Vehicle Information

In 2001 when Toyota introduced the Prius, the Honda Insight was the only other widely available hybrid on the market. Despite a lot of interest and curiosity regarding hybrid technology, the Insight failed to connect with consumers. The Insight was a two-seater and viewed by many as too small and impractical for most American drivers.
The release of the Prius was a well timed and seemingly much more practical hybrid offering. Although Prius sales didn’t become truly staggering until after the 2004 redesign, sales were healthy from the beginning. In 2001 the five passenger Prius was, without a doubt, the auto industry’s most practical daily driver hybrid to date. The fuel sipping, low emission-producing technology built into the Prius was seen as proof that auto makers could produce safe and reliable eco-friendly cars.
The 2001 Prius was powered by a four-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor, designed to automatically work in tandem or separately, depending on the driver’s needs at any given time. The technology built into the Prius allowed the car to move away from stops using only its electric motor. Since stop and go driving often brings down overall miles per gallon, this feature was instantly appealing to urban drivers. To tackle the freeway commute, the Prius automatically switched to its conventional gas engine as the sole power source. Once the gas engine was engaged, the electric motor could provide temporary assistance as needed. The original Prius even included an automatic method of recouping extra fuel used to climb hills during coasting or braking--the gas engine could automatically shut off, allowing the electric motor to act as a generator to recharge the nickel-metal-hydride battery pack. While idling, the gas engine remained off unless the air conditioner was in use. This feature generated a lot of buzz for the Prius as passersbys recounted instances of walking by the “silent” car in parking lots and at stop lights. The hybrid system included a continuously variable transmission or “CVT” which included no gears and instead utilized a belt and pulley system to produce near-infinite ratios. Because the system was able to charge the batteries while driving, the Prius didn’t require any kind of AC outlet plug-in time. Fuel economy was estimated by the EPA at 52-mpg city driving and 45-mpg highway driving. The higher city rating reflected the electric drive's greater low-speed efficiency. The 2001 model Prius came equipped with antilock brakes, air conditioning, and power windows/locks/mirrors. To quell any consumer worries or first hybrid jitters, Toyota issued a special warranty that covered the Prius powertrain for eight years or 100,000 miles. The warranty also included roadside assistance.
In 2002 cruise control and a navigation system were added as possible options, as were front side airbags. No significant changes were made to the exterior of the Prius in 2002 or 2003. The 2004 model was completely redesigned as a larger, wider hatchback model.

Specifications for Toyota Prius 2001-2003
1,497 cc 1.5 liters 4 in-line engine with 75 mm bore, 84.7 mm stroke, 13 compression ratio, double overhead cam, variable valve timing/camshaft and four valves per cylinder
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Unleaded fuel
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Fuel economy EPA highway (l/100km): 5.2
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Multi-point injection fuel system
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Main 45 liter unleaded fuel tank
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Power: SAE and 52 kW , 70 HP @ 4,500 rpm; 82 ft lb , 111 Nm @ 4,200 rpm
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Secondary power: maximum power (kW): 33, maximum power (HP): 44, maximum torque (ft lb): 258 and maximum torque (Nm): 350