The 2008 Toyota Prius Base is a mid-size sedan priced at $21,000. Equipped with the revolutionary Hybrid Synergy Drive system, it happens to be the most fuel-efficient midsize car available in the market. The drivetrain consists of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and two electric motors, one of which helps drive the front wheels, and the other functions solely as a generator, recharging the car's battery pack. The engine and the motors provide 110 net peak horsepower. Fuel economy for the Prius Base is rated at 48 mpg city and 45 mpg highway. The 2008 Prius Base is available in a number of option packages.

The 2008 Toyota Prius Base comes with extensive standard features like 15-inch six-spoke alloy wheels, aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps, chrome-type finish grille, remote keyless entry, full-power accessories, 60/40 split fold-down rear bench seat with fold-down center armrest and adjustable headrests in all seating positions, tilt-steering wheel, fabric upholstery, liquid crystal multi-information display panel and a six-speaker stereo with CD player. A backup camera, keyless ignition, auto-dimming rear-view mirror with HomeLink, fog lamps, an auto-dimming mirror, leather upholstery and steering wheel, auxiliary audio jack, MP3 playback, Bluetooth, a navigation system and a nine-speaker JBL premium sound system with an in-dash six-CD changer are available in option packages. Color choices for the Toyota Prius Base include Super White, Spectra Blue, Silver Pine Mica, Seaside Pearl, Magnetic Gray Metallic, Driftwood Pearl, Classic Silver Metallic, Black and Barcelona Red Metallic.

Standard safety features include 4-wheel disc brakes with Anti-lock Brake System (ABS), Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and brake assist, driver and front passenger airbags with advanced airbag system, driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags, front and rear side-curtain airbags, direct Tire Pressure Monitor System (TPMS), 3-point seatbelts with Automatic/Emergency Locking Retractors (ALR/ELR) for all passengers, front and rear crumple zones and side-impact door beams. Anti-theft system and vehicle stability control are available on option packages.

The 2008 Toyota Prius Base gets 36 months/36,000 miles basic warranty. Powertrain warranty is 60 months/60,000 miles; Rust-through warranty is 60 months/unlimited-miles; warranty on accessories purchased at the time of new vehicle purchase is 36 months /36,000 miles.