2003 Toyota Prius Hybrid Reviews
The Toyota Prius, the world's first mass-produced gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle, went on sale at the end of 1997 in Japan. The heart of this Prius is the Toyota Hybrid System (THS).
The 2003 Toyota Prius doesn't tower over the big SUVs physically, but when gasoline prices shot up early in calendar 2003 because of concerns over the Iraq war, the status of the fuel-efficient, gasoline-electric Prius hybrid was instantly elevated.
Distinctive styling
The Toyota Prius is one of only three gas-electric hybrids sold in the United States. Electric motors are marvelous for providing instant torque, and it's obvious from the first moments of driving the Toyota Prius the electric motor here adds special power.
There was a bit unsettling sense of lightness in theToyota Prius, combined with an intermittent change in the electric power steering, when I pushed the test car hard at highway speeds.
Comfortable, easy car
Still, I appreciate that the Toyota Prius generates its electric power on its own, so there's no need to plug this car in.
Most importantly, the Toyota Prius can travel more than 500 miles on a single tank—11.9 gallons—of regular, unleaded gas.
A final note
Toyota plans a next-generation Toyota Prius as a 2004 model.
With gas prices at $2.50 a gallon I had to chuckle as the huge SUVs lined up at the gas station while yours sincerely just cruised serenely on, averaging 45 miles per gallon.
The Prius proved to be a total surprise. First of all it is terribly easy to drive. The trunk swallowed two large golf bags with room to spare--People’s perception of the Prius is by and large that of retired professors trying to save the World doing maybe 15 miles per hour. No problem. 80? No problem.
For 21 grand you get optional side air bags, a very neatly installed compact disc deck and cruise control as well--Driving the Prius in and around San Francisco was very pleasant indeed. Is the Prius a car for all seasons? School runs with three kids-perfect. As an only car?
The 2003 Toyota Prius is a revolutionary hybrid vehicle breaking records for sales, establishing a standard for a new class and achieving record breaking and segment leading sales in the process.
The 2003 Toyota Prius is a road-ready electric car that never needs to be plugged in, can travel with zero emissions and, incidentally, minimal noise, and achieves unheard of EPA fuel economy ratings, at least for regular cars.
This "Toyota Prius" has a single high trim level with automatic climate control and options like an in-dash 6CD changer, cruise control and a satellite navigation system. Power windows, door locks and steering, remote keyless entry, and heated power mirrors are all standard features as well.
A high efficiency 70-horsepower (at 4,500 rpm) 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline-fuelled engine is teamed with a 44-horsepower permanent-magnet electric motor to comprise the Prius powerplant. Regenerative braking system adds further system efficiency. As more braking power is required, the computer phases in the regular brakes.
