2008 Toyota Prius Consumer Reviews

The Devil Is In the Details

Written by: Savannah Cook on 06/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I had done so much research on the Prius that I was totally confident in my purchase. I have been so disappointed in some of the design features. The rear window is difficult to see out of because of a bar running horizontally across ... the dash dims when the headlights are turned on, making it difficult to see how fast you are going, and the dash is difficult to see in bright sunlight. The car salesman raved about the new seat fabric, but it is already stained. I would have preferred leather, but was talked out of it. Of course, the gas mileage can't be beat, but it's a shame the other elements don't measure up.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

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Poor tire and Nagivation Problems

Written by: Pro. Env. Eng on 06/01/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

The typical Goodyear Integrity tires are very poor under wet and light snow conditions. My research at Tire Rack confirms my experience. I have decided to install Michelin Primacy MXV4s to increase the safety of driving under all conditions in eastern KS. The navigation suddenly lost its Bluetooth functions on the NAV system screen, no telephone icon anymore.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

Put some high quality tires on this type of car, improve the seat sitting quality and add heat to the leather seats. Also improve reliability to the NAV system.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Jeep to Prius: Great! Even in the Snow

Written by: mjacks on 05/05/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I must admit that my biggest concern about trading my Jeep for a Prius was the extreme Chicago winters. Yes, the clearance is much lower, but I never once missed work because I could get through the snow. The interior is roomy and very well laid out. While it won't win any drag races, it has more than enough power to drive comfortably in any traffic condition. I will definitely buy another for my next car.

Favorite Features

Gas Mileage, Ride, Comfort, Interior Features, Keyless entry, GPS, Bluetooth, flip down back seats.

Suggested Improvements

I would love a sunroof (2010 has it). I wish the GPS system could be operated by a passenger while the car was in motion. Outer ring of wheel cover came off and have noticed that on other Prius' as well.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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You want one of these. You do.

Written by: Doug in NNY on 04/29/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I ordered this unit in September 2007, just before the economy went south. It is one of the best investments I've ever made. Dealer service has been outstanding, but all I've ever needed has been routine maintenance. This car is a joy to drive. I bought it in part as a trade-in hedge against purchasing a next-generation Prius (what holds its trade-in value on a Prius more than another Prius?) but I will hold off until the 2011 model year. I don't buy the first model year of anything. Over-the-road economy, honest 53 mpg. Around town in dead of winter (harsh in Northern NY State), 35-40 mpg. Around-town in summer, 44-48 mpg. Not a good car, a great car. Toyota's nailed it.

Favorite Features

Mileage, overall comfort (back seats for adults is quite good), highway handling, sound system. Reliability. This thing starts right up in winter when it is minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit.

Suggested Improvements

How do I turn off the backup beep? I'd like to be able to use the rear camera when driving forward. Also: install a sliding panel in each sun visor (the Honda Accord has them). Seat height adjustment needed. Also, better lumbar support (adjustable) as standard on all models.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Great car; poor tire wear

Written by: Martha on 04/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Love the Toyota Prius, but the tire wear on the original tires is terrible. I will not have my car serviced at a dealer; Sullivan Tire told me that the rear end needed shimming fresh out of the factory. I confronted the dealer and they said "that may be the case, but Toyota will not do anything about it." The tires need replacing after 32000 miles. The car isn't 2 years old yet and already I have to spend $950.

Favorite Features

Gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Do something about alignment, balancing and admit Toyota messed up.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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I love my Prius

Written by: Nancy on 04/25/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

I have owned my 2008 Prius for a year. I sold an E class Mercedes to do this so I was committed to a "greener" car. I like everything about it except that it "slips" going uphill in the rain. I live in the Pacific Northwest so this is not a good thing. I am going to change the tires and see if that helps. I also had it simply shut down in the middle of a freeway and was interested to read that this has happened to others. I thought I was low on fuel but perhaps there is more to it than I initially thought. I am also curious about the fuel consumption ratings I am seeing for the 2009 models being advertised by Toyota Canada of 72 miles/gallon. Is this true?

Favorite Features

Fuel consumption, quiet, roomy, cargo space.

Suggested Improvements

Better traction. Heated, programmable seats but perhaps that isn't in the spirit of being "green".

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Great technology but less on comfort

Written by: Blomman on 04/08/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

It is a great car, gas mileage, space inside. However it has left things to wish on comfort. The seat settings are very basic, no heat in the seats even though it is the top of the range version.

Favorite Features

Electronic display of speed etc and the space in the car for a small sized car.

Suggested Improvements

The seat comfort, please get the heating sorted! Also the command buttons on the steering wheel are very difficult to manage without looking. They could be clearer displayed.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love My Prius

Written by: allura on 03/30/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

This is the first prius I purchased, when I finished signing the paperwork, I made the salesman go over all the driving info I needed, he did. I was amazed at the interior, it felt luxury all the way. The engine is totally quiet, everything about the prius is awesome. The color is light green and interior is beige, and drives brand new, comes with 7 yr 100 miles warranty. I would not trade this car for anything, wanted one last year but the price and waiting list was long, worth the wait. Radio could be better. All I can say is test drive a prius and you will be sold, take my word.

Favorite Features

gas mileage, comfort, quietness, driveability, everything.

Suggested Improvements

radio and speakers

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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2008 Prius 1st 6 months

Written by: Lloyd on 03/23/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Standard 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

Most bi-polar (some pun intended) car I have ever owned. Great around town fuel economy 40mpg actual! Corners ok but absolutely numb road feel. Surprisingly roomy for size. Good utility from the hatch. Rear camera slow to come. Requires extra care when backing. Keyless features work great. Not sold on the touch panel climate control. Visors, shifter and steering wheel controls toy like. Too easily bottoms in some road conditions.

Favorite Features

Mileage. Keyless features. Cabin utility.

Suggested Improvements

Visors, shifter, rear camera response, road feel, road clearance.

5 out 6 people found this review helpful

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Car Dies in Snow and on Highway

Written by: Cathie on 03/21/2009

Vehicle

2008 Toyota Prius Touring 4dr Hatchback (1.5L 4cyl gas/electric hybrid CVT)

Review

People are going to get killed in snow. I've been stuck twice where both once you go into a skid you have no power to get out of it. It took me 45 minutes to get up a small hill once I skidded. The car loses all power. actually had a cop behind me as I tried to get my car moving so I wouldn't get hit. Dealer said Toyota made it so you can't shut off the Vehicle control Stability for SAFETY REASONS HA! This is dangerous. I've also had 2 incidents on back to back weekends where my car hesitates, the dash board lights go on and I lose all power. This happened 3 times on the highway and 2x on back road same night. This is a dangerous car and I will be getting rid of it once it is fixed.

Favorite Features

I like the style of the car and of course the gas mileage.

Suggested Improvements

Make it so you can turn off the vehicle control stability in the winter.

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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