2008 Toyota Prius: Tester's Comments
2008 Toyota Prius ▼
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- MSRP: $21,500 -$23,770
- Invoice: $20,210 -$21,816
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2008 Toyota Prius. See if the 2008 Toyota Prius is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated

| Make/Model: | 2008 Toyota Prius |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | Base |
| Arrival Date: | 08/27/2008 |
| Engine: | dohc I4/electric |
| Bodystyle | 4-door hatchback |
| Transmission: | CVT automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 22,325 |
| Price as Tested: | 24,718 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 11951 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 12658 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 707 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 13.053 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 54.16 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
Package 2 (Antiskid system, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media-player connection, keyless access and starting), carpeted floor mats and cargo mat, VIP RS3200 Plus security system
From the Back Seat
Don Sikora
For the most part, the Toyota Prius is thoroughly unremarkable dynamically, which is probably a true triumph of engineering for a vehicle this specialized. Driven carefully, Prius will squeeze a lot of miles out of a gallon of gas. Over about 175 miles of nearly all non-interstate highway driving I averaged 50.68 mpg. If you value fuel economy, and the obvious visual statement of that value, above all else, for now Prius is in a class by itself.
Jennifer Geiger
Prius is an obvious mpg superstar (the 55.4 mpg I averaged during my 532-mile test sounds too good to be true), but it is in exchange of acceleration and overall usability and comfort. Toyota goes to great lengths to make sure you KNOW you are driving a hybrid. A quirky climate/audio interface system, poor front and rear visibility, and its tendency to frequently and annoyingly beep made this hybrid not especially pleasant during my long trip.














