After all you have seen, read, and heard about hybrid cars, are you truly ready to buy your new hybrid car? Have a look at this quick FAQ to help you understand the essentials in getting your very own hybrid car:

Even hybrids are not created equal. In the city, the Honda Civic Hybrid can achieve a fuel economy of 49 miles per gallon, while the Chevy Malibu Hybrid can only achieve 24 miles per gallon. That’s a fairly big difference, especially because the Malibu Hybrid, which costs $22,790 MSRP, is actually more expensive than the Civic Hybrid, which costs $22,600. So which one is better suited for you is the real question when buying one of these hybrids.

Hybrids cost more than conventional cars. Most hybrids cost about $20,000 and above, so considering a new vehicle when you only have about $18,000 would mean it probably wouldn’t be a hybrid– unless you find a real bargain. But normally, you would need at least $3,000-6,000 more than the conventional models if you wanted to purchase a hybrid. There is also a lot more you actually have to pay for when it comes to purchasing a hybrid vehicle, including optional items such as paint and upholstery pro-tectants, and warranties, which can really cost thousands more in dollars once you have added in everything you want for your new hybrid car.

Gas expenditure will be reduced. The good news is that hybrids use only half the amount of gas that conventional vehicles do use, because of its two sources of power—gas and electricity. Hence there is less need to refuel, which translates to savings on gas in the long run.

Hybrid cars are environment-friendly. With all the alarm due to the greenhouse effect of burning gasoline, hybrids are a welcome development, because they can reduce that greenhouse effect in this planet we live in. Do you believe that a hybrid car can have up to 90% less emissions than the conventional car? This results in less smog, as well as damage to the ozone layer, and ultimately, your health.

Hybrid cars allow for tax and other benefits. Hybrid cars are allowed to park at parking meters and parking meters without fees, drive in Toll lanes for free, or qualify for credits in tax. But you can get benefits for up to $3,400 only, so watch when your vehicle hits the 6,000 purchases, and you can no longer get credits.

You need some time to get used to your hybrid car. You’ll not just get a pleasant surprise when you realize the savings from your fuel consumption… you’ll also find that your engine automatically shuts off, then starts again at red lights… and even the oh, so quiet engine allows you to listen to your favorite music without needing to increase its volume.

Hybrid cars, aside from the usual features and benefits from other cars, come with the perks for you, your neighbors, and our planet earth.



By: Thomas Jones

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Hybrid cars operate on the concept of utilizing gas and electric motors in maximizing fuel consumption and longer mileage. However, this does not mean that all the hybrid vehicles available on the market all achieve the same mileage and use up the same amount of fuel. Here is a hybrid car comparison of some vehicles from different brand manufacturers.

The 2007 Prius

The Prius sells for about $23,000 give or take a few dollars. With a 1.5-liter four-cylinder engine that can manage 76 horsepower and an electric motor with 67 horsepower, a total electric motor assist rate would be about 110 horsepower. The Prius is a front-wheel drive, four door hatchback and is said to achieve 48 miles to the gallon in the city and 45 miles to the gallon on the highway or on longer drives.

The 2007 Camry

Another entry from Toyota is the Camry, similar to their luxury hybrids with four-door and front-wheel drive features. It does have a larger engine, a 2.4-liter inline four-cylinder that can achieve 147 horsepower. Its electric motor is much weaker and achieves 40 horsepower which means that mileage and gas is sacrificed. Still, for a hybrid, it performs much better than conventional vehicles and can get about 33 miles to the gallon in both the city and on the highway.

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line

Running with a whopping 164 horsepower, the Saturn features a 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine and an electric starting assist motor. This motor basically shuts down the vehicle when it’s on standstill and then automatically restarts it when it moves again.

While this may save some gas because none is spent while it’s idle, this is not as helpful as having a real electric motor assist while the vehicle is moving. This allows for 24 miles to the gallon in the city and 32 miles per gallon on the highway; still a fraction better than a conventional gas-powered vehicle.

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid

Coming up close to the Toyota Prius is the Civic hybrid which is also one powerful sedan that not only plays the part but looks the part as well. Sleek and luxurious, this beauty from Honda has a tiny 1.3 liter four-cylinder 8-valve engine and full electric motor support that promises 110 horsepower when both engines are in operation to make the car move. The car boasts 49 miles to the gallon on city streets and 51 miles to the gallon on the highway; now that’s competition for Toyota if they haven’t seen it yet.

As far as hybrid cars are concerned, it’s all about the technology. For the best performance, you may want to choose one that uses less gas and has full electric motor support to give you the best mileage. Make sure to study your hybrid car comparison before making your hybrid choice.

For more hybrid car comparison information, look for more reviews online. From there, you will be able to find the best car that suits your lifestyle.



By: Anton Rowd

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