quick acceleration; Jack rabbit accelerations waste fuel dramatically. The car handles very good. holds curves at highway speeds. The Prius is very roomy inside and confortable.

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  Prius replaced Ford Ranger - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By MSDickerson - July 9 - 2:33 am

  slight instability at high speeds. Noticed that it accelerated much better than my Ford Ranger. Extremely quite car. Interior misdesigned piece center arm rest is too low. Gear shift hides some controls. Snow driving was fine being front wheel drive. Used tire chains and still achieved about 40 mpg while chains on car. Plenty of power - CVT is unique in that there is no shifting . It is actually nice though in that as soon as you let off the gas, then engine goes away)..

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  Making the Adjustment - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By christianwill - July 2 - 3:00 am

  Researched fully, then bought. On the 30-mile ride home felt sure it was a mistake. Weird feeling, strange steering and braking, odd visibility, felt every bump in road. Gloom. Other cars in family are Expedition, Explorer, Focus, all recent models. Two days later I cant stand to drive them anymore! Point is, the Prius takes a bit of adjustment, like a new style of clothing you are not sure is you. V8 love is replaced with unexpected delight in the hybrid system. Controls, shifter, keyless entry are take 48 hours to get to know. I am really surprised how much fun this thing is to drive. I wish I knew whether the Touring suspension tweaks are worth it - drive the standard too.

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  The best for gas mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Stu - June 30 - 7:16 pm

  Great gas mileage. Have consistently gotten between 48 & 52 mpg. Very roomy inside. Hatchback styling with rear seats that go down provide alot of room for packagaes and suitcases. Have to get used to the quietness of it especially at red lights when the engine is resting and you do not hear anything.

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  PRIUS - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By BSDROWN - June 26 - 10:00 am

  WONDERFUL CAR AVERAGING 49.9 MPG LAST MONTH

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  Good, efficient transporation - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By benson11 - June 25 - 11:14 pm

  This car is good for what it is intended, getting from point A to point B. It is definitely not a sports car or the ultimate driving experience. It is great on gas and gets better mileage during the summer (when it is hotter). I am afraid to bring this up to the snow since it is somewhat under powered (for the higher elevations) and it isnt all wheel drive. Overall, this is great, practical transportation.

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  Great car until the hybrid battery pack failed at 109k - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By armory - June 23 - 7:31 pm

  Bought used with 58k miles. Car is extremely quiet. Car gets around 48mpg after changing your driving habits. You can fill up the gas tank for about $35. Changing the oil is easy b/c the oil filter is attached at the very bottom of the engine and nothing is below it. My hybrid battery died at 109k miles. This is a $3500 repair at Toyota. I would not have bought a Prius if I would have known the battery would not last longer. I replaced the battery pack myself with a refurbished one from priusrebuilders.com for about $1000 and sold the car. Money saved in gas was used to pay for repair. A Prius sitting and not being driven is the number 1 reason for battery packs not lasting.

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  Buy one and you wont be disappointed!! - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Chris G - June 23 - 2:33 pm

  You dont need to be someone who thinks buying a hybrid is going to save the world to enjoy this car. I love it. People say it is the car of the future. Cars should all be like the Prius. I have driven mine for 3 months. It was still in the below 0 temperatures when I first got it in Feruary. I got about 40 mpg. Now that the temperature is 60-70 degrees, I get about 50 mpg. It is plenty big for my 8 month old, my wife, myself and all the attachments that go along for a long weekend. The trunk is big. My wife loves that it makes me a more conscious driver. Speeding kills mpg, so I slow down.

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  Our 2nd Prius! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Ryan - June 20 - 11:43 pm

  We just got our second Prius, an 08. The first one is an 05. We liked the 05 well enough to get a second one. Its a nice car, good space inside, flexible with the different configuration options of the seats, big enough to carry 3 other adults to lunch, plenty of pick up, nice interior, quiet ride. Overall, Im very pleased (although Ive only had it for one day!).

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  Why Cant the Germans Do This? - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By CaliforniaDrivin - June 20 - 10:00 am

  Comfortable, fun to drive, economical and quality, quality, quality. Just read reviews of the Jetta and/or Passat I ALMOST bought. Nice to have made the right choice. Excellent dealer service and attitude as well. Comfortable on long trips up the California coast. No street racer but does not claim to be.