Posted on 07/21/2005 8:11:54 AM PDT by q_an_a
First, pick a car that matches the kind of driving you do -- city or highway. Here are the scouting reports on six eco-friendly vehicles.
I've been shopping for something to replace my aging Toyota (NYSE: TM - News), and I've come to this conclusion: My next car will be a hybrid. I've driven them all, starting in 1999 with Honda's quirky Insight and Toyota's original Prius, each more of a laboratory curiosity than a practical vehicle. In the past three months, with an eye on ever-loftier gasoline prices, I've driven all the mainstream models again, most for a week at a time and back to back with their conventionally powered counterparts. The landscape has really changed.
Today's hybrids are no longer sops to environmentalism. They represent the biggest shift in automotive technology since the development of the gasoline engine. True, the first-generation hybrids were underpowered -- and ugly. But the new wave, led by pioneers Toyota and Honda (NYSE: HMC - News), is vastly improved. By marrying an electric motor with a conventional power train, hybrids save money at the pump, reduce consumption of foreign oil, cut tailpipe emissions, and maybe even give the car's performance an extra kick.
(Excerpt) Read more at biz.yahoo.com ...
When you find a hybrid that fits seven and can pull my trailer full of snowmobiles or my boat, let me know.
Hybrids have a long way to go before I'll consider one.
I think hybrids will work find for SOME people. Certainly increasing the choices is a good way to sell these things. The Ford mini-SUV is a nice choice for people who want the convenience of SUVs but don't have to or want to haul boats, snowmobiles, etc.
The 8th-generation Honda Civic due around October 2005 will sport 140, 160 and 200 bhp engines that have 5-6 percent BETTER fuel efficiency than the current Civic models, thanks to new engines with improved variable-valve timing designs.
Besides, next spring the USA will get the Honda Fit, which will offer even higher fuel efficiency than the next-generation Civic in a vehicle that makes the Scion xA look big in comparison yet offers an amazing amount of interior space.
I just bought a Toyota.. no, not a hybrid. They are still too expensive here in So. Cal. I'll not pay 30k for a car that would cost 20k or less if it wasn't a hybrid.
I guess you have no problem funding terrorists as long as you preserve your lifestyle.
I'll defend your right to do it, though.
I was looking at the Ford Escape hybrid and found out that you cannot run the AC while stopped. You must run the engine while stopped or in stop and go traffic to run the AC. This kind of kills the benefits of higher gas mileage right there at least for the summer. I wonder if you have to run the gas engine for the heat in the winter?
We can do that now if the leftist would stop blocking every energy plan put forward by the GOP, such as nuclear power plants, more drilling in our own country and offshore waters such as the Gulf of Mexico, Florida and California. We have plenty of energy here but the left is too much in love with the Saudi Muslims.
Sure thing, just as soon as you find me a non-hybrid that'll go 40 miles per gallon.
Try the Toyota Highlander SUV. I would imagine it can tow, and it seats 7.
Do walk everywhere, dipstick?
I think you had better up that mileage figure. Several non hybrids do better than 40 miles per. Do a google or simply ask the FReepers what they get in mileage.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid, seats 7, tows 3500 pounds.
My only real questions about a hybrid is how long do the batteries last? If they need to be replaced after a few years for a couple thousand dollars, then it is not worth it. Even using their figures of
Hybrid 2WD price $33,595 30 mpg
Annual gas savings** 214 gal.
2WD V-6 price $26,555 21 mpg
You save $400-$500/year on gas. That means you need to keep it 14-17 years to break even, even if you don't have to replace the batteries.
No...
It's a hybrid? Is it better than an expedition.
You can run the A/C anytime in the Prius.
VW Jetta/Golf or Beetle TDI. I get 50'ish or so in my Jetta Turbo Diesel. The 600-650 miles between fillups is such a drag... ;)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.