2003 Toyota Prius: Road Test
Archived Review
2003 Toyota Prius ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $19,995
- Invoice: $18,793
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Toyota Prius
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2003 Toyota Prius includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Toyota Prius from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Toyota Prius, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Toyota Prius help you decide if a 2003 Toyota Prius is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 1 | 4 |
Test car took 12.3 sec 0-60 mph; a CVT Civic Hybrid needs about the same. Prius doesn't feel lazy in town, and shows decent pep at 55-70 mph. Powertrain has its quirks, though: a slight nudge as the gas engine cuts in or out, and an annoying sag in momentum as the motor switches in and out of battery-recharge mode during braking or when descending long grades.
FUEL ECONOMY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.5 |
Our Midwest test car averaged 44.1 mpg in city/highway driving; a second Prius tested in hillier California returned 38.3 with mostly highway miles. By comparison, manual-transmission Civic Hybrid tested in California logged 47.6 mpg in mixed driving; automatic-transmission Midwest test car averaged 39.3.
RIDE QUALITY
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.4 |
A capably absorbent ride, with little of the expected small-car chop on rippled freeways.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.3 |
Predictable, but with tall body and skinny tires, Prius is sensitive to crosswinds, tracks road grooves too easily, and corners with marked lean and limited grip. Brakes make stable, fairly short simulated emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 3.7 |
Wind and tire noise are small-car normal, but much engine ruckus in full-throttle driving. Civic Hybrid is subjectively quieter overall, its gas engine smoother and sweeter-sounding.
CONTROLS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.6 |
Shifter sprouts from dash just to the right of the steering wheel and moves vertically but works well. To its right: a video-type screen for displaying power sources in use, fuel economy, and radio presets; it can distract, but can be turned off. Central dashtop digi-graphic gauges are large and legible. Other controls conventional. We haven't had a chance yet to try the available navigation system.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 4.8 |
Adult-size space and entry/exit to match, but budget-grade seats grow tiring after about two hours despite comfortably high positioning. Styling slightly impedes aft visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 3.7 |
Ample head clearance, decent leg room even with a front seat pushed well back, and good toe space.
CARGO ROOM
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 3.8 |
Good for the exterior size, but trunk is taller than it is long, only average in width, and has a fairly small opening. Battery-pack location precludes a folding rear seat.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 |
We prefer the Civic Hybrid Sedan for its superior refinement and driving feel vs. Prius. Both are basically high-tech alternatives to regular economy sedans, and will take years to offset their higher sticker prices with what they save in fuel costs. That's true even with the one-time $2000 federal tax deduction for buyers of hybrid vehicles. Still, as a "green machine," Prius is pleasant, practical daily transportation.
Total Score
| Base | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 43 | 47.2 |
Total Score: 43
Scores for all Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
