2008 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

No charge for rattle

Written by: Rob on 11/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Generally like most aspects of car. Handles like a go-cart with quick steering and low to the ground. Mileage is great - this is why we bought it instead of our dream Avalon. Have a ghost rattle from dash near LCD monitor/CD player area that appears and disappears with no apparent cause. Very annoying considering Toyota's reputation for quality body work and the price paid for the car. Otherwise it is fun to drive and well detailed. Still have to get familiar with many features in the manual that we are still experimenting with. Looking forward to winter driving in Wisconsin - will extra battery weight provide better traction in snow or more prone to sideways sliding on icy roads?

Favorite Features

Mileage, fit and finish (except rattle), anticipated Toyota reliability, cruise that can be set as low as 25 mph - great for city speed traps.

Suggested Improvements

Eliminate rear window bar; back-up alarm inside of vehicle?; reset cruise when speed goes below 25 mph at every stop or turn; brighter lites for interior control buttons on dash, doors, and steering wheel; six way power seat for driver at least; more adjustment on steering column

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Surprisingly Roomy!

Written by: Ray on 10/30/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

The title is what I hear from all of my friends and the "anti-Prius" crowd when they first sit in my car. With so many suggested improvements, why did I give it such a high mark? Mainly because the cons mean a lot less to me than the pros. Last year, I was set on buying a hybrid, so when comparing other models, the Prius was a hands down winner. The rear trunk/back seat design is much more superior than the hybrid honda civic. I also feel it is superior to the Toyota Camry Hybrid. If the Prius is too expensive, I have a friend who bought a Honda Fit and loves it. Overall, the Prius is a great car with a great design, and I am happy to see more and more of them in the Boston area!

Favorite Features

Environmentally friendly, great MPG, roomy, practical, great interior design, many steering wheel controls, backup camera (optional item), few blind spots, great resale value, braking (when car is mostly empty), parking is a breeze (size of car and backup camera prevents bumping).

Suggested Improvements

Lets push for even better MPG (diesel cars can achieve similar MPG - let's go electric/plug-in hybrid), vehicle stability control a little too sensitive, braking (when vehicle reaches maximum load), driving/handling (crosswinds will move this car around on the highway).

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Pete's Prius Experience

Written by: SanPedroPete on 10/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This is my wife and my 2nd Prius. We also own a 2004. It has 62,000 mi and has averaged 47-48 mpg combined city/hwy. I currently have 4400 mi on the new one and am averaging 52+ mpg combined city/hwy. I regularly get 54-55 mpg city by using the surging technique. Hwy mileage for both cars is 51-52 mpg going 65 (I know that's slow by todays stds) w/air conditioning on. We both like the finish of the car. And, they are fun to drive. They have an amazing amount of room inside for the size of the car. Our 6'-5" sons can sit behind us (I'm 6'-2") and have knee room. Head room is a little tight due to the slopping roof line though.

Favorite Features

Mileage is the favorite feature. But, the overall finish of the car is great. We also have gotten to really like the gps and 6 CD player. My golf clubs fit nicely in the back. I've driven and ridden in a Civic Hybrid. Very nice but the Prius takes the technology to the next level.

Suggested Improvements

Can't think of anything to improve. For an economic mid-size car I wouldn't have anything else.

11 out 12 people found this review helpful

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We Love Our Prius

Written by: Robert on 10/18/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Even though the Touring Prius is rated at 42 MPG we get several more MPG on average all the time. Our current average MPG is 45. The hatchback design is perfect for us. My handicap folding mobility scooter fits in the left side of the hatch perfectly. We find the Prius very comfortable on trips, even with 4 adults in the vehicle.

Favorite Features

Electric automatic climate control, electric power steering, smart key system with alarm, comfortable leather seats, navigation system, steering wheel controls for many functions.

Suggested Improvements

Daytime running lights, automatic door locking, a more complete nav system.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Perfect car

Written by: George B. on 10/16/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I've had this car for almost a year and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. I've hauled some things with it as well. When my co-workers and I go out for lunch, we use my car cause "I'm saving the planet".

