MotorWorld

2008 Toyota Prius

Vehicle Overview
When Toyota introduced its gasoline/electric hybrid Prius for 2001, the manufacturer became the second automaker to offer a hybrid-powered passenger car, following on the heels of the two-passenger Honda Insight. The current Prius debuted for 2004. For 2008, features like cruise control and minor accessories have been deleted from the base trim level to lower the cost.

From the start, the Prius differed from Honda's hybrids in that electric power was dominant in its powertrain. An electric motor can power the Prius until it reaches about 12 mph. At that point, the gasoline engine takes over in a virtually seamless transition. The electric motor kicks in when needed to furnish additional power. When the car is stopped or coasting, the gasoline engine can turn itself off. During that slowdown period, the battery pack recharges.

Exterior
More aerodynamically styled than its predecessor, the current, second-generation Prius has a coefficient of drag of only 0.26, which makes it one of the most aerodynamic production vehicles available. The Prius has a 106.3-inch wheelbase, and its overall length is 175 inches.

Fifteen-inch alloy wheels are standard. Touring Editions upgrade to 16-inch wheels. They also receive a European-tuned suspension, xenon headlamps, a rear spoiler and fog lamps.

Interior
Up to five people fit inside the Prius, and they're likely to enjoy more elbowroom than in the original model. Standard equipment includes electric-inverter automatic air conditioning, a CD stereo, and power windows, locks and mirrors.

Base Prius models do without cruise control, wheel trim rings, heated mirrors and seatback pockets to lower costs, but they are available as optional equipment.

Other options include leather seats, a rearview camera, keyless start and an upgraded stereo with a mini-jack port for connecting portable music players. Cargo volume totals 16.1 cubic feet.

Under the Hood
The 1.5-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine develops 76 horsepower, and a 500-volt 50-kilowatt electric motor is installed. The hybrid powertrain teams with a continuously variable automatic transmission.

Safety
Antilock brakes, traction control and side-impact airbags for the front seats are standard, as are two-row side curtain airbags. An electronic stability system is optional.

Driving Impressions
In performance, the latest Prius takes the lead over Honda's Civic Hybrid. Acceleration from a standstill and for passing and merging is enthusiastic.

A solid bar across the back glass impairs rearward visibility. While the interior doesn't feel quite midsize in dimensions, and rear headroom is sparse, rear legroom is abundant. The seats are adequately comfortable, but they're positioned oddly. The cockpit comes across as modern but unfamiliar. Some controls — including the electronic gear selector, parking brake and start button.

Toyota says much of the Prius' braking is of the regenerative sort, without input from the friction-operated brake pads.

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Here is a snapshot of what your car color is broadcasting about you:
Red
A red car indicates that you are a passionate person. You are a "take charge" kind of individual and you are at least a little wild. If you are thinking of buying a red car keep in mind that red cars still have the highest rate of theft and the highest insurance rates than any other color vehicle. Bright red paint also subconsciously sends the message that the owner is in a higher income bracket.

Orange
An orange vehicle is exceedingly hard to find. If you have an orange car you most likely crave attention. You are also generally a happy and upbeat person who enjoys being unique.

Yellow
There aren't too many yellow cars on the road either, but a few companies do put them out; think the Ford Focus and VW Bug for instance. If you drive a yellow car you are confident. You like to have fun and you embrace the child within.

Green
Green is the color of nature. The person who chooses a green car is conscientious. They tend to be the go-to person in tense situations because they know how to keep their emotions in balance.

If your car is dark blue you are likely a very loyal person. You value relationships over wealth and you are calm. Rather than stand out, you like to blend in. If your car is light blue you are serene and peaceful. You also have a strong maternal instinct.

Purple
This is the color of royalty. If you have found a purple car you are a cherished individual who loves beauty, but walks with strength and purpose.

Pink
There are few pink cars out there, but they can be found. If you have a pink car, you like to be treated with a soft touch. You like to smile and you think good health is important.

Brown
If you have a brown car that signifies that you are reliable. You are true to yourself and to those around you. You are earthy and don't engage in "showboating." You are approachable, responsible and worthy of friendship.

Black
A slick black car is the epitome of power and authority. Think CIA or Secret Service. If you have a black car, you are sending the message that you are in control and are self-assured.

White
There are many white cars on the road. What they say about their owners has a lot to do with their upkeep. A clean white car shows that you pay attention to detail. You are careful and pure. A dirty white car makes you look sloppy and indifferent.

Gray
Although gray often represents the dreary and depressing in clothes, furniture and paint, that is not the case with your gray car. A gray car is a comfortable one. It represents stability and self-reliance.

Silver
Silver cars represent prestige, wealth and luxury. The newer and shinier the car, the more this will come across.

Gold

Car Travel
Tips for family road trips

By Teresa Plowright

Are your family road trips relaxed rides with plenty of breaks? Or do you do car travel like a space capsule, hurtling through vast distances without a stop?
Most of us muddle through, somewhere in between. Here's tips for surviving car travel with kids.
Pace: try to allow enough time for rest stops. Two hours of car time, then a break, makes a good pattern, with young children. "Rush"is the four-letter word of Travel With Kids!
Pack: a special backpack or bag for each child, with crayons, books, toys, activity sets, stickers, handheld games-- including some new wrapped surprises for little kids. (But don't give out all the loot at once!)
Pint-sized board-games: can be a sound investment. Our favorites are Clue, Sorry, and Trouble. And a tray-- or "travel desk" suspended from the back of the front seat-- is handy, for any activity.
Pack: lots of snacks, such as fruit leathers, crackers, juice packs, treats; a small cooler, or insulated bag, for cold drinks; plastic cups; bandaids, a dishtowel; frisbee and ball for rest-stops; and baby-wipes no matter how old your kids are.
Play: stories on CD's or audiocassettes— they make the miles fly by. Play a story for the whole family on the car stereo system; or bring individual players for your kids. Visit your local library to stock up on stories.
Playrooms: Burger King and MacDonalds have great playrooms on major highways. Let the kids burn off energy while you order their food "to go" to eat later in the car.
Playgrounds: every school and most parks have them! Little limbs need to shake, rattle, and roll.
Picnics: they're fun; the kids can run around; and you save money, too. Pack your own picnic from home, or buy the fixins' at a deli or grocery store.
Potties: it's worth bringing a training pottie, if your child has need-to-go-NOW emergencies.

What is the the state dog for Pennsylvania?

a) Hound
b) Retreiver
c) Great Dane
d) Beagle

See answer under Car Doctor.

Belts & Hoses

Before starting any long trip or after every 50,000 miles of use, check all of the engine's accessory belts. Today, many cars are equipped with a serpentine belt that runs all of the accessories, so if that belt breaks, you can lose your power steering, water pump and charging system immediately. Inspect the engine and look at the belt (or belts) to see if there is visible damage, abnormal wear or small hairline cracks. Replace any belt that shows signs of wear. Even if a belt appears to be in good condition, it should be replaced every 50,000 miles as preventative maintenance.
Like belts, radiator and heater hoses are also made of rubber. Their condition should be checked periodically. Both the upper and lower radiator hoses can rupture from internal pressure and age without the driver knowing it. When that happens, the coolant spews out, and the engine can seize from excessive heat buildup.