Need a very fuel efficient and affordable car? Check out the 2008 Toyota Prius Hybrid. The 2008 Toyota Prius is a full-featured midsize car that just so happens to be the most fuel-efficient car on the market. The fact that it now starts at less than $21,000 is icing on the green-colored cake.

MSRP: $21,500 - $23,770

Invoice: $20,210 - $21,816

MPG: 48 City / 45 Hwy

The Prius is first and foremost a hybrid — and the benchmark upon which all others are based. Capable of running on electricity alone or in concert with the small gasoline four-cylinder engine, the Prius is capable of fuel economy that no current mainstream car can match — even with the lower, revised 2008 EPA estimates. Like most hybrids, the 2008 Toyota Prius is best suited to drivers whose travels rarely take them farther than the city limits. Around town and in stop-and-go traffic, the Prius’ electric motors and regenerative braking are optimized to provide superior fuel economy and optimal power delivery. It’s OK on the freeway, but without consistent braking or coasting, the battery runs down, forcing the anemic four-cylinder engine to carry most of the load.

One disadvantage of the Prius and all other hybrids is their winter performance. Cold temperatures decrease battery capacity, just as they do for the average 12-volt battery. As a result, the engine must run at first to top off the battery and then more often throughout use to keep it charged. The mileage hit is not small. We’re talking several mpg on average. Chicago’s maddening weather actually came in useful in this test because I drove for days in temperatures below freezing and at times near 0 degrees. The trip computer said I was getting between 30 and 40 mpg in mixed driving. Then the temp shot up close to 60 degrees, and suddenly I was getting more than 50 mpg without even trying.

But all in all the Toyota is like any other car but somehow more fuel efficient and comes with in a very low price.

Completely redesigned, the Scion’s iconic xB has grown in size, style, power, and features. Remaining a fully loaded high-value package with either a 5M or 4A trans as its sole factory option, the slightly softer-edged xB now boasts a 158-hp engine, enhanced driving dynamics. The current Scion xB was all-new for 2008. Although it maintains the previous generation’s boxy profile, it is a much different vehicle, with larger dimensions and more thrust. A 2.4-liter inline-4 shared with the Scion tC and Toyota Camry boosts output to 158 horsepower and 162 pound-feet of torque. Fuel efficiency went down, but we think that’s an acceptable trade-off considering its substantial acceleration improvement.  xB was praised by critics for its defiantly unstylish appearance, its beefed up four-cylinder engine, its safety features, and its reasonable (but growing) price tag.

Price Range: $16,230 - $17,275

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