2003
Toyota Prius

Starts at:
$19,995
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New 2003 Toyota Prius
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Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
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2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius 2003 Toyota Prius

The good & the bad

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Safety review

Based on the 2003 Toyota Prius base trim
NHTSA crash test and rollover ratings, scored out of 5.
Frontal driver
3/5
Frontal passenger
4/5
Nhtsa rollover rating
4/5
Side driver
3/5
Side rear passenger
3/5

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
5 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
7 years / less than 85,000 miles
Basic
12 months / 12, 000 miles
Dealer certification
160- or 174-point inspections
See all CPO program details

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Consumer reviews

77% of drivers recommend this car
4.4 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.4
Performance 3.9
Value 4.0
Exterior 4.2
Reliability 4.0

Most recent

  • By cactuscatn from Tucson, AZ
    Owns this car
    September 11, 2019

    The Perfect "Comute" and "Errand" Car.

    In the 6 years we have owned this car, we have averaged 45 MPG! This is our "town car"; very maneuverable, nimble, comfortable with very light electric powered steering. Perfect in tight parking lots or narrow streets. Room for 4 adults, but rear seat leg room can be an issue with large persons in front. We love this car so much, we will buy a new hybrid battery ($3000) when the time comes. I couldn't find anything I like as well for $3000.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By ivan washington from tacoma washington
    Used to own this car
    May 22, 2019

    drove like a polished economy car

    Traded an '02 Impala in for an '03 Prius. Acceleration from a stop for about 2 seconds was glacially slow, then it took off with gus with the foot to the floor. The most fuel economy I could get no matter how feather-footed I was on the gas, was about 45 miles per gallon, after taking some absurdly extreme steps such as driving below the speed limit until somebody pulled up behind me, drafting behind semis and such. If I drove it normally I got about 43, not much difference. NVH was distinctly better than similarly sized autos*, the ride was as smooth and quiet as a Camry of the same period, with the exception of road noise on coarse pavement which was average. Cratered pavement was nicely smoothed of sharp edges. Handling was adequate but a bit tippy on those tiny tires/wheels, a bit of occasional tire squeal on curving on/off-ramps at speed, but I understand the trade-off required in order to get a decent ride quality on those low-rolling-resistance rubbers. Wind noise was quieter than the typical subcompact car, good sound insulation there. The steering was smooth but numb. Turning circle was 32 feet, excellent and a boon to urban maneuvering. I loved being able to squeeze into the left-over parking slot left over where some behemoth-driving jerks hogged-up two parking spaces with their oversized pig-iron. I was able to run on electric-only up to about 35 miles per hour for about a minute before the engine kicked in. *Speaking of engine, it was somewhat loud and there was some mild vibration. the front seats were flat and unsupportive and the seat cushion way too low on the floor, not adjustable for height. Legroom was adequate for this 6'3" driver, but just barely, ditto headroom. Lumbar support was also lacking. I sold it because my insurance company majorly upped my premiums as [they explained] this car is expensive to repair.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Sggs2404
    Used to own this car
    March 26, 2018

    Expensive to maintain

    This was expensive to maintain, compared to other Toyota?s. I bought it at $145k miles and that same year I had to replace the hybrid battery ($2k) and CAT ($1700). All repairs and main fence need to be done at a dealership, because other mechanics don?t know how to work on hybrids (everything looks different under the hood). So that gets pricey. Also, the power that it has is lacking. It has as much power as a golf cart. Going up hills is the worst. Reliable otherwise.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Brit Gal from Hollywood California
    Owns this car
    February 16, 2018

    My favorite car

    Perfect for me. Reliable, efficient in fact a very cool car. Not only is it fun to drive but is safe and nifty. I could not be happier.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By kd from los angeles
    Owns this car
    December 5, 2012

    Ours has been insanely reliable

    We've taken this car from 66,000 miles to 166,000 miles...and replaced two shocks, four tires, and a regular battery. And that's IT!!!! Combined with 45 mpg average, and it's the cheapest car to drive on the planet. We have loved this car and can't figure out how we'll ever replace it for something with 45 mpg, and nearly zero maintenance costs! It's mind-boggling how well this car runs, and just keeps going and going and going.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Car enthusiast
    Owns this car
    November 9, 2010

    Great car!

    Best mileage of any car I've ever owned. Super comfortable and quiet. Can't beat the reliability. Kinda like that Energizer Bunny - just keep going, and going, and going . . .
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Gracie's Mom from Charlotte NC
    Owns this car
    September 15, 2007

    I loved my Prius when I bought her........

    I purchased my 2003 Prius in Dec 2002; it now has less than 55.000 miles on it. Six times since I bought it, the warning lights, engine xx lights, etc have come on. The car has gone from ~25 mph to 19 to 12 - all the way to 3mph, -> 2->>DEAD. Three times I have waited anywhere from 30 minutes to 4 hours and the car has restarted with no problem. Three times my car required towing to the dealership. The dealership has NOT found a problem yet. The last time this happened, my car was at the dealership for 1 week to be driven and checked out. One mechanic did not feel comfortable driving it home because it may 'die'. How does he think I feel? No physical damage. I have paid for 3 towings; I have rented a car 3 times. I have to be without a car for days -- luckily I have friends. The biggest problems are (1) I don't trust my car --- reliability is non-existent, (2) the resale value is limited if I were to trade it in at a dealership and I could not in good conscience, sell it to another person (3) I don't meet the lemon law requirement of 4 problems over 12 months and (4) I can not afford another car payment -- and I should not have to buy a new car -- this one has less than 55,000 miles on it! I loved her when I bought it and I would like to love her again -- but I don't trust it! Sounds like an old, sad love song doesn't it??
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 1.0
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  • By La Mesa Guy from La Mesa, CA
    Owns this car
    August 9, 2007

    Great Value

    The Prius has been the best and most reliability car that I have ever owned. It is excellent on gas mileage and handles great on mountain roads. The mileage is outstanding in town. The air conditioner cools well, and the car is very comfort. I am just amaze at it's performance.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
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  • By Hybrid fan from Chicago, IL
    Owns this car
    May 26, 2006

    Toyota Prius

    This is a great car for gas mileage, however I live in Chicago and they don't handle very well in the snow. I think due the lightness and low to the ground build, they tend to slip more than other two door models. Other than than, a great city car!
    • Purchased a New car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2003 Toyota Prius?

The 2003 Toyota Prius is available in 1 trim level:

  • (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 2003 Toyota Prius?

The 2003 Toyota Prius offers up to 52 MPG in city driving and 45 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2003 Toyota Prius?

The 2003 Toyota Prius compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2003 Toyota Prius reliable?

The 2003 Toyota Prius has an average reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2003 Toyota Prius owners.

Is the 2003 Toyota Prius a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2003 Toyota Prius. 77.8% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.4 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.4
  • Performance: 3.9
  • Value: 4.0
  • Exterior: 4.2
  • Reliability: 4.0

Toyota Prius history

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