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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  You want one of these. You do. - 2008 Toyota Prius
  By Doug in NNY - April 9 - 3:33 pm

  I ordered this unit in September 2007, just before the economy went south. It is one of the best investments Ive ever made. Dealer service has been outstanding, but all Ive ever needed has been routine maintenance. This car is a joy to drive. I bought it in part as a trade-in hedge against purchasing a next-generation Prius (what holds its trade-in value on a Prius more than another Prius?) but I will hold off until the 2011 model year. I dont buy the first model year of anything. Over-the-road economy, honest 53 mpg. Around town in dead of winter (harsh in Northern NY State), 35-40 mpg. Around-town in summer, 44-48 mpg. Not a good car, a great car. Toyotas nailed it.

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  10,000 mile followup - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Michael - April 6 - 2:20 am

  This is a follow up after having my Prius V for around 10 months and logging around 10,000 miles. Overall this is a good vehicle and it’s not been back to the dealer except for oil changes and the brake recall. My overall mileage has averaged between 46-51 during the period – as measured by miles and gallons – the dash readout is usually optimistic by 2-3 mpg. Great electronics: Bluetooth phone and audio streaming – navigation, keyless entry, push button start. However, it’s annoying that you can’t do certain functions with the touch screen while moving (set navigation; dial the phone, etc.). The problem areas of this vehicle for me are: Seat comfort & road noise – See suggestions below

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  Mixed bag - I would still buy another one - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By CleanFuelVirginia - April 3 - 11:46 am

  I have had relatively few problems and the trouble with the car is that after 100K the service departments do not care about the car and have thrice given me careless and wrong diagnosis of the troubles I have had with the battery depleting while I am driving. It will simply stop in the middle of a journey. Its worse in city traffic. The other issue to my mind is that the mileage is no great shakes. I get maximum 50 miles per gallon. I remember in the 70s that many cars were small and getting gas mileage that was over 40mpg. So young people- dont be taken in by the hype. Get a smaller car.

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  Just traded my Prius - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By John H. - April 2 - 2:26 pm

  Great on gas mileage but I traded it because the traction control is AWFUL! Got stuck in the middle of the road 3 times with no power and twice on my lite slope driveway. Not safe in the MN winters when you lose power if the wheels spin. Had all options and everything worked great. Not comfortable though with manual seats, no power anything and no sunroof.

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  Bye-bye gas station - well kinda - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By PC - March 30 - 4:43 pm

  I have had my Prius for about 2 weeks and love it. I really thought it was going to be lame in terms of speed, especially on the freeway - the car is surprisingly speedy and fun to drive. The freeway driving is much better than my Jeep Cherokee was. All of the cars gadgets are easy to use and do not distract you from driving. When I finally did go to the gas station was so happy it shut off at $27 to fill my tank. I am used to paying almost $70.

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  What a mileage - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Bikram - March 29 - 5:43 am

  With storage space and leg space as much as a Camry, Prius is superb car. Dont expect V6 performance, but what more do you want once you see that the average mpg is 41. excellent egronomic design, and expect questions posed to you about the car in the parking lots.

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  The next generation will be even better - 2007 Toyota Prius
  By bud - March 24 - 3:43 am

  A surprising pleasure to drive. Very fun and REALLY fun at the gas pump. I was surprised at the acceleration the car has. I expected it to be anemic but its quite nimble in daily driving. A perfect car for city dwellers. Super easy to park and navigate in tight spots.

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  Great so far - 2006 Toyota Prius
  By RB - March 21 - 10:00 pm

  Prior car was a mid-size SUV. Absolutely no problem with the difference in size.The Prius has plenty of pep, is comfortable and handles extremely well.Do not feel that I am in a small car. I do mostly "city" driving and have been getting 40 plus mpg! Looking out the back window takes some time to get accustomed to.

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  driving is fun again - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By ross - March 20 - 7:23 pm

  Ordered my Prius June 2004, dealership called me the 31st of Jan 05 to tell me some one didnt want their Prius that had just come in, did I want to come take a look at it. Wasnt expecting mine till June of 05. It wasnt the color I ordered and didnt have VSC, high intensity headlights and fog lights but it did have the 6 CD JVC stereo. I took it. All I can say is poor guy that decided he didnt want it. Ive been driving for 40 years and suddenly I feel like a kid again. This car is really a blast to drive, it has just as much get up and go as my 93 Bonneville but gets 46.5 average mpg so far, rather than 22. It is surprisingly roomy, I love it.

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  My Baby - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Drea - March 19 - 10:00 am

  I bought his car at 5 years old with only 29,000 miles on it. I have been very happy with it in the 7 months I have owned it. True, it can be a little noisy but that has never bothered any of my conversations. I love driving a hybrid and how smooth and quiet it is on the battery. The gas is good, we get about 45 MPG. It is very roomy, my 66" brother can sit comfortably in the back seat while the people in the front have leg room too! The digital speedometer right in the drivers line of sight helps me keep my speed under control and I feel so safe in a car with side curtain airbags. Seats are fine, read some negative reviews about them but I have napped just fine on them. LOVE TOYOTA!