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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  Bad! - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Jessie D - May 19 - 8:06 pm

  I owned this car for three and a half years, used about 60,000 miles and it was awesome until it rained, snowed or was windy at all. I felt completely unsafe, and scared during any storm or driving on snow. The seats were decently sized, but hard as rocks. The gas mileage was the reason I bought it, and that stayed true to what was said about how great it was. I ended up buying a Honda SUV because this car scared me so much to drive even on a sunny day with lots of wind. I now feel so much safer, and would never purchase another small Toyota again.

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  Our 2004 Prius after 35K Miles - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By pjongbloed - May 19 - 12:20 pm

  Aside from the great fuel economy my wife and I really like our 2004 Salsa Red Prius. As we have learned to take advantage of the hybrid technology the average mileage has climbed from 45mpg to about 50 now with a lifetime average of about 48. It really does get 51mpg at 65mph on the freeway. The surround sound audio system is great. We got the 6-CD player system. My wife changed her cell phone to one with built in Blue Tooth technology so it could work with the Prius built in system. Our family is tall. Im 62. My wife is 6. And our 4 boys range from 63 to 65. All can sit in the back seat and have plenty of knee room with the front seats in normal position.

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  2002 Prius with 193,000 miles - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By manatee624 - May 18 - 5:58 pm

  Bought it new in June 2003. Im amazed the car it still gives me 42-46 mpg each fill up in mixed city/highway driving in busy Miami traffic. This has been the most reliable car I have owned in 40 years of driving. Repairs so far: full brake job at 100,000 miles, replaced replaced rear wheel bearings at 155,000 miles, replaced ABS brake module and engine belt at 165,000 miles, replaced steering rack at 175,000 miles, added refrigerant gas to AC at 190,000 miles for the 1st time. As a preventive measure I also replace the small 12V battery every 3 years. The car is still running fine on the original high voltage battery. Everything thing else is original. I love it!

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  Love the Car - Not the Corporation... - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By Iowa Driver - May 18 - 8:13 am

  I bought the car new. Really ticked me off when it didnt (and still hasnt) gotten the 65/55mpg that it was rated. I get 44-46 most of the time. Really like the storage in the back under the floor. I like the quiet running what I call "Stealth mode". Some things I dont like are how blazing hot the top of the display gets in the summer, the reflection of the light from the dash display onto the windshield at night, but most of all the bad, bad, bad customer service. The paint just peels off of my front bumper and because the territory rep wont approve fixing it (even tho it was still under warranty) they wont fix it. So now I drive around a car with peeling paint.

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  Experience of a former Corolla Driver - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By PriusDriverInKaty - May 17 - 3:36 am

  I have been averaging 50 MPG in my first week of ownership, driving on the Grand Parkway/I-10/Beltway 8. The car does not handle as a peppy Corolla, but has more passenger room. The cargo space is not as big as a Corolla, but adequate to haul the weekly groceries. Be sure to buy "vehicle shield" or the road noise will get to you. As a techno-geek, I enjoy driving the car.

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  I will always own a Prius - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By Johnny Wang - May 16 - 5:06 am

  Bought my 2012 in 2011 brand new to replace an Infiniti G35. Was tired of wasting $350 in premium gas each month with all the driving that I do. My brother convinced me to get a Prius so I figured I would give it a try. I am hooked. It is a wonderful feeling to know you can go anywhere you want and gas will never be an excuse not to go. The car has really held up through all the miles and 4 minor accidents I was involved in. I took a look at the brake pads at 115,000 miles and they were only worn down halfway. Thats ridiculous. My G35 needed new brakes every 60k miles. All I do is change the oil & filter after 10k miles. Gas it up and go. Tires cost me about $260 every 3 years. I also take my Prius up to the mountains for snowboarding. I have studded tires and my car can pretty much go everywhere the Subarus and SUVs go. Have not had any issues with the battery pack but I already set aside $1500 from the gas savings over the last 6 years to replace it with a remanufactured one when it does fail. Everything still works on the car like brand new, the only things I have replaced are the headlight bulbs. I will always have a Prius. They are pretty much bulletproof.

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  New 2011 Prius owner - 2011 Toyota Prius
  By wizard10 - May 16 - 2:16 am

  I bought a 2011 Prius 3 3 weeks ago and I love it. I wanted to post here for others that might be looking and save a step. I bought the Prius because of my 150 mile daily commute and had prevoiusly owned a FORESTER. As much as the Forester is a great car I was avg 24 miles and filling up 3 times a week. The Prius is great to drive, comfortable for a 6 ft person, great gas mileage.. the car is easier to get into than the Forester, seats are firmer than the forester.. Anyway, I looked at the new Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and it does not compare..main reason besides gas is the trunk- the battery takes up so much space that you only have 10 sq ft of space- you cant put anything in there.

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  Best car I ever owned. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Bernie Neumann - May 16 - 12:13 am

  Comfortable car which performs well. Repair costs were minimal, and fuel economy is great.

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  Dans Car - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Dan - May 15 - 11:00 am

  Bigger than what I expected. A quiet and comfortable ride. Gets out into traffic with ease. More power than I thought a Hybrid would have. Just a fun car to drive. My first tank of gas got 48 MPG.

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  No complaints - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Daisy - May 9 - 4:03 pm

  I am very impressed with the Prius. It is sooo quiet and runs so smoothly. The gas mileage is exactly what I expected. I average between 50 & 55 MPG. Those individual who claim that it gets less may have other contributing factors, such as hills, more freeway driving or a "heavy foot". My husband gets less MPG but that is because he drives it harder than I do. The seats are very comfortable and it is suprisingly spacious. The GPS is outdated right now, but that it because GPS units have to be manually updated. The dealerships have a CD that can update the car.