When you're leading hybrid technology by this wide of a margin, there are bound to be questions. Which is why we've listed the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) of Prius below.

1. Where is Prius available for sale?

Most Toyota dealerships throughout the U.S. sell and service the 2008 Prius. Check the Dealer Locator for the dealer nearest you.

2. What am I compromising with the Prius?

The Prius was designed to make no compromises. With the breakthrough technology in Hybrid Synergy Drive®, we've overturned conventional wisdom that says you have to sacrifice performance to achieve high fuel economy or low emissions.

3. What are the changes from the first-generation Prius?

Where do we start? First, this second-generation Prius is the first Toyota vehicle equipped with Hybrid Synergy Drive,® which offers greater power, better fuel economy and lower emissions than the first-generation Prius. Prius is also classified as a mid-size vehicle thanks to increased room and cargo capacity -- including a 4-door liftback design with a 60/40 split fold-down rear seat for maximum versatility -- and is packed with standard features like a CD player, a liquid crystal multi-information display and by-wire technology. And that doesn't even cover the exciting available features, like a voice-activated DVD navigation system [2], hands-free phone capability via Bluetooth® [3] wireless technology, JBL® Audio System, Smart Key System [4] and Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). [5]

4. What is Prius' fuel economy?

Thanks to its sleek aerodynamic shape and amazing Hybrid Synergy Drive® powertrain, the 2008 Prius is one of the most fuel-efficient cars on the market. Prius has an EPA-estimated combined city/highway average rating of 46 mpg [6]. For more on EPA mpg ratings and tips on how to maximize your fuel economy, visit the Prius Fuel Economy fact sheet.

5. Can I expect to get over 45 mpg in the new Prius?

Reported fuel economy numbers are based on a standard test defined by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (For information on test methodology, visit the Prius Fuel Economy fact sheet). While Prius has an EPA-estimated combined mpg of 46, [6] hybrids are like conventional cars in that the actual fuel economy achieved varies widely by driving routes, conditions and behaviors. The following tips can help Prius drivers get the best possible fuel economy:

• Make sure tire pressures are maintained at levels specified in the Owner's Manual. Low tire pressures increase the car's road resistance and can have an impact on fuel economy.
• Link trips if possible. As the engine uses more fuel to warm up after it's started, fewer starts with a cold engine will improve gas mileage.
• Avoid driving at speeds that are higher than necessary, especially on the highway. For the same distance, driving Prius faster will usually result in lower fuel economy.
• When possible, avoid sudden stops to maximize the regenerative braking capability of the Prius.
• Accelerate moderately, avoiding jackrabbit starts.
• Don't carry unnecessary loads as additional weight can decrease fuel economy.
• Despite Prius' significantly improved electric air conditioning from the prior generation, less use of the A/C will translate into better gas mileage.

Remember, Prius' multi-information display provides the driver instantaneous fuel economy values. Owners frequently report that, over time, this feature on Prius "teaches" them how to become more fuel-efficient drivers.

6. What is the emissions rating of Prius?

Prius is certified as an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV), [7] a standard created by the California Air Resources Board and adopted by other states. [7] AT-PZEV certification means Prius has near-zero tailpipe emissions, zero evaporative emissions and a special extended warranty on emission control components. [7], [8] It is one step cleaner than the previous generation's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) certification.

7. What are the features and specifications of the car?

To view a listing of current features and specifications, visit Prius' Specifications page.

8. Is Prius available with a manual transmission?

No. Prius' electronically controlled continuously variable transmission (ECVT) comes standard and in fact, is an integral component to the amazing performance of Hybrid Synergy Drive.® It is so important that we often refer to it with a new name: the Power Split Device.

9. Do I need to plug Prius in?

Never. Prius automatically recharges its batteries using regenerative braking, or by running the onboard generator. The driver never needs to worry about recharging the battery.

10. Do I need to use special gasoline?

No. Prius can be fueled with regular 87-octane gasoline, saving you money at the pump.

11. Can Prius be jump-started?

Yes. Should you need it, Prius can be jump-started with any standard 12-volt DC power source, and it actually requires less power than a conventional car. Simply connect the cable clamps to access points under the hood (which are connected to the auxiliary battery near the cargo area) and energize the computer. Then press the Start button to turn the car on. Please see your Owner's Manual for further instructions.

12. Can Prius run on electricity when it runs out of gas?

No. Though Prius can operate in electric-only mode when gasoline is in the tank, it is not designed to run without gasoline. Doing so could cause severe damage to the hybrid system, so drivers should be sure to keep gas in the tank at all times.

13. Why does Prius look different from most other vehicles on the road?

Prius' look is as much substance as it is style. Its "aerodynamic mono-form" design offers a coefficient of drag (Cd) of .26, one of the lowest of any production vehicles in the world, greatly improving fuel economy. In addition, Prius' design philosophy focused on creating the greatest interior room with the least exterior footprint, offering both driver comfort and maneuverability. Toyota also believes that the Prius owner is unique and thus deserves a uniquely styled vehicle to drive.

