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2008 Toyota Prius Review

The Original Hybrid

A three-quarter front view of a blue 2008 Toyota Prius

In short: A mass-marketed five-passenger hybrid.

As the price of gas rises, so does the Toyota Prius’ popularity, and no wonder why—the 2008 model offers 48 mpg in city driving. This five-passenger hybrid sedan uses a 1.5-liter gas engine with an electric motor to achieve its impressive fuel economy. Among its other efficient features are an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission and integrated regenerative braking system.

Read a review of the 2010 Toyota Prius and the 2005 Toyota Prius

Warranty/Service: 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty; 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty; 5-year/unlimited-mile rust-through warranty; 8-year/100,000-mile hybrid-related components warranty.

QUICK SHEET
Base Price: $21,500

Technical Specifications

Vehicle type: front-engine, front-wheel drive, 5-passenger, 4-door sedan

Engine: 1.5-liter, 16-valve DOHC 4-cylinder VVT; permanent magnet AC synchronous motor
Horsepower: 76 hp @ 5,000 rpm (gas); 67 hp @ 1,200-1,540 rpm (electric)
Torque: 82 lb-ft @ 4,200 rpm (gas);
295 lb-ft @ 0-1,200 rpm (electric)
Transmission: electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT)

Curb weight: 2,932 lbs
Wheelbase: 106.3 in
Length/Width/Height: 175/67.9/58.7 in
Turning circle: 34.1 ft

 Brakes: power-assisted ventilated disc in front; power-assisted drum in rear; ABS, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist and integrated regenerative braking
Suspension: independent MacPherson strut with stabilizer bar in front; torsion beam with stabilizer bar in rear
Traction: traction control

0-60 mph: n/a
Top Speed: n/a

EPA City: 48 mpg (est.)
EPA Highway: 45 mpg (est.)

Safety: advanced airbag system for front seat; front seat-mounted side airbags with front and rear side curtain airbags; traction control; front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams; tire pressure monitoring system

Likes: n/a
Dislikes: n/a

 

Check out other Toyota models
 See all of our Automobile Reviews
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Photography: Toyota

PSV061808 (Updated 05/04/09 SV)


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