Top
Hybrid Car Performers
by SolveYourProblem.com
The
past summer of hurricanes and rising gas prices has done much
for the hybrid automobile industry. The highly debated war
in Iraq, although not definitively linked politically to oil,
has certainly affected the economy, including the price of
gas. The public’s increasing interest in hybrid cars has evolved
from skepticism to eager curiosity. Concerns about warranties,
electrical issues and reliability in various weather conditions,
has been appeased somewhat by major makers coming out with
new and better hybrids. Before, many people thought that they
might consider purchasing a hybrid one day when they were streamlined
and technologically sound. Today, many more are asking
not when they will buy a hybrid, but for which one they should
put themselves on a waiting list. Performance is the top priority
for consumers who are convinced that their next vehicle is
going to be a hybrid, even if they need to pay a several thousand
dollars more, and have to wait a year to get one.
Makers
have been racing to improve the technology of the hybrid. Strange alliances have been formed between makers to get more
consumers interested. For example, Toyota shared some of its
patents with Ford because of beliefs that Americans wanted
more options and makers getting in the hybrid market. It seems
that Toyota did get hurt with this alliance. The more makers
that are producing hybrids, the more people will begin to trust
that they really work and will work for them.
The latest models of hybrids are surpassing their recent predecessors.
Because of technological advances, more people can
focus on other aspects of the vehicle they want. Some people just want
a practical vehicle and are happy with Ford’s Escape. Others
want and can afford the luxury of the Lexus Highlander, which
is a SUV combined with all the fixings. For some, however,
the big question is whether the mileage and performance of
the hybrid are really going to be as wonderful as the manufacturers
say it is.
The Toyota
Prius is still holding its head high as the leading
maker of hybrids. Although it is a mid-size, it boasts the
most horsepower, and goes from 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, which
is better than the two-seat, Honda Insight at 10.7 seconds
and 71-horsepower. The EPA has also given the Prius its super
rating for emissions standards, the AT-PZEV. This means that
it is a whopping 90% more environmentally friendly than the
average car. The Prius is also one of the easier hybrids to
actually come by. Toyota has increased production because of
demand and has kept the price in the low $20,000 range even
though it is cutting profits.
Honda is keeping up with the hybrid battle. The Honda
Civic and Insight, although not completely up to line with the Prius,
are only minimally treading behind. With prices starting a
little below the Prius, the Honda hybrids perform great with
mileage reaching into the mid-50s. The Honda Civic hybrid also
boasts the mighty iVTEC engine, which more efficiently accommodates
acceleration and cruising. Honda has also improved the air-conditioning
so that it gets most of its power from electric sources.
For the best SUVs, Toyota claims the Highlander, which has
a 270-horsepower engine. It may not match up to the Lexus
RX 400h, but the Highlander is obviously more attainable for most
people. The Lexus will definitely win over hearts with its
0-60 in eight seconds engine and 28/30 mpg. For those of us
that are not able to shed $50,000 for the RX 400h, the Highlander
will not be a let down. Starting at $33,000, the Highlander
offers an SUV that feels and drives like a regular one without
the emissions and mileage fears.
The technology of the hybrid car, truck, SUV and soon minivan,
with the Toyota Sienna, which is already in Japan, has crushed
some of the worries that they are unpredictable, not safe or
too expensive. The performance of hybrids is improving with
each year and makers are even helping other ones keep the market
down by sharing some technology once in awhile. While Toyota
has the Prius and Highlander selling well as top performers,
Honda, Ford and of course, Lexus are offering quality hybrids
as well.
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SolveYourProblem.com : 2007
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