2001-2003 Toyota Prius: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Fuel economy
- Maneuverability
Cons
- Low-speed acceleration
- Rear visibility
Vehicle Highlights
Toyota closely followed Honda's lead into hybrid-powertrain territory with its subcompact Prius sedan, which debuted as a 2001 model. Seating five passengers, the Prius was powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. The two automatically worked in tandem or separately, depending on driving needs at the moment. The Prius could move away from a stop using its electric motor alone. Once underway, the gas engine kicked in automatically and became the sole power source while cruising. For passing, though, the electric motor could provide temporary assistance. During coasting or braking, the gas engine could shut off and the electric motor became a generator to recharge the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. While stopped, the gas engine remained off (unless the air conditioner was in use). The hybrid system drove a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which had no gears but worked with a belt and pulleys to produce near-infinite ratios. Because the system can charge the batteries while the Prius is moving, it never needs to be plugged into an AC outlet. Fuel economy was estimated by the EPA at 52-mpg city and 45-mpg highway. The higher city rating reflected the electric drive's greater low-speed efficiency. Antilock brakes, air conditioning, and power windows/locks/mirrors were standard. The special Prius warranty included 8-year/100,000-mile powertrain coverage, plus roadside assistance. Toyota's only hybrid competitor was the Honda Insight, which was a two-seat hatchback coupe with a 1.3-liter gas engine that initially came only with a manual transmission. The Insight's hybrid system worked differently, too, with the electric motor providing assistance to the gas engine during hard acceleration. Comparable high-mileage models included the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Echo, and Volkswagen Golf/Jetta diesel.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Toyota Prius Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 9 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2001-2003 Toyota Prius and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2001-2003 Toyota Prius is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Like Honda's Insight and subsequent Civic Hybrid, the Prius serves mainly as a high-tech alternative to a traditional economy car. Toyota's own Echo delivers similarly appealing fuel mileage, and Volkswagen's Jetta/Golf diesel engine can achieve 40 mpg. Prius is roomier, more pleasant daily transport than an Insight, but less conventional in appearance than Honda's Civic Hybrid sedan--which beats the first-generation Prius in refinement and driving feel. Still, as a "green machine," Prius delivers pleasant, practical daily transportation, though you might want to consider the second-generation version instead. In short supply when new, the Prius is also scarce on used-car lots.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Toyota Prius Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 2 | |
| Fuel Economy | 9 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 5 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 3 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 5 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,280 |
| Alternator | $1,870 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $8,695 |
| Brakes | $550 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,490 |
| Exhaust System | $560 |
| Radiator | $600 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,520 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $505 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2003 | |||
| Prius | $9,600-10,800 | $8,600-9,700 | $5,000-5,600 |
| 2002 | |||
| Prius | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| 2001 | |||
| Prius | $6,700-7,500 | $5,900-6,600 | $3,100-3,500 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.4 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 169.6 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 57.6 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2765 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 11.8 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 11.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.1 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 35.4 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I4 | 1.5 / 91 | 70 | 82 | CVT automatic: 52/45 | CVT automatic: 44.1 |
|
Horsepower/torque figures shown are for the gasoline engine alone. Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 2002 Prius |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 3 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 4 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
NHTSA Recall History
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