Notes From the Parking Lot: 2008 Toyota Prius
by the Auto Editors of Consumer Guide
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Notes From the Parking Lot: 2008 Toyota Prius
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We averaged 54.6 mpg during our test of the 2008 Toyota Prius.
Base Price: $22,325
Options: Package Two (antiskid system, rearview camera, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media-player connection, keyless access and starting), carpeted floor mats and cargo mat, security system
Price as Tested: $24,718
Total Miles Tested: 707 miles
Fuel Economy: 54.6 mpg Editors' Comments Rick Cotta:
It's been speculated that Toyota has been far more successful with the
Prius than Honda has been with the Civic Hybrid because the Prius has a
unique look not shared with a "conventional" car, and thus screams it's
eco status at full volume. It has practical advantages as well,
including a hatchback body style and a folding rear seatback (which
Civic Hybrid forfeits to its battery pack), but it also has more
dynamic idiosyncrasies than the Civic that can either be annoying or a
friendly reminder that you're getting 45 mpg, depending on your point
of view. Honda has apparently gotten the hint, as it's due to release
its own dedicated hybrid model (Insight) in the spring of 2009, and it's supposed
to cost less than a Prius. So if you can hold out until then, you'll not
only have another choice in green transportation, you may also save
some money--or at least not have to wait so long in line. 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 you forfeit power and overall usability and comfort. Toyota goes
to great lengths to make sure you and everyone else KNOWS you are driving a hybrid. A
quirky climate and 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. 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.
09.30.2009
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