Hybrids Cars…Which To Expect As Toppers
The extremely harsh weather that we saw this summer combined with the exponentially rising fuel prices has affected the hybrid car industry like nothing else. Though the war in Iraq has not been openly connected with petroleum-fuel it has definitely affected the prices. The public whose interest in hybrid cars was already aroused, has now become skeptical and curious as well. Worries about warranties, electrical issues and reliability in extreme weather conditions like hurricanes, has been somewhat appeased by major car manufacturers coming out with new and better hybrids. Earlier, a lot of people thought that they might consider purchasing a hybrid after they were streamlined and technologically sound. But today, many more are deciding not when to buy a hybrid, but which one to buy. Performance is the topmost priority for consumers who are convinced that their next car is going to be a hybrid, even though they may have to pay a several thousand dollars more, as well as wait a year to get one.
Makers are in a constant race to improve the technology of the hybrid. Strange alliances have come about between makers to get even more consumers interested. For example, Toyota shared some of its patents with Ford since they believed that Americans wanted more options and makers in the hybrid market. However, it looks like Toyota got hurt by this alliance. The more makers that produce hybrids, the more people will begin to trust that they really work and will work for them.
The latest models of hybrids are far better than their recent predecessors. Because of recent technological advances, more people can focus on the other aspects of whichever vehicle they want. Some people only want a practical vehicle and are satisfied with Ford’s Escape. Others want and can afford the extreme luxury of the Lexus Highlander, which is a SUV combined with all the fittings. For some others, however, the big question is whether the mileage and performance of the hybrid are actually going to be as wonderful as the manufacturers claim it will be.
The Toyota Prius is still leading the market of hybrids. Even though it is only a mid-size, it boasts of having the most horsepower, and goes from 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, which is much better than the two-seat, Honda Insight at 10.7 seconds and 71-horsepower. The EPA has also given the Prius super ratings for emissions standards, the AT-PZEV. To translate, it is a whopping 90% more environmentally friendly than the average car. The Prius is also easy to actually come by. Toyota has increased its production because of demand and has kept the price in the low $20,000 range inspite of the fact that it is cutting profits.
Honda is also fighting the hybrid battle. The Honda Civic and Insight, though not completely in line with the Prius, are only minimally lagging behind. With the price range starting slightly below the Prius, the Honda hybrids perform well with mileage reaching into the mid-50s. The Honda Civic hybrid also boasts the strong iVTEC engine, which accommodates acceleration and cruising more efficiently. Honda has also improved the air-conditioning such that it gets most of its power from electric sources.
For the best among SUVs, Toyota claims the Highlander, with its 270-horsepower engine. It may not match up to the Lexus RX 400h, but the Toyota Highlander is obviously more suitable for most people. The Lexus will certainly be popular with its 0-60 in eight seconds engine and 28/30 mpg. For those who are not able to shed $50,000 for the RX 400h, the Highlander will not let you down. Starting at $33,000, the Highlander offers an SUV that seems exactly like a regular one without the emissions and mileage fears.
The technology that goes into the making of the hybrid car, truck, SUV and soon minivan, with the Toyota Sienna, that is already in Japan, has eliminated some of the worries that they are unpredictable, not safe or cost too much. The performance of hybrids keeps improving every year and makers are also helping other ones keep the market down by sharing some new technology once in awhile. While Toyota has the Prius and Highlander selling as well as top performers, Honda, Ford and Lexus are offering good quality hybrids as well.