reliability of 2001-2003

I can't comment on any car but mine, but I am still loving my 03 Prius 1st gen.

185k miles, and only very limited problems, and even those are usually unrelated to the Hybrid portion of the car.

Replaced the 12v battery 3 years ago, along with the ECU to combat the cold weather starting issue. As I understand though, Toyota has since dealt with that problem.

 

For comparison, my 2002 has about 89000 miles on it and will be 10 years old this November. I also still enjoy it just as much as the day I drove it off the lot, and there really haven't been any significant mechanical issues. And it's still on the original HV battery.

As it stands, we're going to try and keep 'our babies' indefinitely, and we believe that one day they'll be classics in the true sense of the word.

 

Generalizations about any one 10 year old car are not helpful. Take the car in for a knowledgeable mechanic to look over.

 

+1

But also keep in mind there are significant improvements in the 2004+ model years. I would not recommend a 2001-2003 to anyone who is "new" to the hybrid world now. If you are an enthusiast or a competent engineer then go for it. If you just want something that works forever, get a 2004 or newer.

 

There were a few weaknesses discovered in the Gen1 Prii:

1. Accelerator sensor - the pots go bad, but this is repairable without spending $$$
2. Power Steering sensor - This is an expensive repair
3. Some reports of shorted windings in the MGs - requires a new (used) Tranny $$$. Change the ATF every 30k miles as insurance.

All in all a good car, but I prefer my 2004 (although still not perfect).

JeffD

 

I wouldn't dis my 2001 prius,I love her to death.At 85k km I have had no major issues with her.Had to replace the 12v auxiliary battery sometime back though.I have a feeling that she is never gonna leave.

 

There is some sort of recall for the steering system in the GenI, not sure if addresses #2 or not.

But also add to the list weaker battery cells and balancing that reduce expected (and actual) lifetime. They do not age as well or gracefully as the GenII under most circumstances.

 

#2 is now not an expensive repair, as a recently announced warranty extension covers it until 31 December 2013 with no mileage limit.

-Chap