61/100

2003Compact CarsRegular

2003 Toyota Prius

EPA ID: 18608

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City MPG

Combined MPG

41MPG· Excellent

Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2003 Toyota Prius achieves an EPA-estimated 41 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 42 MPG in the city and 41 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 1.5L 4-cylinder engine paired with a automatic (variable gear ratios), this compact cars features Front-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2003 Prius produces approximately 217 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this Prius performs better than the national average in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $1,450, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would spend $3,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars

Fuel TypeRegular

Engine1.5L 4-cyl

AspirationNaturally Aspirated

TransmissionAutomatic (variable gear ratios)

Drive TypeFront-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions217 g/mi

Start-Stop SystemEquipped

GHG Score-1/10

Smog RatingN/A

Est. Annual Cost$1,450

5-Year Cost DeltaSpend $3,500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG

41.5

Impact vs EPA

$-17

/ year

💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost

$478/mo

Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.

Annual Mileage15,000 mi

Value Depreciation

Est. value lost over 60 months

$14,000

48.8%

Fuel & Electricity

Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)

$6,402

22.3%

Estimated Insurance

Based on vehicle class risk profile

$7,900

27.5%

State Registration Fees

Based on National Average DMV base rates

$400

1.4%

Total 5-Year Cost$28,702

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #11V304000·2011-07-08

critical

Component: STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2001 THROUGH 2003 PRIUS PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM JANUARY 28, 2000, THROUGH MAY 30, 2003. THE STEERING LINKAGE MAY LOOSEN, RESULTING IN REDUCED ELECTRIC STEERING ASSISTANCE WHEN MAKING A LEFT TURN.

Consequence & Remedy

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

43.4 metric tons CO₂

Equivalent To:

🌳 54 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs

✈️ 3.6 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.