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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  Toyota Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Martha raak - June 16 - 6:03 pm

  We have been v. pleased both aesthetically and environmentally. People stop us and ask questions so that we can educate others as to the advantages of a hybrid. Save the earth and save money on gas. The sticker gas mileages are not accurate. We generally get about 40-45 mpg on the highway and in the mid-30s in the city. It does not have to be plugged in as driving and braking recharge the battery.

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  Great Car! - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Kristin - June 15 - 2:53 pm

  Great car, nice to drive and makes the gas pump less painful.

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  Prius Fan - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By dutch2 - June 15 - 10:00 am

  A well built Sedan (as usual from Toyota. The gas milage is great, exceleration for passing is more than enough, and handling in the city is perfect. On the highway you have to stay alert because the steering is quick and the vehicle is light so the wind effects. A great car to drive on the back roads. My MPG average is 42.5 mixed city and highway.

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  Very Pleased! - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PDXprius - June 14 - 3:46 pm

  We have about 1K on our package 2 and my wife and I are very pleased. Purchased for the mileage (abt 46 so far) but also pleased with room, comfort, how quiet it is and the smooth ride.

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  Another happy Prius owner - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Lowell - June 10 - 2:33 am

  We traded a 1995 Cadillac Seville, SLS, for our Prius, and have never been sorry a minute. The interior is exceptionally well designed, and the electronics are superb. Good air conditioning, easy to read instruments, good storage space, and comfortable for 4 adults. Weve been pleasantly surprised on its long trip capabilities, having taken it on two trips of over 2,000 miles. Our friends say, "Thats what we all should be driving".

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  You Gotta Get One Of These!!! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By J. - K. - June 9 - 2:00 am

  I actually got this car as a renter when I had some major warranty work performed on my own car. But after getting to drive this car I only wished the my car was kept in the shop longer. This thing drives like a dream and I am SERIOUSLY thinking about parking one in my garage in the near future. The car itself is conversation piece whereever I go and gets the most unusal stares while rolling down the Boulevard. Its a technological Tour de Force and I can easily why it was Motor Trends Car of the Year and also in Car and Drivers Ten Best lineup.

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  First Toyota - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ERiddle - June 7 - 8:26 am

  Had a premium fueled premium Japanese car that I trade for this baby, but sure am glad I did. This car feels like it is bulletproof. I have driven it from Ft. Worth to Omaha in less than 12 hours with no "personal pain" other than a distended bladder since it goes 500+ miles on $30 of gas @ $3.00 a gallon. I had Katskins installed and seat heaters to finish the deal. Goes fast, looks good, and Im thrilled.

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  space port I have arrived - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Futuristic Style!! - June 5 - 7:16 pm

  Wow! What a great car! I got the #2pkg and added after market leather and sunroof. Got the new dark blue new for 2008 and boy do I turn heads on the road. It looks and feels great. Love the feeling of the cockpit. Backup camera is a must! I have also changed my style of driving to fully optimize the fuel. It is super smooth and incredibly quiet. I look forward to having to drive somewhere just so that I can drive my new space craft... ok car.

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  Commuter Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ec135 - June 4 - 8:36 pm

  The Prius is the best car I have owned. Purchased new, currently 145,000 miles, the finish looks new when waxed, quality of construction is like new, and it still gets 50+ miles per gallon on a talk of gas (89). Only replaced tires, lights, and a water pump at 115K. My complaint is the $300 headlights. If the car sets the wrong image for you, put an NRA sticker in the window and enjoy passing gas stations.

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  Love it - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Kermit A. Work - June 2 - 2:00 am

  Had a 2003 Prius, quantum step up. Plenty of go, keeps up with traffic.Great styling, draws questions and stares. Added tints, mudflaps and striping. If I get under 45mpg, I do I am doing something wrong. Makes you a better driver w/gas at 1.79. Go towork all week, drive around town, need about 3-4 gallon refill. Wake up America, get off the horsepower kick!!