• The Prius, Toyota's gasoline/electric hybrid, went on sale in 1997 as the first mass-produced hybrid to hit the market. As of October 2010, it is the best selling hybrid in the world, according to MSN Autos. The 2008 model features three trim levels, the four-door Liftback, the Base and the Touring version.
  
  

Engine Specifications

• The 2008 Prius utilizes a 1.5-liter, inline four-cylinder engine with four valves per cylinder and a dual overhead cam. This 110-horsepower engine generates 82 foot-pounds of torque, with a 2.95-inch bore and a 3.33-inch stroke and a 13:1 compression ratio. The electric engine generates 295 foot-pounds of torque. The 2008 Prius has a continuously variable transmission.
  
  

Fuel Economy

• The 2008 Prius holds 11.90 gallons of gasoline in its fuel tank. It has a fuel efficiency rating of 48 miles per gallon in the city and 45 MPG on the highway.
  
  

Dimensions

• The 2008 Prius has four doors and stands 58.70 inches high. The vehicle is 175 inches long and 67.90 inches wide, with a wheelbase of 106.30 inches in length and 5.60 inches of ground clearance. Its curb weight is 2,932 pounds.
  
  

Passenger Room

• The Prius can accommodate up to five passengers. Front passengers enjoy 39.10 inches of headroom, 41.90 inches of legroom, 55 inches of shoulder room and 51 inches of hip room. Rear passengers can expect 37.10 inches of headroom, 41.90 inches of legroom, 55 inches of shoulder room and 51 inches of hip room.
  
  

Safety Specifications

• The 2008 Prius achieved four-star ratings in driver and passenger side frontal crash tests as administered by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It also received four-stars in the NHTSA's rollover test and rear side crash test. It received five stars in a front side crash test. The NHTSA ranks vehicles on a scale of one to five stars.