2008 Toyota Prius Exterior Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]

• Overall
• Performance
• Exterior
• Interior
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• Reliability
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Exterior - What the Auto Press Says

The 2008 Prius is one of the most recognizable cars on the road. Its styling polarized the automotive the new shape debuted in 2004, but many have now come to appreciate the design, if not necessarily love it. A few reviewers still draw unflattering comparisons to insects or complain about the car's look from certain angles. Regardless of opinion, all agree that the Prius's futuristic shape is functional, giving the car unparalleled aerodynamics that aid its industry-leading fuel economy.

• "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." -- Cars.com
• "The new Prius sports a modern and highly aerodynamic five-door hatchback body. A split rear window looks neat, but cuts down a bit on rearward visibility." -- Detroit News
• "The car's nose reminds me of a duck-billed platypus, but the rear is cool, as is the profile." -- Motor Trend
• "Appearance-wise, the only angle from which the 2004 Prius looks a bit off, in my view, is from the side, where the short hood is apparent." -- MSN
• "The Toyota Prius is beautiful in its simplicity, with graceful, fluid lines that make it look futuristic." -- New Car Test Drive
• "It's a rolling basket of advanced technology in an attractive, streamlined package that slices through the atmosphere with a minimum of friction." -- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
• "The Touring Edition also features a bigger rear spoiler, high-intensity-discharge headlights, and integrated fog lamps." -- AutoMedia.com
• "If plain and simple equates with beauty, the new Toyota Prius is a contender for the prettiest car of the year." -- Auto Mall USA