The Toyota Prius Base for 2003
The Prius Base is equipped with a Toyota 1.5 liter four-cylinder engine that utilizes 16 valves. The engine is mated to a Toyota 4-speed Transaxle. This configuration has proven to be a successful design for Toyota.
Steering control is handled through a power-steering rack-style configuration. The Prius has power-assisted brakes, with 4-Wheel ABS support. The front brakes are disc while the rear brakes are drum. The car uses coil front springs and coil in the rear.
Vehicle Statistics
The Prius is 169.60 inches long, 66.70 inches wide, and 57.60 inches high. It has a wheelbase of 100.40 inches. It is able to seat 5 comfortably.
The standard warranty period for the Prius is 36 months, or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. The warranty also includes a warranty on the drivetrain for 96 months or 100,000 miles respectively. This is standard in the sedan market. Extended warranties are also available through the dealer.
The original manufacturer suggested retail price (MSRP) was $19,995 when new, with a dealer invoice cost of $18,793. This price was in line with the industry average price for a 4-door Sedan.
Fuel Efficiency
The fuel system for the 2003 Prius is a traditional SFI, running on ELECTRIC/GAS fuel. The fuel is controlled by an electronic system and is a fuel-injected MFI design. The capacity of the fuel tank is 11.90 gallons.
The 2003 Prius gets 45 miles/gallon on the highway and only 52 in the city. This is exceptional for a sedan car.
We Think…
The 2002 model began the promise of the Toyota Prius. The 2003 expanded on this success and has proven to be a strong seller in most markets. Even with strong competition from other manufacturers Toyota hopes that the Prius Base will continue to be a profitable vehicle.