1st gen Toyota Prius 2001–2003 XW10

Overview

Engines

1.5L hybrid

On record

2 warnings, 3 recalls

The story

Toyota sold the first Prius in Japan from December 1997. The version sold in the US from 2000, the NHW11, was given more power for the higher speeds and longer distances Americans drive. A published reference

It was the second mass-produced hybrid on the US market, after the two-seat Honda Insight. Its touchscreen showed how the engine, battery and motor were working together. Toyota, a published reference

Colors

• Golden Pearl An owners' registry (unofficial)057, 2003
• Black An owners' registry (unofficial)202, 2003
• Blue Moon Pearl8P5, 2002
• Brilliant Blue Pearl8K8, 2002–2003
• Super White040, 2001–2003

Interiors

• Grayyears not known

Sources: Edmunds, an owners' registry (unofficial)

Specs

Engines

• 1.5L hybrid 1NZ-FXE Toyota, Edmunds, a published reference

  Atkinson-cycle engine of 70 hp and 82 lb-ft, with a 44 hp motor; 97 hp together

Transmissions

• Planetary power-split (eCVT) Edmunds, a published reference

Drivetrains

• Front-wheel drive A published reference

Trims

• Base Edmunds

Packages

• Navigation system (2002–2003) Edmunds
• Side airbags (2002–2003) Edmunds

Figures

• Model codes: NHW11 A published reference
• Battery: Nickel-metal hydride, 1.78 kWh at 273.6 volts A published reference
• Where built: Motomachi, Japan, from May 2000 to June 2003; 33,411 NHW11 cars were made A published reference
• Economy: EPA-estimated 41 mpg combined Toyota
• Emissions: A Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) Toyota, a published reference

Years and what changed

1. 2001

   Launched in July 2000, a single model with air conditioning and a touchscreen as standard. Toyota, Edmunds

2. 2002

   Options added for the first time: navigation, cruise control, side airbags and daytime running lights. Two new colors, Brilliant Blue and Blue Moon Pearl. Edmunds

3. 2003

   Unchanged. Edmunds

Watch out

Faults owners and the press report, and how to spot each one.

• Power steering All years

  Check: Ask whether recall 11V304000 was done. On a straight road, let the wheel go for a moment and feel for vibration, and watch for the power steering warning.

  Toyota recalled 2001–2003 cars because the steering linkage nuts could loosen and cut assist in left turns. A separate program, ZTP, replaced steering racks that made the wheel shake when let go, but it ended in 2013. Jalopnik reports steering torque sensors wearing out early. Toyota, NHTSA, Jalopnik

• Stalling, 2001–2002

  Check: Ask whether recall 06V266000 was done.

  Oil could seep into the crankshaft position sensor's connector, which could come loose and stall the engine so that it would not restart. About 8,500 cars were recalled. NHTSA, a published reference

Recalls

Newest first. Ask the seller for proof the work was done, or check the VIN with NHTSA.

• 2001–2003 Recall 11V304000

  The steering linkage may loosen, reducing power assist in left turns. NHTSA

• 2001–2002 Recall 06V266000

  Oil can leak into the crankshaft position sensor connector, which can come loose and stall the engine so that it will not restart. NHTSA

• 2001 Recall 00V285000

  Poor electrical contact in the power steering torque sensor can turn on the warning light and make the steering heavy. NHTSA

Checked against NHTSA records on November 2, 2026.

Owning

What owners and buyers say

• Sought after

  The battery lasts All years

  In 2011 Consumer Reports tested a 2002 Prius with over 200,000 miles and found little difference in fuel economy and acceleration from the 2001 it had tested new. SlashGear picks the 2003 as a used buy on a small budget. SlashGear, a published reference

• Sought after

  Rated by its owners 2002

  One source so far

  On Edmunds, an unofficial source, the 2002's 80 owners' reviews average 4.8 of 5. Owners' reports (unofficial)

Maintenance

No service schedule is added yet.

Warranty when new