Toyota Cars Info

The 2008 Toyota Prius is getting the attention it deserves.

Toyota’s petroleum-electric hybrid sedan sales have reached up to more than a million units.

The First Generation Prius was first released in Japan in 1997 as the world’s first commercially mass-produced gas-electric car.

Since then, a total of 1.028 million Prius cars were sold as of the end of April 2008. The Prius has been a hit with motorists from 40 countries where it was made available. Toyota said that the Prius owes most of its popularity to the soaring gas prices and the development of awareness about the environment.

Of all Toyota’s hybrid model, the Prius has been the most popular model by a large margin

The hybrid technology works by toggling between a gas engine and an electric motor at different speeds while recycling the energy the car uses as it runs
The Petroleum-electric hybrid is not the final frontier though, as Toyota revealed that the future Prius will run on hydrogen.

Down Side
Despite 2008 Toyota Prius’ good traits, it also has some weak points.
-Since it is a Hybrid Car it does not have as much strength and speed as a regular gasoline vehicle.
-Although it can save you money on gas, maintenance can be a drag as the batteries may be a bit expensive.

Conclusion
The 2008 Toyota Prius offers a more quiet and smoother ride.
Speed and strength were sacrificed for better fuel economy and low emissions.
It boasts of its roominess, eased maneuverability and a futuristic interior design all for a price not exceeding $30,000.
Overall, the second generation Prius is a great deal.

Engine and Mileage

The 2008 Toyota Prius is powered by Toyota’s “Hybrid Synergy Drive” which is composed of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors: one is used to drive the front wheels and the other works as the generator. In performance tests, the Prius was proven to be able to accelerate up to 60 mph in a span of 10 seconds.

The Prius rates at 48 mpg in city and 45 mpg in highway.

2008 Toyota Prius vs other hybrids

The 2008 Toyota Prius also faces competition such as Nissan Altima Hybrid and Honda Civic Hybrid but nothing came close to beating it in terms of fuel economy and interior versatility.

To be continued…

Body Styles and Trim Levels
The 2008 Toyota Prius is a midsize hatchback hybrid sedan. It is quite roomy for a sedan. It is also designed to reduce vibrations promising a smooth ride.

2008 Toyota Prius Standard model Specifications-15-inch alloy wheels
-keyless entry
-full power accessories
-tilt steering wheel
-touchscreen controls
-a hybrid system display and
-a six-speaker stereo with CD player

2008 Toyota Prius Base model Specifications
*The Base model has all of the above and has an additional cruise control, different wheels and heated sideview mirrors.

2008 Toyota Prius Touring model Specifications
*The touring model has all of the above and has a sportier suspension,16-inch wheels and xenon headlights.

Additional options for the 2008 Toyota Prius is very extensive. One can customize it from a utility car to a luxury sedan.

To be continued…

Global Warming
Air pollution
Rising costs of petroleum products.

These issues are the talk of the town nowadays. It is a common knowledge that our gas thirsty transportation means are one of the biggest contributing factors to these problems.

The environmentalist in you does not want to add up to the problem load anymore, but you badly need a car.

Good thing there is the 2008 Toyota Prius.

The 2008 Prius is Toyota’s version of the hybrid car. It is equipped with a Hybrid-Electric petroleum Engine, which means it can on both petroleum and electricity.

The 2008 Toyota Prius is also the most fuel-efficient car on the market today.

To be Continued…

The Matrix XRS model

The Matrix XRS Specifications:

-the 2.4-liter and five-speed manual and these options:

-a seat fabric upgrade

-215/45R18 tires on alloy wheels

-front strut brace

-electronic stability/traction control

-three-spoke leather steering wheel

-rear spoiler

-fog lamps,

-independent rear suspension and big rear brakes.

*Electronic stability control is standard on XRS and elective on others

Matrix  XRS options:

-JBL sound system or navigation

-moonroof

-cruise control

-lighter

-all-weather package

-five-speed automatic transmission.

MATRIX 2009 Safety System

The safety system that is present on ALL models includes:

- airbags( front, front side, side and curtain)

-antilock brakes with brake assist

-tire pressure monitors

-and daytime running lights.

 The Matrix S

The Matrix S Specifications:

-he 2.4-liter engine and a five-speed gearbox.

-the six-speaker radio system

-power windows/locks

-keyless entry and intermittent rear wiper

-a 115-volt AC outlet and larger rear brakes.

Matrix S Options:

-JBL sound system or navigation with real-time traffic.

-moonroof

-rear spoiler

-cruise control

-interior mirror w/compass

-17-inch alloy wheels

-the all-weather package

-electronic stability control

-and a five-speed automatic

The Matrix S (AWD)The Matrix S (AWD) Specifications:

*The Matrix S (AWD) is almost the same with the specs of Matrix S with exception to these features…

-4-speed automatic(All Wheel Drive) .

-fully independent rear suspension, and larger rear brakes

 To be continued…