Favorite Features

Teaches you how to drive proper. Nice look. Fuel savings. Nice display screen.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel gauge inaccurate at times, especially when only filling 1/4 full. Annoying backup beeping. Split rear window. Cruise control won't stay on after you re-start the car if you've had it on before powering off.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great Car

Written by: Brian on 10/11/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I had a 2004 Chevy Silverado and now I drive a Prius and I do not miss the truck. I ordered mine with PKG #3 and it is Black with gray interior. For anyone thinking about buying this car you have to take one for a ride . All I can say it is incredible, it handles great and gives a surprisingly great big car ride. Gas mileage is just mind blowing for me going from a truck, I avg 51 mpg and have driven it so far 15000 miles. I am 6' tall and I have no trouble driving it. I also tried the Honda Civic and didn't like the car at all. Get the Prius you will not regret it. Great little car.

Favorite Features

Smart key, gas mileage, awesome hybrid technology. Well built vehicle. Bluetooth hands free phone.

Suggested Improvements

Auto lights, better stereo but I have the JBL and it is ok. I can't really think of anything else.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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So far, so good

Written by: KS on 10/01/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Overall we are very pleased with the prius, great mpg, comfortable seats, reliable.

Favorite Features

Fuel economy! Fuel consumption computer & in dash display which is addicting to watch & tailor your driving habits. Touring pkg-leather is a must! Smartkey.

Suggested Improvements

Limited leg room & cargo space. Backup alarm is annoying! In dash display has a bad sun glare during day making it impossible to see & at night the in dash speedometer reflects off windshield in drivers view. Even with the fog lights there is limited visibility, no daytime running lights.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Amazing Prius

Written by: 4ecofriends on 09/21/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Just to report back that after 15,512 miles, 325.92 gallons of gas later (47.59 mpg), I still love this car. The car reports 48.86 mpg, slightly optimistic than what I've been getting. There is no problem to date. I took it to dealer once for oil change at 5K and have been doing it myself since. I will buy the plug-in version with Lithium-ion battery when it come out. This car is not perfect, but come close.

Favorite Features

Key-less feature, bluetooth, audio system, roominess, economical.

Suggested Improvements

Front seat knee room. The dash board stick out too low and too far for tall/long leg people. Front seat travel further. Larger battery pack.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Amazingly wonderful

Written by: nelhig on 09/20/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I've wanted a Prius for years, but haven't acted on it because of the unavailability (so it seems). Then I saw one at a local car lot. Since my daughter recently started driving, I jumped on it so I could give her my old Volvo. I didn't get a screamin' deal, but it was the color I loved and low mileage for a used 2008 Prius. (Supposedly, the former owner was a big guy and didn't feel comfortable in it.) As for me, I love it! It's a blast to drive, sturdier than I thought, mileage is excellent (55-58 mpg around town), and comfortable. The front window is like a big screen t.v. I drive slower too which is a good thing for me. I've not had buyer's remorse at all. I'm very pleased with this car.

Favorite Features

High mileage, good warranty on batteries, when in electric drive mode, mica color, solid feel (for a Toyota), steering wheel size and grip, computer screen, has arm rest, the view out the front window

Suggested Improvements

Speaker quality, make it easier to get leather interior, iPod setup and back bumper protector are standard features

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Fuel savings vs Ford Escape traded in

Written by: Jim in Wimberley, Tx on 09/14/2008

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

My Ford Escape averaged 20mpg. I prepared a spreadsheet to compare fuel and cost savings with my new Prius. Everytime I fill up I write down the price per gallon, no. of gallons purchased, total cost of fuel, and no of miles traveled. So far, we've driven the Prius 3,500 miles and averaged 45 mpg, with a total cost savings of $365.00 and 97 gallons of fuel. Just think of the fuel and money we can save if those of us that don't need a truck or larger SUV any longer. I've hauled loads of potting soil, mulch and pots in the back of the Prius without any problems. It's time to reduce the amount of oil we consume where possible.

Favorite Features

Ease of handling, plenty of room front, back and in hatchback area, fuel savings, and it's just fun to drive.

Suggested Improvements

Better quality material for seats and paint.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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