Hybrid Cars?

Question

With the gas crunch such as it is and our dependence on other countries for fuel, I am seriously looking at alternatives for cars. What do you think about the new hybrid cars? Worth the risk? Do you think they will stick around and the price come down in a few years?

Answer 1

Toyota was first to market with the Toyota Prius, the 1998 model year sold in 1997 in Japan. The Toyota Prius was first sold internationally, after a minor redesign, in 2000 for the 2001 model year. The Toyota Prius has undergone a major redesign (from a compact sedan to a midsize liftback, but better fuel economy and lower emissions), first sold in 2003 as the 2004 model year. So, the Prius has been around for 9 years now... Toyota/Lexus now offers in the US 5 hybrids including the Prius. (They have another 4 hybrids available only in Japan, including 2 minivans!) Toyota has said that they intend to make a hybrid drivetrain option available on all of their model lines.

Check the Consumer Reports magazine used car buyer's guide. The Toyota Prius always makes a top pick there.

Honda was the first to introduce a hybrid to the US market, with the 2000 model year Insight offered in 1999. Although the Insight is being discontinued this year, Honda has adapted their IMA system for the Civic hybrid (first available for 2003 model year), and the Accord hybrid (a power hybrid, not a fuel-economy hybrid).

Ford has their Escape Hybrid (and sister Mercury Mariner hybrid, and I think soon a Mazda cousin as well). Their hybrid system was so similar to Toyota's that Ford is paying licensing fees to Toyota for it.

But be careful about what's called a "hybrid" - every manufacturer is trying to slap the label on something to hang onto the hype. GM has their GMC Sierra/Chevy Silverado pickups and the Saturn Vue Green Line that they try to call "hybrid" but really aren't (the electric motor(s) don't provide any motive force at all!). Mainly they offer auto-stop or engine cyliner deactivation (and in the case of the pickups an on-board generator and power outlets) for minimal MPG improvement.

Then you have the power hybrids, like the Honda Accord Hybrid or the Lexus hybrids. The hybrid system is tuned for performance (greater HP and/or acceleration) rather than fuel economy. Their fuel economy is still greater than their gasoline-only bretheren, but not by much.

Risk - there's not much. The hybrid systems (at least Ford, Honda, and Toyota/Lexus) are warranteed for at least 8 years/80,000 miles, some models longer, and if you have an AT-PZEV model the hybrid battery pack is further warranted out for 10 years/150,000 miles in a CA emissions state.

Pricing really depends on what model you are looking for, and when you're looking to get it, and what dealer (your geographic location) you go to. (There's also some movement dealing with federal and state tax incentives as well.) There's definitely more interest (and therefore longer waiting lists or some dealers charging a premium over MSRP for immediate delivery, or higher used pricing) whenever there's a sudden run-up in gasoline prices. When a redesign or new model year with new features are announced, the older models tend to drop in prices while the waiting lists get longer for the new model. Some areas of the country the hybrids are selling quickly with long waiting lists, while in others they may be sitting on dealer lots (and can vary by large/small dealerships as well).

As for pricing, I've only seen the pricing (MSRP) go up over the years. The only thing that goes down (slowly) is depreciation on used models.


If you can walk or bicycle (or ride/be pulled by a draft animal), that would probably be best. After that, public transportation.

If you're stuck in your current automobile, combine your trips, make sure that your tires are properly inflated, have a tune up if needed (check filters), and use the proper grade of gasoline for your vehicle. Lighten the load (don't carry things if you don't need them), and lighten your foot (coast more, don't accelerate or brake rapidly).
Other tips:
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/drive.shtml
http://www.cartalk.com/content/features/fueleconomy/

If you're looking for a new car, try and find one that has the best fuel economy and the lowest emissions for your need:
http://www.epa.gov/greenvehicle/
but if you are only interested in fuel economy (remember that all cars are tested under the same conditions):
http://www.fueleconomy.gov/

You may also want to look into a used vehicle (less expensive), and the above guides can help.

Answer 2

You are MUCH better off to buy a Honda Fit or Toyota Yaris. They cost about $10,000 less than a Hybrid and get better fuel economy overall. Stay away from the Hybrid kick.

Answer 3

Nothing wrong with hybrids, the parts are typically under extended warrenty. You could find a more fuel efficent car instead.

Answer 4

You better stick with a regular gasoline engine. High tech cars that break, you'll have a hard time to find someone to fix it.

Answer 5

HYBRIDS ARE FINE TOYOTA OR HONDA IS THE WAY TO GO THE HONDA INSIGHT HAS BEEN AROUND FOR AROUND 10 YEARS YOUR DRIVING PATTERNS WILL DETERMIN THE CAR YOU NEED THOUGH DO YOU RESEARCH FOR YOUR DRIVING PATTERN CITY HIGHWAY ETC.