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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  Very pleased with our purchase - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Leadfoot - March 19 - 2:03 am

  My wife and I entered into the hybrid ranks on June 1, after placing our order a couple months earlier. We were the very first customer to drive off Longos lot with this third generation Prius. We fully understand the compromises one makes when driving a hybrid, with somewhat sluggish acceleration probably topping the list. With that in mind, we based our driving experience against the likes of the Honda Insight or the 09 Prius. In our opinion, Toyotas new version surpasses both, in terms of power, handling, electric/gas transition, features, quietness, and interior comfort. Toyota did it again! It will cost a couple grand more than these other hybrids, but it is well worth it.

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  Car of 2004 N America/Car of 2005 Europe - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By HAPPY PRIUS OWNER! - March 14 - 11:50 am

  Absolutely EXCELLENT! Car of 2004 in N America & Car of 2005 in Europe! YES!" Waited 8 months in line to get it, but deserves it, 100% Yes! I like one’s review on MSN: "Have owned BMWs, Hondas, Mazdas...this is by far the best. So good that I bought 2 of them." He/She is 100% right!

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  Great little car! - 2002 Toyota Prius
  By gran1 - March 13 - 10:00 am

  Weve only put a few thousand miles on it, but its been a lot of highway miles. Its very comfortable. I think Toyota could have boosted the quality of the seats, but its still comfortable. My main "gripe" is the center arm rest. I drove the car for about a month and then ordered the extension from Coastal Technology. I was concerned about muddy roads as we have a pretty good stretch to drive on them when it rains. Front wheel drive handles it like a charm! Were getting a constant 46 - 47 miles to the gallon. We drive 35 miles each way to work, plus around town driving. The mileage seems to get better as its broken in. Sooooo much better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee!

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  What a lemon! - 2010 Toyota Prius
  By Marianne McNabb - March 12 - 2:00 am

  We have had our 2010 Prius for over a year and aside from the excellent gas mileage, I would not ever recommend this year model. The regenerative braking system is so unreliable, that driving it over uneven road surfaces, the brakes fail and the car keeps moving. If there were a pedestrian in the cross walk, they would have been hit. Recommend you check out similar complaints on the National Highway Transportation Safety web site. I think the problem is with this year only-it was recalled back in Feb. 2010 but the problem persists. We are trying to get rid of it, but have not found a dealer who would give us a decent trade-in. Toyota has been hard to deal with in this regard.

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  Toyotas most important product and it shows - 2017 Toyota Prius
  By Owner - March 10 - 4:14 am

  This surprisingly roomy vehicle gets great fuel economy, is comfortable, and has very high feature content at any price point. The positives are easy, here are some negatives that might not be apparent: (1) No memory seats, which is nice with multiple drivers; (2) Audio does not adjust adequately to ambient noise; (3) interior is on the noisy side; (4) No spare tire on the Touring trim; (5) no automatically closing hatch; and (6) mediocre thigh and lumbar support for taller drivers.

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  worth the money - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By derrickandjodi - March 8 - 2:00 am

  I paid $3000 over MSRP, when most dealers are charging $6-7000 over. Im 62" and barely fit comfortably. The arm rest (center console) for the driver needs more padding. The gas mileage is awsome! There is more road noise than the Camery, but hands down makes up for it in mileage. All-in-all a great car.

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  Great Car - 2004 Toyota Prius
  By lgdrake - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my second Prius and I love it. When I see my friends fill up their tanks with gas I know Ill never switch back to a non-hybrid car. Its comfortable to ride in and the new one is more spacious. There are only a few things that I would change. I would make the interior available in leather and add a sunroof.

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  THE FUTURE - 2001 Toyota Prius
  By hdf69 - March 6 - 5:06 pm

  A wonderful car.It has 27000 miles on it now ,MPG 45-50 all the time.Had one recall,handled right away.We use it on the interstate quite often,will do 70-80 MPH all day.Plenty of power for passing.

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  Prius falling apart - 2013 Toyota Prius
  By cptdan - March 6 - 2:21 pm

  I bought a Prius 8 months ago to save fuel but it has been the biggest mistake I ever made. A few months ago my wife hit a truck tire retread on the highway and the right front of the car shattered in pieces never had that happen in 35 years of driving NEVER. It cost $1250 to fix and a month later a small animal ran out in front of us I think it was a raccoon the critter lived but it caused more front end damage NEVER had that happen. Toyota fixed it for free said it should have happened REALLY?. Now the windshield is cracked; the build quality in this thing is horrendous cant believe Toyota put their name on it. If you are thinking of buying a Prius DONT.

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  Buy one, you will like it. - 2005 Toyota Prius
  By Phil - March 6 - 8:13 am

  I still have my Chevy. Subn for pulling my toys and serious hauling but the Prius fits my bill perfectly for running around the country on business and vacation. No disappointments at all but rather I marvel at its engineering, performance, comfort and available amenities. My primary motivation for the Prius purchase was to cut my use of fuel and save money in the process. Dont tell Toyota, but this car is worth far more than its current sticker price!