Pros & Cons Of Owning A Hybrid
With the advent of the new Hyundai hybrid version of the popular 2011 Sonata arriving in the new-car marketplace, it bears repeating that choosing a hybrid motor vehicle over a conventional gasoline-powered motor vehicle is not a simple matter. Hybrids boast advantages over conventional vehicles in a number of respects, but there are also disadvantages to be considered when buying a hybrid. Compact hybrid vehicles have been on American roads since the introduction of the first-generation Honda Insight and Toyota Prius models in the early 2000s.
Over time, these automakers refined hybrid technology and introduced it into more compact and midsized models, such as the Honda Hybrid Civic and the Toyota Hybrid Camry, even as other automakers, such as Nissan, Ford, and General Motors, were introducing a number of hybrid vehicles of their own — in some cases, “greening” large sport-utility vehicles with enough power to haul a trailer or a hybrid camper.
Thus, today one can find hybrid models at almost anywhere on the price and size spectrum, from a compact 2010 Honda Insight at an average price of around $20,000, to a hybrid GM Cadillac Escalade SUV at an average price about $75,000, to a Lexus LS luxury sedan at a suggested retail price of $110,000. What is good about owning a hybrid?
First, depending on the make and model, one can potentially claim a federal income-tax credit after acquiring a hybrid vehicle, although this perk is limited to those who buy models offered by automakers who are relatively new to the American hybrid market, such as General Motors and Nissan; current Toyota and Honda models do not qualify for such tax incentives.
Second, hybrid vehicles are entitled to occupy high-occupancy-vehicle (HOV) lanes of major highways in some cities and states regardless of how many passengers are being carried, which can cut minutes off one’s commute. Also, hybrid vehicles, as a rule, produce less noise and emit fewer greenhouse gases and pollutants than similar conventional motor vehicles, and almost inevitably use less gasoline than comparable standard vehicle models. That difference can yield a sense of pride in hybrid owners, who may chuckle when they pass gas-guzzling vehicles parked at service-station pumps, in the throes of being refueled yet again.
Yet buying a hybrid, and owning one thereafter, is not always a bed of roses. There is not much of an external difference between a 2010 Honda Civic hybrid version and a 2010 Honda Civic conventional version apart from labeling, but at an average price of $27,750 for a trim including a navigation system and leather interior, the hybrid version represents at least a $3,000 cost increase before leaving the lot. And after leaving the lot, a hybrid vehicle may require expensive repairs over the course of its lifetime — repairs that conventional automobile mechanics often are reluctant to perform, necessitating often costly dealer service.
For example, a Nissan Altima hybrid owner who transports her vehicle from, say, California to a state with more relaxed emission standards than those in which such vehicles are typically sold (say, Tennessee) may have to travel hundreds of miles just to obtain service. What is more, hybrid automobiles typically require special parts when systems fail, which are often not made in sufficient bulk quantities by multiple suppliers to make their prices competitive, leading to potential sticker shock after one’s new hybrid’s vehicle warranties have expired.
Finally, the same quiet engines that hybrid-car manufacturers tout can be dangerous, even deadly, when children or blind persons who may be unaware of such a vehicle’s approach and who unwittingly cross its path. Hybrid vehicles, once absent from American highways and byways, are increasingly prevalent as more motorists succumb to the attraction of owning one. However, as in many things, the Latin maxim caveat emptor — “let the buyer beware” — certainly applies.
Deciding to buy any motor vehicle, including a hybrid, should never be undertaken lightly, and one would do well to consider the pluses and minuses of hybrid-automobile ownership before making a final decision to purchase one.
