Toyota Prius (Gen 2)
04-09 · Toyota Prius
The most fuel-efficient car on this list. 46 MPG combined. The lowest annual ownership cost of any vehicle rated.
Scores last updated: June 14, 2026
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
This car proved hybrids work. Toyota's second-generation Prius refined the Hybrid Synergy Drive into something genuinely reliable. The 1NZ-FXE engine is not performance-oriented. It is a longevity machine.
Why it's on this list
Lowest total annual cost of any vehicle on this list at $3,344/yr. The hybrid battery has a documented lifespan well beyond 200k miles on most examples. Maintenance costs ($408/yr) are below industry average.
The honest trade-offs
This is not a driving car. Highway passing requires planning. The interior is dated. The 11.9-gallon tank is small. These are not defects. They are the trade for 46 MPG.
What to buy and what to avoid
2006-2009 examples with the most refined software. Avoid salvage-title Prius. The hybrid system makes accident history more consequential than usual. Verify battery health with a $20 OBD reader.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile
Looking to buy a Toyota Prius?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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