2008 Toyota Prius Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Not much changed for arguably the most fuel efficient hybrid on the market in 2008. The Prius comes in three trims and features a...
Not much changed for arguably the most fuel efficient hybrid on the market in 2008. The Prius comes in three trims and features a 1.5-liter, 110-hp gas-electric hybrid engine. All three trims have a continuously variable transmission (CVT).
Gas mileage comes out to a very high 48 mpg in the city and 45 on the highway (unlike standard cars, hybrids often get better mileage in the city than on the highway). The new Prius also produces nearly 70 percent fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new vehicle. The Prius liftback has 4 doors, seats 5, and offers standard air conditioning, power windows, power door locks, a CD player, ABS brakes, traction control, push-button start, keyless entry, and a multi-function LCD display that includes fuel-consumption details and helps drivers learn to optimize their driving for fuel efficiency. Options include stability control, a navigation system, and leather seats.
Overall, drivers like the Prius's excellent fuel economy, good control, futuristic design, and ample interior room. On the other hand, despite the high-tech hybrid engine, most drivers wouldn't mind having a little more than 110 horsepower. Despite its limitations, look for the Toyota Prius to maintain its popularity as more and more drivers look to go green.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2008 Toyota Prius are quite satisfied with their cars, praising its excellent fuel efficiency and spacious interior. Many appreciate the low running costs, with some reporting averages of 50 MPG or more. Owners also comment on the Prius's quiet ride and reliability. However, some reviewers note concerns about the vehicle's acceleration and handling in certain conditions, as well as a few minor design flaws."
I love our car! It gets over 50mpg!! Seriously! It is the Package 5, so it has every option available. The tan leather is beautiful. We had the windows tinted and they look awesome, especially with the white paint. The only thing we would change is the navigation. You can't use it when the car is moving, which is terrible. Love everything else about this car!!
July 22, 2008Love this car. Great mileage (duh!). Dirt doesn't show. I've put everything from lumber to skis to a toilet in it. Hauls almost as much as my Suburban! If only it seated 6. Maintenance has been suprisingly cheap. Best surprise was 30k mile service for less that $200! Also preferred parking at work and Best Buy. Can't beat that!
January 19, 2011Our Prius has been great, we've owned it now for over a year and haven't had any trouble with it. The exterior is very attractive and the interior has tons of room. We are all about 6'2'' and there is more than enough room for 4 very tall people in our family to ride in the car comfortably. It is fun to drive and has many nice features like back-up camera, bluetooth,etc. But the best thing about the Toyota Prius is the great gas milage that we get!
December 6, 2008What owners say
I love our car! It gets over 50mpg!! Seriously! It is the Package 5, so it has every option available. The tan leather is beautiful. We had the windows tinted and they look awesome, especially with the white paint. The only thing we would change is the navigation. You can't use it when the car is moving, which is terrible. Love everything else about this car!!
July 22, 2008Love this car. Great mileage (duh!). Dirt doesn't show. I've put everything from lumber to skis to a toilet in it. Hauls almost as much as my Suburban! If only it seated 6. Maintenance has been suprisingly cheap. Best surprise was 30k mile service for less that $200! Also preferred parking at work and Best Buy. Can't beat that!
January 19, 2011Our Prius has been great, we've owned it now for over a year and haven't had any trouble with it. The exterior is very attractive and the interior has tons of room. We are all about 6'2'' and there is more than enough room for 4 very tall people in our family to ride in the car comfortably. It is fun to drive and has many nice features like back-up camera, bluetooth,etc. But the best thing about the Toyota Prius is the great gas milage that we get!
December 6, 2008I purchased my '08 Prius mostly to take a step in helping the environment. The 44 mpg that I have been receiving was just the beginning. My Prius is spacious, comfortable and has a nav system that brings you into the 21st century. I have also read that it produces 70% less polutants than other vehicles in its class.
April 7, 2008Since it has such great fuel economy, I found myself only having to fill this car up once every week and a half, considering I drive from and to work about a 25 - 30 mile distance! Very happy with this vehicle and I know you will be to!
August 19, 2014Great MPG and reliability. Fun to drive. This vehicle impresses most everyone who rides with us. Round trip from Michigan to Tampa, Florida for $210.00. Drive one and you'll buy one. My brothers 2002 Prius has over 200K on it and he's done virtually no repair maintenance to it, just recommended upkeep maintenance.
May 11, 2013Gas mileage, 50 summer, 43 winter (the gas engine runs more in the colder weather to keep the engine warm). I can go anywhere from 430-500 mi. on a 10 gal tank, depending on the season. The car handles surprisingly well. More than adequate acceleration for getting on highways, etc, but once you are beyond 60, passing acceleration just isn't there. Pretty well appointed for the price. I have package 4, which includes Premium stereo and Bluetooth. It's larger than I would have thought, and while I can't load up like an SUV, with the back seats folded down, I can get a fair amount of stuff in there. I highly recommend it for anyone that has a hefty daily commute (I travel 85 mi. miles round trip each day). Also interesting to note that you get better mileage in heavy traffic or city than you do on the open highway (at slower speeds, the car runs more on electric than gas). I am definitely pleased with teh car and would buy another in a minute. The 2009 will be the next generation...can't wait to see it!
May 7, 2008Great hybrid car. Test drove a Prius and was blown away with the technology, and interior room.
February 20, 2008We have now had two 2008 Toyota Prius vehicles. The first one went to 385,000 mi! It’s not uncommon for them to go over 300,000. It’s a great vehicle and ultra reliable if you just keep up on the oil changes and give it oil when it gets up there in mileage. Highly recommend!
September 24, 202344 mph combined! Nice ride and quiet. Drives well. Model I bought didnt have Bluetooth but dies have an Aux port to connect your phones music etc. These are comfortable and much like a Corolla. When the Big Battery wears out you can get Green Been refurbished one installed with warranty for about $1500. This one had already been replaced
June 6, 2022Trims & specs
Base MSRP $22,325 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 110 hp I4 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 14.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 47 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $20,950 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 110 hp I4 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 14.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 47 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $23,220 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.5L 110 hp I4 Hybrid | Cargo Capacity 14.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 47 | Drivetrain FWD |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$20,950 - $23,220
Current avg. market price
$6,359
Trending down by 0.7% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
