Consumers are doing as much as possible these days to cut down on expenses and keep the environment healthy for future generations. One way they are working to do both simultaneously is by purchasing and driving hybrid cars.
The Push For Hybrids
The concept of hybrid cars has been in development for years, but as gas prices increased at the end of the 1990’s and early 2000’s, the push to get these cars and SUV’s on the road got more intense. Today, nearly every top manufacturer of vehicles has at least one hybrid model among their lineup with more and more being added each year. Hybrids combine gas and electricity to allow for a quieter ride, higher fuel economy, and lower emissions. Among the top selling vehicles in the United States, many are hybrid models of long time favorites. The hybrid models provide the same dependability and safety features as traditional non-hybrids.
The Top Hybrid Cars
2010 Toyota® Prius – Since 2007, the Toyota® Prius has been considered the top hybrid vehicle in terms of gas mileage ratings. With an estimated 51 miles per gallon city and 48 miles per gallon highway, the newest incarnation of the Prius continues to hold the top spot. The Prius is available in four models with a base price at just $22,000 for the most economical version. XM Satellite Radio®, LED taillights, rear deck spoiler, heated mirrors, and 15 inch tires are standard on all models. The engine is a 1.8 liter 4 cylinder hybrid, and available options include in dash navigation, moon roof, and parking assist.
2010 Ford® Fusion Hybrid – The Ford® Fusion is a mid-size car perfect for small families on the go. Introduced to the marketplace in 2005 for the 2006 model year, the hybrid version offers 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway gas mileage ratings. Ford® claims that the car can go up to 700 miles on one tank of fuel. The 2010 Fusion Hybrid has a base price of $27,200.
2010 Mercury® Milan Hybrid – Based on the same specifications as the Fusion, the Mercury is priced slightly higher at $27,500. The Milan Hybrid offers 41 mpg city and 36 mpg highway along with nine different exterior colors and several interior options. The Milan will be available for purchase in mid 2009.
2009 – Honda® Civic Hybrid – The Honda® Civic has been one of the top selling small cars for more than a decade. Its low price, better than average fuel economy, and sleek design have made it popular among all demographics. The 2009 Hybrid gets an estimated 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Priced from $23,600, consumers can expect the dependability and function of past Civics in this model.
2010 Honda® Insight - Larger than the Civic, the Honda® Insight is a newer offering from the manufacturer. Available in three different models, the Insight’s base price starts at $19,800 for the LX model and $21,000 for the EX model. Each model has gas mileage ratings of 40 miles per gallon city and 43 miles per gallon highway. The Insight is perfect for the soccer mom or business professional looking for a stylish car that’s great on gas.
2009 Nissan® Altima Hybrid – With a 20 gallon gas tank and epa gas mileage ratings estimated at 35 miles per gallon in the city, drivers of the 2009 Altima Hybrid won’t be heading to the gas station as often. The hybrid model is available in many exciting colors and has dozens of optional features.
2009 Mazda® Tribute Hybrid – The Tribute is the most fuel efficient SUV with estimated 34 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway epa gas mileage ratings. With the 15 gallon gas tank, drivers of this stylish sport utility vehicle won’t have to worry about spending a fortune on their fuel. The Tribute is priced from $29,200 and offers a 4WD option as well as seating for five adults.
2009 Ford® Escape Hybrid – The Ford® Escape is the perfect sized SUV for most. The smallest of the manufacturer’s SUV’s, the Escape offers many of the same great features available in larger models, but at a fraction of the price. Those who drive an Escape hybrid can expect to get car gas mileage ratings of 34 miles to the gallon in the city and up to 31 mpg on the highway.
2009 Mercury® Mariner Hybrid – Based on the same design as the Escape, the hybrid version of the Mariner offers the same gas mileage ratings as the Escape and many of the same features.
2010 Toyota® Camry – When it comes to customer satisfaction and dependability, few cars stand up to the Toyota® Camry. Ranked high among resale value and safety, the epa gas mileage ratings for the Camry Hybrid are 33 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, making it a great investment for Camry lovers.
What To Look For
The market for hybrid cars and SUV’s is just as competitive as the non-hybrid market. This can make finding the right car for your needs difficult. Before heading out to the dealership for a test drive, take the time to explore your options online. Look over some of the top rated models and compare them based on price, mpg, and options. It’s important to remember that price and car gas mileage ratings should not always be your first priority. Safety, dependability, and comfort should be factored into the equation as well. Saving money and the environment is great, but if your top pick falls apart or isn’t comfortable, your savings won’t matter that much in the end. Consumers in the market for a hybrid should consult with other hybrid drivers and avoid brand new models until the kinks have been worked out. Over time, expect to see more hybrids than any other vehicles on the road.
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