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2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback

5dr HB Base (Natl)

Starting at $14,250 | Starting at 48 MPG City - 45 MPG Highway

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$14,250 average Retail
$21,500 original MSRP

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Overview
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Printable Version

2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback

Summary

Provided by NADAguides.com

The 2008 Toyota Prius is a mainstay in the �going green� mindset of today�s economically-minded car buyers. This five door, five passenger Hatchback is offered in base and Touring trims, with a 76 horsepower 1.5-liter gas/electric inline 4-cylinder engine mated to a 1-speed CVT automatic transmission. It boasts virtually unbeatable EPA estimates in the 48 City/45 Highway range and a solid list of luxury amenities, including auto climate control, cruise, keyless entry, power controls, navigation, an adjustable steering wheel with audio controls and AM/FM/CD/MP3/Satellite.

Benefits of Driving a 2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback

For space and fuel efficiency, the 2008 Toyota Prius can't be beat. The compact Prius has a design that emphasizes interior space and thus it qualifies as a mid-size car, and Toyota boasts that it ranks as the most fuel-efficient mid-size car in America. The Touring Edition gives the Prius a sportier edge, and with front side and side-curtain air bags standard across the line, Prius is an even better value.

What's new for 2008?

A new Base trim becomes the entry level Toyota Prius for 2008. It doesn't have the standard cruise control and heated mirrors of the other Prius models in order to lower the cost of entry versus 2007. The Standard model now comes with a tonneau cover for 2008.

Model Strengths

Astounding fuel efficiency and low emissions
interior space
maneuverability.

Model Review

The super-frugal Prius, with its Hybrid Synergy Drive, has sophisticated electric-drive componentry and a battery system that allows energy to be recovered from coasting and braking. In the Prius, a 76-horsepower, 1.5L four-cylinder Atkinson Cycle gasoline engine is paired with a 50-kilowatt electric drive motor. Together, the two produce 110 horsepower, delivered through a planetary-gear continuously variable transmission (CVT). As opposed to some other 'mild hybrid' models, the Prius is a 'full hybrid,' meaning that the system not only turns the gasoline engine off when it's not needed; it also has the capability to run at low speeds on electric power alone for short distances.

Printable Version

2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback

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2008 Toyota Prius: What's New

Source: The Car Connection

Toyota's hatchback hybrid, the Prius, is propelled by a tandem gas-electric powertrain that can operate in pure electric mode at low speeds and while the vehicle is idling. The gas-burning 1.5-liter engine gets boosted by the electric motors when extra power is needed for passing. A continuously variable automatic transmission is standard and is operated via a small joystick mounted on the dashboard.

The Prius is an almost mid-size vehicle that offers exceptional roominess compared with other cars in its class. It is also a high-tech tour de force, with a large electronic display that shows from which source or sources the vehicle is currently drawing power. Anti-lock brakes, power windows, locks and mirrors, and an electrically operated air conditioning system are standard - with a keyless entry and startup feature among the Prius' optional features.

Last year, the Prius gained a Touring package that includes 16-inch wheels and a "European-tuned" suspension, along with exterior cues such as a rear spoiler, fog lamps, and High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlights. Also, driver and front passenger seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags were made standard.

For 2008, the Prius gets minor changes, including the addition of a lower-contented and lower-priced base model. That "Standard Package" does not offer the cruise control, tonneau cover, wheel trim rings, heated mirrors or seatback pockets on last year's base version.

The '08 Prius is priced from $20,950; the Touring model starts at $23,220.

Printable Version

2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback

Safety Ratings What do the Safety Ratings mean? The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) performs independent crash testing of new vehicles and then assigns them a score based on their performance. The overall crash test rating is based on how a vehicle performs in the following tests: Driver Crash Grade: Measures the chance of a serious injury to a crash test dummy that is placed in a driver's seat and driven into a fixed barrier at 35 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less chance of injury. Passenger Crash Grade: Similar to the driver crash grade, only now the focus is on the passenger. Rollover Resistance: Simulates an emergency lane change to measure the likelihood of a vehicle rolling over. A five-star rating means there is 10 percent or less risk of rollover. Side Impact Crash Test - Front: Focuses on the front side of a vehicle. It simulates crashes that can occur in intersections by striking a 3,015-pound weight against the side of a vehicle at 38.5 MPH. A five-star rating means there is 5 percent or less chance of injury. Side Impact Crash Test - Rear: Similar to the front side impact test only now the focus is on the rear passenger.
Driver Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Passenger Crash Grade	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Rollover Resistance	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Front	No consumer rating Rate & Review
Side Impact Crash Test - Rear	No consumer rating Rate & Review

Safety Features & Equipment

Braking & Traction
4-Wheel ABS	Std
Traction/Stability Control	Std
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	Std

Passenger Restraint
Driver Air Bag	Std
Passenger Air Bag	Std
Side Air Bag	Std
Side Head Air Bag	Std
Child Safety Locks	Std

