Ford Fusion hybrid

Cash back and financing deals on some hybrid cars now

Save thousands on a BMW hybrid now.

Looking to save some money on a hybrid?

The 4th of July and after is often the best time of year to buy a car. New models are arriving and old models are being discounted.

Unfortunately, when you watch the car commercials, there’s always an * hybrid model not included when it comes to the best deals.

However, according to Forbes, there are several hybrid cars available with offers of cash back or special financing. Read more…

Real hybrid rivalry between Ford and Toyota still years away

2013 Ford Fusion hybrid

2013 Fusion hybrid will again top Camry hybrid fuel economy

Since the arrival of CEO Alan Mulally Ford has improved greatly. Better financials. Better designs. A better vision of the future. And while Ford’s fuel efficiency focus has been on more traditional technologies, such as Ecoboost, it’s battery powered plans have taken on more credible shape. Even better the 2013 Ford Fusion hybrid is set to again beat Toyota Camry hybrid fuel economy by more than 4 mpg combined.

But does that mean that Ford is giving Toyota a real run for the hybrid money? Read more…

Ford’s latest hybrid promises still come up a little short

Ford is serving up some great marketing numbers

A battery-powered improvement, but still no real guts

Quite soon Ford will offer an EV with the most range with 5 seats, a hybrid that bests the Toyota Prius V, and a plug-in hybrid with greater electric range than the upcoming Toyota Prius plug-in.

So, Ford is set to top Toyota as the battery king?

Not quite. And, if Ford really wanted to make a battery-powered statement, wouldn’t it start by taking on the conventional Prius first? Read more…

Cost-effectiveness: To buy a hybrid sedan or not

Sonata hybrid is the least cost-effective hybrid sedan

Some hybrids are more cost-effective than others

Is it worth it to buy a hybrid? That depends on many factors, including the hybrid being considered.

In terms of hybrid sedans, however, the most cost-effective hybrids still take 6 years to recover their costs compared to their conventional counterparts. Others take up to 10 years. Read more…

Ford Escape hybrid to be mothballed

The end of the Escape hybrid, at least for now.

At least until gasoline prices reach $5.00+ per gallon

While Ford is planning to triple hybrid and electric vehicle production by 2013, that increase won’t include Ford Escape hybrid sales. Instead of a hybrid option, Ford is planning to offer the 2013 Ford Escape with two different Ecoboost engines, according to MotorTrend.

Are SUVs simply the wrong platform for hybrid technology? Read more…

Lexus, Ford hybrids earn 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

HS 250h hybrid best value in the luxury segment

AutoPacific and IntelliChoice Reveal 2011 Motorist Choice Awards

Using survey data from 72,000 vehicle owners with a particular focus on customer satisfaction and cost of ownership, AutoPacific and IntelliChoice have revealed their 2011 Motorist Choice Awards.

And a few hybrid cars made the list. Read more…

Toyota Camry hybrid the best Camry available

Camry versus Camry hybrid

And the best hybrid in its class

OK. When the conversation is hybrid cars, most think Toyota Prius first. So, I don’t think there has ever been any doubt that Toyota is still the indisputable hybrid king. However, when the Ford Fusion hybrid, for instance, squashed Camry hybrid fuel economy, it was a little easy to wonder if Toyota was losing some mojo.

Of course, the Camry hasn’t gone through a major update in years, unlike the Fusion. That is until now, and faith in Toyota’s hybrid prowess has been restored.

Not only does the new Camry hybrid offer the best fuel economy in its segment, it also offers the best price. Perhaps more interesting, however, the Camry hybrid might be the best Camry. Read more…

Nissan Leaf outselling all hybrids, except Toyota Prius

The second best selling alternative powertrain vehicle in June.

Can there be only one hybrid, one plug-in hybrid and one EV?

The Toyota Prius has dominated hybrid sales forever. When it comes to hybrids, it really is the Prius and everything else, but nothing else really matters.

That doesn’t mean all other hybrid cars suck. There are great hybrids out there, such as the Ford Fusion hybrid or the Lexus CT 200h, just to name a few, but their sales make them almost irrelevant.

Consequently, the fact that the Nissan Leaf outsold all hybrids in June, except the Prius, is almost profound, almost. Read more…

Prius-fighting: Is Ford’s C-Max hybrid up to the task?

Will Ford's Prius-fighter be up to the task?

C-Maximizing Ford’s hybrid sales

By 2013 Ford hopes to triple its hybrid sales to 100,000 units per year with the upcoming C-Max hybrid leading the way.

“This is our Prius fighter,” recently stated Ford Marketing Chief Jim Farley.

But do the numbers add up? Read more…

Bin Laden’s death, higher gas prices and American fuel economy

Never forget the role oil played

Retaliation threats to drive oil prices higher?

As America celebrates the death of Osama bin Laden, fear has spread into the oil markets and the possibility of higher oil prices loom great as the threat of retaliations add more uncertainty into the energy markets. This morning on CNBC several energy experts claimed the trend for oil prices is now higher.

Nevertheless, America! – has been a common mantra last night and into this morning. Feeling strongly American? Why not a new fuel efficient American car? Read more…