[MuldersMate]

I'm hoping you all can help me out because the dealers around here are giving me different answers. QUESTION: Is the 2003 Prius the exact same body syle as the 2001 and 2002? I know there was a change made in 2003, but that means it would not have shown up until the 2004 model right? Thanks for all your help!

 

[SnakePuncess]

AFAIK, the 2001-2003 models were identical. The new body style became available on the 2004 models. I had a 2003, and traded 6 months later for a 2004. Totally different vehicle, really.

HTH,

 

[MuldersMate]

Thanks so much for the info. on the body style change. I just bought a lovely 2001 (all I wanted to afford with 2 kids headed to college), so I really appreciated your help! Love your pic!

 

[SnakePuncess]

Glad to help. Enjoy your Prius, and welcome to the family! Stick around this forum for lots of great info.

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[ehurtley]

Just to clarify, it's the 2004 MODEL YEAR that saw the change. The vehicle was sold in late 2003. So you could buy the new (current) body style Prius in 2003, but it was a 2004 model year vehicle.

The 2003 model year vehicle is the same as the 2001-2002 model year. (And, for that matter, essentially the same body as the Japanese 1999-2000.)

 

[mrv]

Just to clarify, it's the 2004 MODEL YEAR that saw the change. The vehicle was sold in late 2003. So you could buy the new (current) body style Prius in 2003, but it was a 2004 model year vehicle.

The 2003 model year vehicle is the same as the 2001-2002 model year. (And, for that matter, essentially the same body as the Japanese 1999-2000.)

For the exterior body, you're close. the original Japanese NHW10 Prius, model years 1998-2000, did not have a rear spoiler. The rear spoiler was added for the NHW11 "Classic" 2001-2003 Prius. (there are a lot of interior and under hood differences between the NHW10 and the NHW11.)

The 2004-current NHW20 Prius is a rather different animal...