The super-frugal Prius, with its Hybrid Synergy Drive, has sophisticated electric-drive componentry and a battery system that allows energy to be recovered from coasting and braking. In the Prius, a 76-horsepower, 1.5L four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine is paired with a 50-kilowatt electric drive motor. Together, the two produce 110 horsepower, delivered through a planetary-gear continuously variable transmission (CVT). As opposed to some other "mild hybrid" models, the Prius is a "full hybrid," meaning that the system not only turns the gasoline engine off when it's not needed; it also has the capability to run at low speeds on electric power alone for short distances.

The system enables the Prius to get one of the best fuel-efficiency ratings ever-48 city, 45 highway, according to the EPA. Prius is also certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) and as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV), and may qualify for tax incentives, parking, or carpool lane privileges depending on the locality.

Inside, the Prius is considerably roomier than you might expect given its compact exterior dimensions and aerodynamic five-door liftback shape, but with 96.2 cubic feet of passenger room it's classified as a mid-size car. The Prius has room for five, with a roomy back seat and 14.4 cubic feet of cargo space. Rear seatbacks can be folded forward for expanded cargo capacity. The instrument panel is especially attention-getting, with a display screen that monitors the hybrid system and a small fingertip shift lever replacing a conventional shift knob.

The Prius is better equipped than many other frugal sedans. Automatic climate control, a six-speaker CD sound system, power side mirrors, and power windows and locks are standard.

Major options include leather seating, high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, a Smart Key entry/ignition system, a voice-activated navigation system, an upgraded JBL audio system that includes nine speakers, a CD changer, a Bluetooth hands-free phone interface, an input jack, and MP3 capability.

The Touring Edition brings a sportier appearance and feel to the Prius. The model includes a "European-tuned" suspension, 16-inch alloy wheels, HID headlamps, and integrated fog lamps.

Anti-lock brakes with brake assist are standard, as are front seat-mounted side air bags, along with side-curtain bags for all outboard occupants. Vehicle stability control (VSC), which can help retain control on slippery roads or in quick emergency maneuvers, is available as an option.

Model Strengths

Astounding fuel efficiency and low emissions; interior space; maneuverability.

Model Changes

A new Base trim becomes the entry level Toyota Prius for 2008. It doesn't have the standard cruise control and heated mirrors of the other Prius models in order to lower the cost of entry versus 2007. The Standard model now comes with a tonneau cover for 2008.

Model Value

For space and fuel efficiency, the 2008 Toyota Prius can't be beat. The compact Prius has a design that emphasizes interior space and thus it qualifies as a mid-size car, and Toyota boasts that it ranks as the most fuel-efficient mid-size car in America. The Touring Edition gives the Prius a sportier edge, and with front side and side-curtain air bags standard across the line, Prius is an even better value.

The Toyota Prius is the first mass-produced and marketed hybrid automobile/car. In Latin, prius means before. It went on sale in Japan in 1997, and worldwide in 2001. By the end of 2003, nearly 160,000 units had been produced for sale in Japan, Europe, and North America. The Prius is certified as a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle by the California Air Resources Board.With the 2004 model, the Prius was redesigned as a midsize hatchback and certified as an Advanced Technology Partial zero-emissions vehicle.The 2000 model Prius slotted between the Echo and Corolla in the companys North American lineup. The 2004 model slots between the Corolla and Camry.



The Prius has won numerous awards including Car of the Year awards for Europe, Japan and North America. It is most famous for its fuel economy. The U.S. EPA has rated it the current version at 60 mpg in city driving and 51 mpg highway, although real-world results tend to average in the mid 40s mpg.See additional discussion below.

In the United States, the Prius initially attracted buyers interested in the vehicles low particulate emissions, advanced technology, and high fuel economy. In 2006, demand for the Prius broadened for several reasons: the rising price of gasoline made the vehicles fuel economy more attractive tax credits provided by the federal government lowered the end-price to consumers and some states introduced privileges for hybrid vehicle drivers. California, Maryland and Virginia, for example, allowed single-occupant hybrid vehicles in HOV-lanes.

The Prius is a series-parallel configuration hybrid, a vehicle that can run on just the engine, just the batteries, or a combination of both. Toyotas design goals are to reduce the amount of pollution and to maximize fuel efficiency. To do this, it uses a gasoline/electric hybrid powertrain, incorporating large batteries that are charged by the gas engine directly or by regenerative braking.Either the engine or the battery can power the vehicl