Road Visibility
Intermittent Wipers	Std
Variable Inter. Wipers	Std

Security
Alarm	Opt
Anti-theft System	Std

Printable Version

2008 Toyota Prius Hatchback

Original Warranty Original Warranty An original warranty is the warranty associated with a vehicle when it is brand new. In addition to the original warranty, select items, like tires, are typically covered by respective manufacturers. Also, an act of Federal law sometimes provides protection for certain components, like emissions equipment. The original warranty is often broken down into multiple sections, including: Basic Warranty: Typically covers everything except for parts that wear out through normal use of the vehicle. Examples of non-covered items are brake pads, wiper blades and filters. Drivetrain Warranty: This warranty covers items the basic warranty does not protect. Wear and tear items such as hoses will not be covered, but key items like the engine, transmission, drive axles and driveshaft often will be. Roadside Assistance: The level of service differs greatly with this warranty, but many manufacturers offer a toll-free number that helps provide assistance in case you run out of gas, get a flat tire or lock your keys in the car. Corrosion Warranty: This warranty focuses on protecting you from holes caused by rust or corrosion in your vehicle's sheet metal. Please check the owner's manual, visit a local dealership or look at the manufacturer's website to learn more about the specifics of the warranties that apply to a vehicle.	Miles	Months
Basic	36,000	36
Drivetrain	60,000	60
Corrosion	0	60

Toyota Certified Pre-Owned Warranty Certified Pre-Owned Warranty To be eligible for Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) status, vehicles generally must be recent models with relatively low mileage. CPO vehicles must also pass a detailed inspection, outlined by the manufacturer, which is measured by the number of inspected points. Warranty coverage can vary from one manufacturer to the next. While most certified pre-owned programs transfer and extend the existing new car warranty terms, others offer a warranty that simply represents an additional year and mileage value. Always check with the manufacturer for the specific warranties they offer. Common features and benefits of Certified Pre-Owned warranties include: Age/Mileage Eligibility To even be considered for certification, a car must be a recent model year and have limited mileage. The exact requirements are established by individual manufacturers. Lease Term Certified Some manufacturers offer certified pre-owned cars for lease. The length of the lease is often shorter than a new car lease, but it will cost you less. Point Inspection These inspections entail a comprehensive vehicle test to ensure that all parts are in excellent working order. The point inspection list is simply a numbered list of exactly what parts of the car are examined. While many inspections range from a 70- to 150-point checklist, most are very similar and are performed using strict guidelines. Ask your local dealer about specific details. Return/Exchange Program Some manufacturers offer a very limited return or exchange period. Find out if you will get the sales tax and licensing/registration fees back should you return or exchange the car. Roadside Assistance Most certified pre-owned programs offer free roadside service in case your car breaks down while still under warranty. Special Financing Reduced-rate loans are available through many certified pre-owned programs. Manufacturer-backed inspections and warranties help eliminate the risks involved with buying pre-owned, so buyers who qualify can take advantage of the great offers. Transferable Warranty When a new car warranty transfers with the certification of the car and remains eligible for the next owner, it is known as a transferable warranty. Once the original transferable warranty expires, an extended warranty takes effect. Warranty Deductible This is the amount for which you are responsible when repair work is performed under the warranty. Some manufacturers require a deductible while others don't, so always ask.
12-month/12,000-mile Comprehensive Warranty* 7-year/100,000-mile Limited Powertrain Warranty 1-year of Roadside Assistance* 160-Point Quality Assurance Inspection CARFAX® Vehicle History Report"** Certified customers are eligible for standard new car financing rates*** Whichever comes first from date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase. The Comprehensive Warranty covers any repair or replacement of components which fail under normal use due to defect in materials or workmanship. (Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii.) Whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. See your Toyota Certified Used Vehicles dealer for warranty details. Program not available in Puerto Rico and Hawaii. For AL, FL, GA, NC & SC, warranty coverage differs in the following ways: 7-year or 100,000-mile Toyota Certified Limited Powertrain Warranty coverage begins on January 1st of the vehicle's model year and zero (0) odometer miles and expires at the earlier of seven years or 100,000 odometer miles. From date of Toyota Certified Used Vehicle purchase. Covers most services, including flat tires, lockout service, jump starts, fuel delivery up to 3 gallons and towing for mechanical breakdown or collision recovery to the nearest Toyota dealership. Services provided exclude any parts required. Coverage not available in Mexico. See Certified Warranty Supplement for warranty details. Beginning December 1, 2005 CARFAX® Vehicle History Reports" are a required part of every Toyota Certified Used Vehicle. See your local dealer for details. ***Rates mentioned are for standard new car rates, and do not include new car specials or subvented rates. Not all buyers will qualify. Financing available through Toyota Financial Services for qualified buyers only.
Age/Mileage Eligibility	7 years / 85,000
Lease Term Certified	Yes
Point Inspection	All TCUV vehicles must pass a comprehensive checklist that includes a 160-point inspection. This way you can rest assured that your pre-owned Toyota is in perfect condition. To see full inspection list visit http://www.toyotacertified.com/inspection.html
Return/Exchange Program	No
Roadside Assistance	1-year of Roadside Assistance from date of TCUV purchase.
Transferrable Warranty	Yes
Warranty Deductible	$50