Hybrid Autos Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S.

According to the UK Department for Transport, the Prius is tied as the third least CO2-emitting vehicle on sale in the UK and there are eight cars which are more fuel-efficient than it for the combined use cycle.

Feature Between Prius 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid and Prius Touring 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid

Tuned suspension
15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires and trim rings
16-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with P195/55R16 tires and full wheel covers
Dual color-keyed power outside mirrors
Heated outside mirrors
Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers
Color-keyed front and rear bumpers and door handles
Heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer
Chrome-type finish grille
Electronic rear hatch locking system
High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass
Rear deck spoiler (larger on Touring)
Intermittent rear window wiper

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its second generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.

The 2008 Toyota Prius ranks 9 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Prius, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Prius ranks solidly in the middle of the pack when considered as a hybrid or as a midsize sedan. The Prius's ranking is based on its industry-leading fuel economy, combined with a spacious interior and a standard equipment package that make it competitive as a midsize car, not just a hybrid. However, its styling continues to divide reviewers even after nearly five years on the market, and it sacrifices performance in the pursuit of fuel efficiency. In our hybrid rankings, the 2008 Prius falls behind its corporate cousin, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, as well as the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Those vehicles don't achieve quite the level of fuel efficiency that drives the Prius's fame, but they also do not suffer some of the performance compromises the Prius makes in pursuit of fuel economy. Little has changed in the Prius for 2008, a car which has not had a major redesign since 2004. One important change for 2008 is the introduction of a "standard" trim which lacks features like heated mirrors and cruise control, but is available at a lower cost than the "base" trim level.