Tags: cadillac, cadillac escalade, Escalade, Ford, gasoline, gm, honda insight, honda models, Hybrid, Hybrid Camper, hybrid mode, hybrid model, hybrid models, hybrid motor, hybrid vehicle, hybrid vehicles, hybrid version, hybrids, Hyundai, Hyundai Hybrid, lexus, lexus ls, Prius, Sonata, SUV, Toyota, toyota hybrid camry, toyota prius, utility vehiclesRelated posts
Hyundai Hybrid
Hybrid competition is getting tough among auto manufacturers. Considering the campaign against global warming and environmental conservation, most automobile manufacturers have taken the campaign a notch higher by developing hybrid vehicles.
North Korea’s Hyundai Hybrid has not been left behind these fuel economizers. The main competition this Sedan provides over companies such as Toyota and Ford is the fact that this model has been released into the market after long and keen observation of market trends for the hybrid.
The Hyundai Sonata Hybrid is a trailblazer that can do approximately 37-39 miles per gallon. Major factors such as weight and fuel consumption on highways were used in trying to outdo major competition in the American market which was dominated hugely by Toyota. Out has gone the torque converter transmission and in comes an electric motor that propels a six speed transmission that is automatic. This is a leap that might just provide a perfect solution to customers who felt that other hybrid models have done perfectly well on highway consumption but poorly in city consumption.
Find Your New Hybrid At Edmunds.com
Depending on the driver’s preference, the Hyundai can utilize a combination of internal gasoline consumption and pure electric system or either of the two systems. The result is a mind boggling combination of output. Another problem that the market has been grappling with is the power, weight ration. At 3, 457 pounds, it makes it the lightest in the market. This has been made possible by the fact that heavy batteries have been replaced by lithium polymer batteries. Projected effect caused by slipperiness and drag has been dealt with by the shape the model has taken. The front has been made in a way to allow faster penetration, while the rear is sharply curved to reduce a drag by the atmosphere. A well calculated pricing strategy might just be another card on their sleeve to beat the market leaders. It is not very clear whether Hyundai’s Sonata will cost lower that Toyota and Ford. However, if it does, then the victory will surely belong to Sonata.
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Hybrid Trucks 101
Hybrids are becoming more popular in today’s changing world. There are many types of cars on the road. But what if you are a truck fan, are there hybrid trucks for you? The answer would be yes. Toyota, Ford, and Lexus have made many different kinds of hybrid trucks. When looking for a hybrid truck there are the basic things you need to consider.
For instance how big is the engine? If the engine is too small it will not be able to pull or haul the heavier items. The Toyota Highlander Hybrid for instance has a 3.3 liter and a V6 engine. Even though this is not as strong as a V8 it will still get the job done. Another point to know is what is how long can you drives before having to fill up the truck?
The Ford Escape Hybrid with its 200hp V6 engine wills the truck to travel 500 miles before having to stop and recharge or refill. Other hybrid trucks are also fuel efficient. With a 27.6 of a normal vehicle being the target point to surpass you know that you will need to look for a hybrid with a number higher then that. There is also the fuel economy to consider. In other words how much money is you actually saving compared to a conventional car.
The Lexus RX 400h has a MRPS of $49,000. That is a lot of money to be saving. Of course there are the basic ideas for a truck to consider. Do you want an SUV or a full-size truck? That is right a full truck is now available for purchase as a hybrid.
The Toyota FTX concept truck was invented in 2004 and is now available for purchase. With the sleek custom wheels the FTX truck is a perfect match for those who need a full bed in the back. Don’t forget to make sure the truck has a front wheel drive or even a 4X4 system. If not then you won’t be able to haul things through rough terrain. Of course these trucks should have a special calculating feature that will let you know how much fuel you are using. Along with other features such as a monitor that will let you know the gas level as well as the electric power level. Without these you could end up going out of energy on the highway and not know it.
Tags: Escape, Ford, ford escape, Ford Escape Hybrid, fuel economy, gas, Hybrid, Hybrid Trucks, hybrids, lexus, lexus rx 400h, SUV, Toyota, toyota ftx concept, toyota ftx concept truck, Toyota Highlander, toyota highlander hybrid, trucks