Name: 2008 Toyota Prius
Brand: Toyota

Toyota Prius

EPA MPG: 47 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 47 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

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Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

See How All Brands Stack up

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings

2008 Toyota Prius

$5,650

EPA MPG 47 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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EPA MPG 26 mpg

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2008 Dodge Caliber

$3,175 - $5,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2008 Ford Focus

$3,075 - $3,700

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2008 Honda Civic

$3,075 - $7,375

EPA MPG 32 mpg

Road test

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2008 Honda Civic Hybrid

$ NA

EPA MPG 42 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Honda Fit

$5,425 - $5,475

EPA MPG 34 mpg

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2008 Hyundai Accent

$3,400 - $4,050

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2008 Hyundai Elantra

$4,075 - $4,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2008 Kia Rio

$3,125 - $4,425

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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2008 Kia Rondo

$3,950 - $4,250

EPA MPG 23 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Kia Spectra

$3,000 - $3,875

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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2008 Mazda 3

$4,375 - $5,350

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

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2008 Mitsubishi Lancer

$3,050 - $14,750

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

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2008 Nissan Sentra

$3,475 - $4,825

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Nissan Versa

$3,425 - $4,200

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Pontiac Vibe

$4,700

EPA MPG 31 mpg

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2008 Saturn Astra

$3,175 - $3,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xB

$5,600

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Scion xD

$5,125 - $5,425

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Subaru Impreza

$4,550 - $12,650

EPA MPG 23 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki Forenza

$3,200 - $3,450

EPA MPG 25 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Suzuki SX4

$3,000 - $4,275

EPA MPG 26 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Corolla

$5,300 - $5,925

EPA MPG 32 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Matrix

$5,350 - $5,875

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Toyota Yaris

$5,175 - $6,050

EPA MPG 36 mpg

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2008 Volkswagen Jetta

$3,500 - $4,050

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

$4,350 - $4,950

EPA MPG 24 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

2008 Volvo V50

$5,300 - $6,600

EPA MPG 22 mpg

Road test

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Owner Satisfaction

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Model History

2023-

Current Generation

Toyota’s complete redesign of the Prius gave it a sleeker look, more power, and incremental improvements in fuel economy. We measured 51 mpg with the AWD XLE version we tested. Front-drive versions are even more sparing with fuel. Although it delivers quicker acceleration than in the previous Prius, the engine is noisy when it kicks in. The car can propel itself on electric power alone at low speeds, light throttle situations up to about 25 mph. A plug-in hybrid is also available. Handling is tighter, making the car fairly nimble and the ride is firm yet steady. The low stance, curvy roof, and raked windshield compromise access and visibility. AEB with pedestrian detection, AEB highway, BSW, and RCTW come standard. Adaptive cruise control and lane centering assist are also standard on all trims.

2016-2022

2016 Redesign Year

While the previous generation Prius was an evolution of the second-generation car it replaced, the fourth-generation Prius was a revolution. The biggest advance was an incredible 52 mpg overall, brought by a new, larger, and more efficient engine. Styling became much more controversial; its practical effect was that the Prius sits lower than before, sacrificing some access, visibility, and rear seat space. Still, this small hatchback can provide the family-hauling space of most mid-sized sedans. Handling is more sure-footed and interior noise has been reduced. The interior doesn't feel as cheap as before, although some odd touches still remain, including some unconventional controls. 2017 brought standard forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. All-wheel drive was offered for 2019. Updates for 2020 include standard Apple CarPlay—but still no Android Auto. For the model year 2021, the Toyota Safety Sense system was upgraded to TSS2.0. This suite of safety equipment includes forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with low-light pedestrian and daytime bicyclist detection, lane departure warning and lane keeping assistance, automatic high beams and road sign assist. A version of lane keeping assistance (lane tracing assist) helps to keep the car in the center of the lane while the adaptive cruise control is being used. Adaptive cruise control is standard with the stop and go function. Blind spot warning and rear cross traffic warning are standard on all trims, except the LE Eco. Toyota’s rear seat reminder is now standard on all trim lines for 2022.

2010-2015

2010 Redesign Year

The 2010 redesign preserved all of the Prius virtues, while improving the driving position, making stability control standard, and adding a larger engine. Although acceleration and the 44 mpg overall fuel economy remained the same, the car offered better crash protection and more available amenities. Typically, the car propels itself on electric power up to about 25 mph, and then the engine starts to provide motivation, as well as recharging the battery. Brake pedal feel is a bit touchy, but easy to get used to. The ride is firm and handling a bit reluctant. Still, the hatchback configuration, upright stance and roomy rear seat make the Prius one of the most sensible choices out there. Throw in bulletproof reliability and low running costs and you have an ideal transportation solution. Just be aware the car is mundane to drive, loud on rough pavement, buzzy when accelerating hard and the interior is rather cheap in look and feel. Don't bother with the plug-in version; it's more expensive and thanks to a very short battery-only range, brings little advantage over the regular Prius.

2004-2009

2004 Redesign Year

The Prius is an ideal transportation solution for anyone purely interested in low running costs and practicality. It gets 44 mpg overall and doesn't need to be plugged in. This four-door hatchback automatically switches between its electric motor and gasoline engine, or uses both, as needed. It can also drive at low speeds on electric power alone. The ride is firm, but compliant enough, although road noise and engine drone are noticeable. Handling is secure, but the car does not have a sporty nature. Some controls are complicated and the interior feels basic. High-end versions came with leather seats, which spruced up the interior a bit. If budget permits, focus on a 2007 or later Prius since it had standard side curtain airbags, an available rear view camera, and Bluetooth connectivity.

2001-2003

2001 Redesign Year

The first generation Prius hybrid was a quirky small sedan that gets 41 mpg. It uses electric power to augment its engine and switches unobtrusively between the two. The sedan can also propel itself on electric power alone at low speeds. This version of the Prius is slow and not particularly agile, but it rides reasonably. Odd-looking instruments and a column mounted gear selector make the car seem like a science experiment from the past. The cabin is narrow. Buying a Prius as a used car is a wise choice, but we suggest you opt for a 2004 or later build. The hatchback configuration makes it much more practical, it gets 44 mpg overall and has a peerless track record.

Toyota Prius

2008 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2008 Small sedans/hatchbacks Ratings