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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  Prius: Best Car Ever Made - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By Aaron Schacht - June 1 - 10:00 am

  This is absolutely the most wonderful, technically advanced car ever built. Ive had two cases so far that required me to take evasive action and avoid animals on the road (at fairly high speeds), and the car handled with nimble perfection. The center LCD display is fun to watch (keep those eyes on the road!) -- you can see fuel economy details as well as numerous other functions. The optional navigation system works perfectly. The A/C system cools the car rapidly. This car is also one of the few SULEV (Super Ultra Low Emissions) vehicles on the road today.

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  2010 Vast Improvement Over 2008 - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Faber - June 1 - 6:50 am

  Sold my 2008 Prius Package VI (top-of- the-line) for the new 2010 Prius Package II (bottom of the line). Best thing we ever did. The new 2010 has much more comfortable seating and more interior room overall. The power, eco, and ev modes actually work (not just an advertising gimmick). With only 2,500 miles so far, we have been averaging about 51 mpg. Toyota dealer installed a Toyota Blue Tooth in the car and it works just fine. The ride of this car is just right--not too soft, not too harsh. Headlight illumination is outstanding. There are just enough graphics to provide the information you want without being over-done (like in my 2008 pkg VI).

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  consumer - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Regina Lambert - May 29 - 9:23 pm

  I have owned three prius and I`m about to buy another one. My car only had 3300 miles on it when I totaled it and I could have been hurt real bad, but with the airbags and and the way it was made all I got was a messed up knee and ankles. I never had any trouble when I had my car, It was great.

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  All that was expected-and then some. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Phil C. - May 29 - 12:53 am

  The Prius delivers fuel economy unsurpassed by any other available four door sedan along with very comfortable seating for four large adults and a reasonable amount of luggage. It is a fun vehicle to drive, with an excellent turning radius and sufficient power to accelerate up even the steepest roadways. One can only marvel at the many technical amenities that are intergrated into this aerodynamically designed, near pollution free modern looking vehicle. I am extreemly happy to be doing my part to reduce our countires dependency on forign fuel and helping preserve the environment through pollution reduction, all while saving myself significant fuel expenses!

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  Prius 2005 - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ziga - May 28 - 12:16 pm

  The ability to actually recover energy for reuse through the battery has changed my driving style. I am much more aware of speed, decelleration and overall energy consumption. The energy monitor re-enforces that awareness. The vehicle is solid, comfortable and holds the road very well. The safety features are well equipped albeit an option in most cases.The other optional features are practical and add to the overall enjoyment of driving the Prius. Highly recommended as a step toward reduced energy dependence.

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  Dales 2004 Prius Review - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Dale_W_Howard - May 28 - 10:00 am

  I have nothing bad to say about my car yet. It has better pick-up than my previous all gasoline engine (VW Scirocco). I love it and you cant beat 50 mpg average.

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  Fabulous Car, highly recommend - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Sandy - May 28 - 7:16 am

  I bought a 2006 Prius in February of this year. I previously drove a Toyota Highlander. I am so happy with my decision. I have not once wished for my Highlander back and am relieved when I go to fill up at (currently) $3.12 per gallon that I will average 45 mpg.

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  Prius Delivers - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Jewel - May 27 - 3:10 pm

  We took ownership of our 2006 Prius in mid-January. We have package #7 with the added addition of leather seats. So far, we have been truly thrilled with our experience. The Prius is comfortable to ride-in, really fun to drive and we have honestly been averaging 54 miles to the gallon in all kinds of driving conditions (although we live in the south, so not really any truly cold weather. And we do drive somewhat differently in this car. We use cruise control ALOT, we glide a lot - meaning take feet off the brake when gliding to a red signal, for instance...and we try to accelerate slowly. The pick-up is great when needed thought.

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  Surprisingly good acceleration and MPG - 2016 Toyota Prius
  By Andrew - May 24 - 5:50 am

  This 4th gen Prius is not the same car as older versions. In the one month that I have had the car, I continue to be surprised by the many preconceptions that have been proven wrong. 1) It accelerates well - step on the gas and the electric motor together with gas engine will pick up the speed very nicely. I have not had to floor the accelerator yet when passing or merging onto freeway. 2) EPA gas mileage of 53 is wrong. It is also wrong that highway MPG is lower than local. I have been averging 63 combined and little difference between local and highway. 3) It handles very well, thanks to the new 2016 rear suspension. Coming from a BMW 3 series, the handling is comparable around corners and turns.

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  best car ever - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By djennnings - May 19 - 10:02 pm

  I have always driven a truck or SUV, so I was a little afraid to get a car. With the gas prices so high now, I wanted to get something that was good on gas, and still had plenty of leg room. The Toyota Prius is the best choice. This car is super. It has plenty of room in it, so you do not get the feeling like you are driving a compact car, the gas mileage is unbelievable, and the price is outstanding. This is my first Toyota and I am very pleased. If you are looking for a smooth riding car with lots of room, an excellent price and gets great gas mileage, then the Toyota Prius is the way to go.