Updated: June,
2007
So, you've decided that
you want to do something to help reduce foreign
oil-dependency, or to help the environment? Maybe you're
just a technology buff and you believe that hybrid
cars are a bridge to fuel cells?
The point is, you
have your reasons for buying a hybrid, but not all
hybrid vehicles address those issues equally.
So, why do you want a hybrid?
If you want to use as little gas as possible, then the Toyota
Prius or the Honda
Civic hybrid are best.
These hybrid vehicles look
very different and they feel very different. Both
hybrids are in the same price range, but the Prius is a
bit of a better performer, at least in terms of pure
fuel efficiency, especially in city driving or any form
of stop-and-go congestion.
The Prius, and all
Toyota hybrids, have larger hybrid batteries than Honda
hybrids, making them
capable of using only electric power at lower speeds.
This is what helps make the Prius, and all Toyota
hybrids, so efficient in congestion. It also makes them
extremely green.
Since CO2 emissions are
the worst when idling in stop-and-go traffic conditions,
full hybrids pollute very little in these conditions.
This is why the Prius has become such a big hit with
environmentalists. It achieves incredible fuel economy
and an unbelievable reduction in CO2 emissions.
While the second generation Civic hybrid did increase
the size of its hybrid batteries, it still offers less
electric power than the Prius. Nonetheless, if you drive
mostly on the highway, then the Honda Civic hybrid is a
worthy Prius challenger.
Recently, tax credits
for the Prius have been reduced to just 25 percent of the
full credit (Join
our campaign to increase Toyota's tax credits). So,
if the tax credit is an important concern, then you might
consider the Civic hybrid.
If a two-seat vehicle
is an option for you, then consider the Honda
Insight hybrid. However, since Honda has
discontinued the Insight, you'll have to pick up a used
one.
If you need a little
more performance, a little more pizzazz, then the best fuel
efficient hybrid car for you might be the Toyota
Camry hybrid. The
Camry hybrid was built upon the redesigned 2007
Camry, but the hybrid Camry offers fuel efficiency that is 25 - 30% better
than the conventional Camry.
Both the conventional
Camry and the hybrid Camry were named Motortrend's
Vehicle of the year for 2007 - i f you need a little more
incentive.
Similar to the Camry
hybrid, Nissan is now offering the Altima
hybrid, which should compare well to the Camry
hybrid, though I haven't yet tested the Altima hybrid.
Unfortunately, the Altima is only available in a handful
of states, so it won't be easy to find. However, the
Altima hybrid will qualify for the full clean vehicle
tax credit, unlike the Camry. So, again, if the tax
credit is important, then maybe the Altima hybrid is a
better choice.
The Honda
Accord hybrid is a different breed of hybrid,
but it is best of breed when it comes to Accords. The Accord hybrid is faster, more
powerful, and significantly more fuel efficient than its
conventional cousin. In urban, stop-and-go traffic,
however, the
hybrid Accord is the least efficient of all the hybrids.
This hybrid is a purely a highway vehicle.
Unfortunately, the Accord
hybrid will be discontinued when the Accord is redesigned.
Hybrid SUVs
Perhaps a car just isn't an option? Do you have to have
a SUV?
Fortunately for you, the hybrid SUV segment offers a
number of choices.
You won't save nearly
as much gas as with the Prius or Civic hybrid, but the Ford
Escape hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV,
capable of achieving almost 34 mpg, and it has been
redesigned for the 2008 model year.
Then comes the Toyota
Highlander hybrid, offering slightly less fuel
efficiency than the Escape hybrid, but more seating and more
power. In fact, some Highlanders offer 3rd row seating
which can accommodate up to 7 passengers.
Thus, for a large family, the Highlander hybrid is
probably the best choice because it will seat up to
seven.
Still, it is important
to remember that the Highlander hybrid was not built
purely for fuel economy. This is a hybrid SUV that
provides V6 performance with V4 fuel economy. So, iff a fuel
efficient SUV is critical, then the Highlander hybrid
might not be your best pick.
If; however, the Escape
hybrid is more to your liking, but the styling just
isn't quite right, then you should check out the Mercury
Mariner hybrid. The hybrid Mariner is essentially a
luxury Escape hybrid.
Luxury hybrids
Of course, maybe you
have to have a luxury hybrid SUV?
The Lexus
RX400h hybrid SUV is the least efficient of the SUV
bunch, but by far the most powerful, as well as the most
luxurious. This luxury hybrid is faster than its
conventional cousin, significantly more fuel efficient,
and emits far less pollution. Of course this performance
has costs and the hybrid Lexus is priced over $10,000
more than a standard RX330.
Of, if you prefer a
luxury sedan, check out the Lexus GS 450h hybrid or the
LS 600h L hybrid, which will be available this Spring.
Each one of these hybrids is a good investment in the
future. Even if you choose a lesser fuel efficient
hybrid, your are still investing in the future of hybrid
technology.
Buying a hybrid vehicle
doesn't have to be difficult, just choose the hybrid
that best fits your requirements. Hopefully, this hybrid
cars buying guide as helped you.
