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:

• 

  Excellent Hybrid - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By jbakerjonathan - May 9 - 10:00 am

  LEAST polluting auto in the USA. Stylish on the inside; makes a statement on the outside. Prius is FUN to drive. 258 lb.-ft. of torque makes it MOVE from a stop light. Smooth forward movement from 0 to 100 miles per hour. Power to keep up with traffic (and pass, if you are so inclined) safely and with confidence. My lifetime (9 mos) MPG is 46, 80/20 highway/local. Toyota warranty for hybrid design 8yr/100k miles; powertrain: 5yr/60k miles; basic: 3yr/36k miles. This is a GREAT car. Two complaints: see below - otherwise, very comfortable.

• 

  No you cant drive my Prius - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By deeznuts - May 9 - 4:40 am

  I love my car. I have driven a Jeep GC, Nissan 350Z rag top, 1979 vette, and this is my favorite. Overall this is a wonderful car. Can there be improvements, yes, any car can be improved. Great Price, spacious sedan, hatchback, this car is a dream. If you buy one, make sure to wave to other prius drivers on the road. Interior is from the year 2035. Very functional. The exterior is a little wierd, not for everyone, but I like it, its very aerodynamic.

• 

  Best Car I Have Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By Reds - May 5 - 6:40 am

  I have owned many cars in my lifetime from Chevrolet to Jaguar. The Toyota Prius is the best car I have ever owned. With over 55,000 miles it has performed flawlessly with absolutely no probloms. We recently drove it from the East Coast to Lyons Colorado. We averaged 53 mpg at 70 miles per hour with the A/C on. I recently purchased another new one for my wife. Both cars rate a 10 in all categories.

• 

  An engineering marvel - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By Victor - May 4 - 7:20 am

  Toyota clearly began with a clean sheet - asking what could they do to minimize emissions but sell to a large market. Once they had gone hybrid they looked at what the presence of a large available source of electricity could mean. Very responsive electric power steering. Electric A/C - no serpentine belt to put a constant drag on the engine. Electric water pump. Electric fan. You get the idea.

• 

  critique - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By ? mean - May 1 - 10:00 am

  Gimmick to have to pay $300+ for home link for garage openers, plus no refund for the useless mirror. A "fraud" to talk up application of Xzylon ?sp at $500 plus. See comments already listed by customers. I checked with another Toyota dealer, plus former GM executive who both claimed it is a money grabbing gimmick by certain dealers. The other Toyota dealer said they would never offer it and admitted it is not a benefit with the good paints today in the industry. I will no longer (2 months into a 3 yr. lease) recommend this dealer nor go there for service.

• 

  All-round Excellent car - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By charles hall - April 29 - 10:52 pm

  Aside from some shabby fabric on the center console, this has been a superb car. Ive had maybe one repair done, and it was some routine thing they spotted at the 100k check-up. I get 48.5 mpg year round. Its quiet, and accelerates strongly at freeway speeds, like 45-75. Lots and lots of cargo space and catch-all storage areas. Only drawback? In 2008 they didnt have USB or iPod interfaces to the radio. Theres also a design flaw with the traction control (which cannot be disabled) where when you stop at a stop sign and the pavement is the least but slick with water, ice or gravel the car may move haltingly when you press the gas. This is very bad, but you learn not to try and dart into traffic except in dry weather. Otherwise the performance and handling is fine. 2016 UPDATE: One of the hybrid battery cells failed at 130K miles. The repair cost $1800 from an independent repair shop which offered a 3-yr warranty. The car is running perfectly again. I have added leather steering wheel and armrest covers to fix the decaying originals. The actual seats are holding up fine, its just the armrests and center console cover they arent up to snuff. 2017 UPDATE: Battery failed again, repaired under warranty. But at 139K miles I needed a new daily driver. Just bought a 2017 Chevy Volt. Cargo capacity with seats down is comparable to the Prius. Rear seat headroom, not so good. But with 50 miles EV range the Volt seems a noble successor to the Prius. EV performance of the Volt is outstanding. Much more acceleration than the Prius.

• 

  Great car - 2003 Toyota Prius
  By FarmerSteve - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The gas mileage is great - 44 mpg overall, including 60-70% freeway at 70 mph. Penalty if over 70 mph. More like 50 mpg at 50 mph on secondary roads. Quiet at any speed, and quietest at traffic lights. Great sound system (partly because of the quiet ride). Other than great mileage, this car is simply fun and easy to drive. Visibility is tremendous, easy and responsive steering, very nimble and easily parked. Great for short errands OR long trips - you just arrive refreshed, which cannot be said for many other vehicles.

• 

  A Wonderful Ride - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By drpills - April 26 - 2:00 am

  The first thing that struck me about this car was how quiet it is. Compared to my Avalon, Camry, and Honda Odyssey, this car is nearly silent at street speeds, even with the engine running. The Smart Entry and Start feature is very handy, and almost spoils the Prius driver (wheres that feature for my house?). The cabin is laid out logically and the speedo display is placed better than the earlier generation Prius. Its no race car, but performance is credible, and fuel economy is incredible - about 45-47 in my real world experience. Handling is actually pretty good, a lot better than my 97 Avalon.

• 

  Great car - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Wayne - April 20 - 9:20 am

  Have been averaging 50+ mpg commuting to work, around town, running errands, etc. Comfortable car with good options, and it makes driving fun. People love it, the blue color is beautiful, and remember: Starships dont have keys.

• 

  More car than I expected - 2012 Toyota Prius
  By macungiee8 - April 15 - 10:21 am

  I lease, always get 15,000 miles. Got car in Florida and full pack with 6 months of gear including 2 sets of golf clubs got 50 mpg or more. I was totally amazed. Prior to that I had a hybrid from another Japanese automaker and milking it on a trip I got 44 maybe. The Prius actually does just as good stop and go driving and with the a/c on. I maybe get a tow bar to carry bikes, I know my other car go 10 mpg less with the bikes on, really underpowered dud. I am hoping the Prius can handle them.