Are all Gen II Priuses the same (04-08)?

[eurosteve]

I just bought a 2008 (with package #2) after making a pretty quick decision to buy.

My question is whether all of the 2nd generation Priuses are identical. Based on what I've read, the models seem almost identical from 2004-2008. Is that true? I know there is the touring vs the basic model but other than that are all the basic cars for these 5 years exactly the same? If not, what were some of the changes over the years? Has anyone catalogued them?

I owed 2 VW Rabbits (1975 and 1980) and there were several years that these cars changed very little. But I think there were subtle changes over time.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by eurosteve

I just bought a 2008 (with package #2) after making a pretty quick decision to buy.

My question is whether all of the 2nd generation Priuses are identical. Based on what I've read, the models seem almost identical from 2004-2008. Is that true? I know there is the touring vs the basic model but other than that are all the basic cars for these 5 years exactly the same? If not, what were some of the changes over the years? Has anyone catalogued them?

I owed 2 VW Rabbits (1975 and 1980) and there were several years that these cars changed very little. But I think there were subtle changes over time.

Wanna take a look at my sticky in the KB? . It's documented there. Just scroll to the year and look at the "Changes:" section at the beginning of each section (sorted by country then sorted by year)

[eurosteve]

Very nice! Very thorough documentation of all of the changes.
Looks like many of the changes would not be apparent to the untrained eye (eg, improvements in air bags, seat pockets, VSC etc). Would I be incorrect to say that cosmetically the cars look very very similar - with no big changes in the external look of the car (other than the touring model)?

[ksstathead]

Yes.

The 01-03 Classic is a sedan. 04-08 look very much alike.

[Tideland Prius]

Originally Posted by eurosteve

Very nice! Very thorough documentation of all of the changes.
Looks like many of the changes would not be apparent to the untrained eye (eg, improvements in air bags, seat pockets, VSC etc). Would I be incorrect to say that cosmetically the cars look very very similar - with no big changes in the external look of the car (other than the touring model)?

Visually, the 06+ models have a:

• chrome grille
• blue tinted headlight covers
• chrome brakelight housing
• HYBRID emblems

But between a 2006 and 2008, you can't tell (at least in the US).