14. How does Prius compare to conventional cars with respect to safety features?

The 2008 Prius is equipped with many advanced safety features. Prius helps avoid accidents altogether with a standard Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist, [9] plus available Vehicle Stability Control (VSC). [5] In an emergency, its strong mono-form shape, front crumple zones, standard driver and front passenger Advanced Airbag System, [10] standard driver and front passenger front seat-mounted side airbags and front and rear side curtain airbags [10] help protect its occupants from harm. The batteries are sealed and have built-in security measures to help prevent any leakage or shock in the case of an accident.

15. How often does Prius need to be serviced?

Prius needs no more servicing than a conventional car.

16. What is the warranty for Prius?

Toyota has extreme faith in our hybrid technology, so Prius comes standard with the following coverage:

• Basic: 36 months/36,000 miles (all components other than normal wear and maintenance items).
• Hybrid-Related Component Coverage: Hybrid-related components, including the HV battery, battery control module, hybrid control module and inverter with converter, are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles. The HV battery may have longer coverage under emissions warranty. Refer to applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet for details.
• Powertrain: 60 months/60,000 miles (engine, transmission/transaxle, front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, seatbelts and airbags).
• Rust-Through: 60 months/unlimited miles (corrosion perforation of sheet metal).
• Emissions: Coverages vary under Federal and California regulations. Refer to applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet for details.
• Accessories: For accessories purchased at the time of the new vehicle purchase, the Toyota Accessory Warranty coverage is in effect for 36 months/36,000 miles from the vehicle's in-service date, which is the same coverage as the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty. For accessories purchased after the new vehicle purchase the coverage is 12 months, regardless of mileage, from the date the accessory was installed on the vehicle, or the remainder of any applicable new vehicle warranty, whichever provides greater coverage, with the exception of car covers. Car covers are warranted for 12 months from the date of purchase and do not assume any coverage under the Toyota New Vehicle Limited Warranty.
• You may be eligible for transportation assistance if it's necessary that your vehicle be kept overnight for repairs covered under warranty. Please see your authorized Toyota dealership for further details.

For complete details about Toyota's warranties, please visit www.toyota.com, refer to the applicable Owner's Warranty Information booklet or see your Toyota dealer.

17. Which mobile phones are compatible with Prius' available Bluetooth® [3] capability?

To find out which mobile phones are compatible with Prius' available Bluetooth® [3] capability, visit www.toyota.com/bluetooth.

18. How long will the car last?

Prius is designed to be as durable as any other Toyota, which considering Toyota's reputation, is a pretty long time. In addition, the hybrid battery has been made smaller and more durable than its predecessor.

19. What tax or other incentives are available upon purchasing a Prius?

People who purchase a 2007 or 2008 Prius prior to October 1, 2007 may be eligible for a federal tax credit. [11] Those who purchased a Prius in 2004 and 2005 may be eligible for a federal tax deduction [11] of up to $2000. In addition, numerous states offer financial or other incentives for hybrid vehicle purchases (or leases), so check your local regulations and be sure to consult with a tax advisor. For more on the federal tax deduction or credit, visit Prius' Tax Information page.

20. Can Prius drive in carpool lanes with a single occupant?

A recent change in federal law permits states to allow certain fuel-efficient vehicles, including hybrids, to use high-occupant vehicle (HOV) lanes or "carpool lanes" without the typical requirement of at least two occupants per vehicle.  It is up to each state to determine whether and how to implement this exception to HOV lane use restrictions. Several states now give Prius owners carpool lane privileges if you have a permit. For a list of states click here.

21. What is Toyota's commitment to hybrid technology?

For the last decade, Toyota has been committed to the development of hybrid vehicle technology. In 1997, we were the first automaker to sell a mass-produced hybrid vehicle in the world (Prius in Japan). Since then, we have succeeded in introducing Prius to other markets (Canada, Europe, Australia, etc.) and have launched the hybrid Estima minivan and Crown sedan in Japan.

We believe that our latest generation of hybrid technology -- Hybrid Synergy Drive® -- offers drivers the best of both worlds: maximum driving performance with the least impact on the environment. It can be deployed on virtually any platform in the Toyota family, and will serve as the basis of our expanded hybrid lineup over the next decade.

22. Does Prius offer the automatic parking feature?

No. Currently only Prius models sold in Japan offer Intelligent Parking Assist.

23. Does Toyota offer a newsletter for Prius owners and enthusiasts?

Yes. Prius owners and enthusiasts can get the latest information and news with the Hybrid Synergy View newsletter. To subscribe click here.

24. Does Toyota support the modification of my Prius to be a plug-in Hybrid and run on electric mode only with a switch?

Any such alterations, modifications or tampering with the vehicle voids the warranty and is likely to be counterproductive for air quality and Prius' durability and safety.