2008 Toyota Prius

*Est. $21,100

Pros

Excellent gas mileage
More trunk space than other hybrids
Distinctive styling

Cons

Relatively low-powered
Can feel sluggish in highway driving

Our Analysis

Consumer Reports, ConsumerGuide.com and Edmunds.com all weigh in on the Toyota Prius hybrid car, ranking and reviewing this car according to various criteria. The Prius also earns prominent mentions by both Motor Trend and Kiplinger Personal Finance magazines.

The Toyota Prius hybrid's 46 mpg gas mileage is best in class, and it has more trunk space than other hybrids, including the Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $25,350); it's also roomier than the Honda Civic Hybrid (*est. $22,600), and gets better gas mileage in city driving. The hatchback-only Prius also has a distinctive look that many reviewers say makes it stand out from the economy-car pack. These benefits, though, are offset by the Prius' low power compared to other midsize cars, which can make it feel sluggish on the highway. At city-driving speeds, the electric motor operates alone; the gas engine kicks in at higher speeds. The Prius comes in three trim levels.

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2008 Toyota Prius

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

Consumer Reports constantly tests and rates vehicles, occasionally picking a handful across various categories to recommend. This magazine ranks highly with us because editors consult data from an annual reader survey on reliability and overall owner satisfaction.

Review: Guide to Today's Hybrid Cars and SUVs, Editors of Consumer Reports, Dec. 2007

2. ConsumerGuide.com

As with all cars, Consumer Guide rates hybrids according to a list of criteria. But because narrative reviews aren't included, the coverage here isn't as easy to read. Crash-test data and warranty information is also included. Fuel economy is the obvious plus, but the Prius finishes behind non-hybrid cars when it comes to engine power and handling.

Review: The Consumer Guide to 2008 Hybrid Vehicles, Tom Appel, Mar. 2008

3. Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com lists all the available hybrid models, along with editorial reviews and customer ratings. However, only a handful of 2008 hybrid sedans have editor ratings; the Toyota Prius receives a score of 7.8 out of 10. High points include good maneuvering, a comfortable interior and great gas mileage, but the Prius is just less powerful than others in its class.

Review: Top Recommended Hybrids, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. Motor Trend Details/Subscribe

This comparison test pits the Toyota Prius against the Honda Civic, among others. The Prius is said to have peppier acceleration and handling than the Civic, and also gets better mileage. This review is older, but since these cars haven't been significantly redesigned, the comparison still has some validity.

Review: Road Test: 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid vs. 2006 Toyota Prius and 2005 Honda Accord Hybrid vs. 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, Kim Reynolds

5. Kiplinger Personal Finance Details/Subscribe

Kiplinger's annual auto issue weighs insurance, service costs and resale value over two and four years, along with other financial aspects of car ownership. The Toyota Prius earns the designation "most fuel-efficient" for its 48 mpg for in-town driving.

Review: The Best Cars for 2008, Mark Solheim and Jessica Anderson, Mar. 2008

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