cares for the environment, not rich, willing to pay for quality, interested in good gas mileage
Pros
cool futuristic console, A pleasure to drive
Cons
has a gasoline engine, fairly pricey
DEC
1
2007
Toyota Prius - 2007 —
Slow movement away from a stop accounts for middling 10.5 sec 0-60 mph in our test. But Prius picks up speed nicely, copes reasonably well with traffic. Throttle response best between 25-55 mph.
Hybrid system usually shuts down gas engine at stoplights to save fuel, makes near-instant restarts on applying the throttle. There's a slight shudder as engine cuts in or out, and powertrain prone to subtle but annoying surging and bogging in cruising conditions.
Base model's soft suspension and fairly skinny, economy-based tires allow marked cornering lean and noseplow. Touring models have sharper moves, slightly better grip in turns. Prius is also less stable in crosswinds than most conventional compact cars.
I did a lot of research before buying and everything I read said that the Prius gets better mileage than the Civic because it was built as a hybrid from the ground up rather than converted to a hybrid engine. I also have not experienced any trouble with crosswind stability compared to other compacts I've driven.
Model 2008 Prius hybrid
Year 2008
Engine Size 1.5L - 4 Cylinders
Seating Capacity 5 Seats
Class Sedan • Hybrid
Fuel Type Gasoline/Electric
Size Midsize
Style Electric/Hybrid
Available Fuel Types Gasoline/Electric
Available Styles Electric/Hybrid
Miscellaneous
Available Models Standard, Touring
Product ID 45625171