Research the 2008 Toyota Prius by having all the best car research on the web on one site. If you are in the market to buy a new or used Toyota Prius or just starting to research Toyota Prius, Allcarguides.com has everything you need.
Auto Scores - Summary of Auto Reviews for 2008 Toyota Prius
Handling:
8
Exterior Style:
7
Interior Style:
8
Price:
9
Mileage:
10
Safety Features:
8
Overall:
8
2008 Toyota Prius Details
Base MSRP: $21,500 Fuel: 1.5l/91 MPG (city): 48 MPG (highway): 45 Base Invoice: $20,210 Body style: 4dr car Destination: $805 Transmission: Continuously variable trans Engine: Gas/electric i4 Drive Type: Front Wheel Drive
2008 Toyota Prius Overview
The Toyota Prius is available in base ($22,475) and Touring Edition ($23,370) trim. A wide range of option packages allow for additional personalization. Standard features include fabric upholstery; electric air conditioning with a micron filter; power windows, door locks and heated outside mirrors; remote keyless entry; cruise control; a tilting steering wheel with redundant climate and audio controls; intermittent front and rear wipers; a six-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; and P185/65 all-season tires on 15-inch aluminum wheels. The Touring Edition rides on a more tautly tuned suspension and P195/55R16 wheels and tires.
2008 Toyota Prius Review Summary The 2008 Toyota Prius is rated number 1 by Allcarguides.com.com for Hybrid cars. There are only 2 other highly recommended hybrids in the Prius’s class which are the Honda Civic and Nissan Altima hybrids. Both the Honda Civic and Nissan Altima hybrids offer both pros and cons when compared to the Toyota Prius. They certainly do not make the same compromises as the Prius such as odd design and modest performance but they also do not achieve the same mileage as the Prius. If you plan on driving more on highways than the Civic hybrid has a slight edge on the Prius which gets better mileage in stop and go traffic. The Nissan Altima has a stronger gas engine and more tuned to performance so it is more fun to drive but can not match the Prius’ economy. The Toyota Prius is available in three body styles: standard, base and Touring There are not many changes in the 2008 model with significant changes due in 2009 though we do not expect a plug in version. The changes in 2008 are that buyers can now skip a few accoutrements, such as cruise control and heated mirrors, bringing the base model down to a less than $21,000. The Toyota Prius is the most fuel efficient car on the market with the EPA saying it gets 48/45 mpg. Don’t let it sneak up on you as the Prius is nearly silent when the gas engine is not engaged. The Toyota Prius’s engine performs better in stop-and-go traffic so is better suited for city or suburban driving rather then highway driving. Most reviewers consider it the best all around hybrid in its class but that depends a bit on your priorities. The Prius has both a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors - one to power the front wheels and the other recharges the car's battery. The gas engine produces 76 horsepower and 82 torque, while the electric-drive motor produces the equivalent of 67 hp and 295 torque. It runs solely on electric power until about 19 mph and then is assisted by the electric motor.
2008 Toyota Prius Review Handling Power is smooth and consistent from resting through top speed. Most reviewers commented that they and owners are surprised by the Toyota Prius’ better than expected acceleration, it gets to 60 mph in around 11 seconds, and handling. It has a very tight turning radius commented a number of reviewers. Essentially able to compete with a normal seda on acceleration but achieve 40 mpg.
Safety:
2008 Toyota Prius Review Safety Toyota did not skimp on or compromise on safety when you consider the standard features include antilock brakes with brake assist, traction control, front-seat side airbags and full-length side curtain airbags. In frontal impacts, it earned four stars out of five for driver and front-passenger protection. In side-impacts, it earned five stars for front-occupant protection and four stars for the rear.
2008 Toyota Prius Noteworthy The Prius enjoys cult like following with a very high satisfaction rate as noted by hybridcars.com . The Prius performs best around town with plenty of stop-and-go traffic to recharge the battery. On long highway drives the small 4 cylinder engine is struggles. The interior is surprisingly comfortable and roomy and there is ample storage space as noted by just about every review we have read. The power system is revolutionary system called Hybrid Synergy Drive. Noted by some reviewers, including CNET, that the dashboard controls seem far away from the driver. Some reviewers also called it very reliable. The Tires on the Prius are designed to have low rolling resistance to help with gas mileage but on the downside they are a bit rough and not as good handling as normal tires. Plus the Prius has lots of options so one can upgrade.
2008 Mazda Tribute i models come with Ford's 2.3-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine, Tribute s models come with a 3.0-liter DOHC V6. Each is available in three trim levels: Sport, Touring, and Grand Touring. The Tribute i Sport ($19,495) comes with cloth interior, air conditioner...
