2003 Toyota Prius reviews and buying
guide.
2003
Toyota Prius resources:
2003 Toyota Prius
The 2003 Toyota Prius is the best-selling hybrid vehicle
in the U.S. market and a world leader. The Prius is
a sub-compact four-door car with great styling, generous
interior amenities, good handling capability because
of its low center of gravity, respectable power profile
and finally, not surprisingly, outstanding figures for
fuel economy.
The Toyota Prius was the world's first mass-produced
gasoline/electric hybrid vehicle and has sales surpassing
30,000 units since its U.S. launch in July 2000. Named
from the Latin for “go before’ the Prius never
needs to be plugged in for recharging. It has an EPA-estimated
rating of 52 miles per gallon in city driving and 45
mpg on the highway and is certified by the California
Air Resources Board (CARB) and by the EPA as a super
ultra low emission vehicle (SULEV). Prius is currently
the only SULEV Hybrid on the market.
Under the Hood
The Prius' powertrain teams a 70-horsepower (at 4,500
rpm) 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline-fueled engine
and a 44-horsepower permanent-magnet electric motor.
The Toyota Hybrid System (THS) uses electronic controls
to operate on either electricity or gasoline, or a combination
of both in a power management system invisible to the
driver.
Further system efficiency is obtained through the regenerative
braking system. The electric motor converts the kinetic
energy that would normally be lost as heat through the
brakes and transforms it into useable electricity to
recharge the batteries. As more braking power is required,
the computer phases in the regular brakes. This is one
reason the Prius can achieve better fuel efficiency
in urban driving than on the highway, where braking
is less frequent. An anti-lock brake system (ABS) is
standard.
As is common to most Toyotas, the front suspension
is by MacPherson struts and L-beam lower control arms
but the rear suspension uses a torsion-beam axle with
toe-control links to allow for a large trunk.
Standard Features, Options Packages and Style
The Prius has a single trim level with excellent amenities
that include 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
features that can be controlled at the touch of a button.
Notably, these are just highlights. The list of standard
interior features is extensive.
In fact, the Toyota Prius proves that performance,
comfort and convenience and style do not have to be
compromised by the adoption of environmental awareness
in design.
Additional Information About Prius Mechanics
Along with the 70hp, the gasoline engine produces 82
lb.-ft. of peak torque at 4,200 rpm. Toyota’s Variable
Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) system helps
to optimize power delivery across the engine speed range
but unlike most other engines, gas operation is limited
to 4,500 rpm allowing lighter internal engine components.
Cylinder bores that are offset from the crankshaft combine
with this to reduce friction, further enhancing fuel
efficiency.
The permanent-magnet electric drive is virtually maintenance-free,
since its internal components never wear. It has a maximum
power of 33 kW (44 horsepower) from 1,040-5,600 rpm.
However, the peak torque of 258 lb-ft from 0-400 rpm
reveals the key difference between electric and gas
motors. Electric motors are far more powerful and efficient
for stop and go.
A Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) battery pack provides
energy to the electric motor while the gasoline engine
draws fuel from an 11.9-gallon gas tanks. A connection
sends engine power simultaneously to the front wheels
and the electric generator, feeding the electric motor
and/or the battery. The car features a continuously
variable automatic transmission (CVT) that smoothly
blends the output rpm of the gasoline engine, electric
motor and electric generator in response to desired
acceleration and deceleration.
The THS continuously adjusts the ratio of power provided
by each motor, depending on speed and load, to keep
the Prius running in its most efficient operating mode.
The car’s occupants do not feel the cycling between
these power priorities, but a 5.8-inch-wide touch-panel
display monitor shows the energy flow status.
Driving the Prius is just like any other automatic.
Turn the car on, put it into drive and step on the accelerator
to cause the car to pull away, initially under pure
electric power. The generator starts the gasoline engine
as the vehicle accelerates and then turns it off while
stopped to conserve fuel and reduce emissions. At top
speeds the electric motor comes back on line to assist
the gasoline engine for a combined 98 horsepower.
A final push to the efficiency and cleanliness of this
vehicle is a Toyota’s hydrocarbon absorber and
catalyst (HCAC) system that helps reduce exhaust emissions.
The fuel tank uses a plastic liner, or bladder, inside
a steel tank that collapses as gasoline is consumed.
This minimizes the volume of gasoline vapor that would
normally remain in the tank and reduces evaporative
emissions.
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