The 2008 Toyota Prius reliability score of 10.0 out of 10 is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Toyota provides a basic warranty for the first three years or 36,000 miles. The 2008 Prius also has a powertrain warranty for five years or 60,000 miles and corrosion protection for the first five years, regardless of mileage. Potential buyers should be aware of the reliability concerns unique to hybrid vehicles -- even after eight years on the road, the technology is new and constantly evolving. As a partial firewall against this possibility, Prius warrantees cover many components of the hybrid drivetrain for eight years or 100,000 miles.
Acceleration and Power
The 2008 Prius is powered by Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive system, which mates a 76 horsepower, 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine to two electric motors, which produce 67 horsepower. Reviewers are generally pleased with how the system automatically runs on one or both of its power supplies to balance acceleration and fuel economy without having to charge the batteries. Reviews often compare the acceleration of the Prius to that of four cylinder midsize cars -- a compliment to how far the car's hybrid powertrain has come, since the first-generation Prius was widely viewed as sluggish. It uses a continuously variable transmission that includes no gears -- yet the Prius electronically simulates gearshifts. The Prius is clearly built, however, for maximum fuel economy. In that respect, it succeeds. The EPA gives the Prius an mpg rating of 45/48. No other production car can match those numbers.
The 2008 Prius is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in 3 trims, ranging from the Base to the Touring.The 2008 Prius is a carryover from 2007.
