2012 Honda Insight: Still Honda’s best hybrid
Honda's best US hybrid is getting better
At least in the US
Last week Honda teased a new picture and a few new details regarding its upcoming 2012 Honda Insight, at least the European version, although it is very likely most of these updates will also make it to the US.
While the changes aren’t significant, they should help resolve a few critical Insight issues, and keep the Insight positioned as Honda’s best hybrid offering in the US. Read more…
Categories: Honda Fit hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars Tags: Honda Fit hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars
Like China, should the US reconsider plug-in tax credits?
America needs to Focus on more than plug-ins
Could the US achieve more sooner?
The latest word coming out of China suggests that significant changes to tax policies for new energy vehicles are coming. Instead, of focusing on plug-ins, China is preparing to incentivize hybrid sales, and other fuel efficient technologies.
Should the US consider a similar, and possibly more competitive, policy? For instance, would a $2000 clean vehicle tax credit be better than just a tax credit for plug-in vehicles? Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Buying plug-ins, Energy Independence, Fuel Economy, Gas tax, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Plug-in Vehicles, Tax Incentives, Toyota Camry hybrid, Toyota Prius, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars Tags: electric cars, Energy Independence, foreign oil dependence, Hybrid Cars, plug-in hybrids
Thumbs Up! for VW’s hybrid contender?
Will small ever be sexy in America?
Who needs hybrid technology anymore?
According to VW, the upcoming Up! subcompact is going to offer up to 56 mpg, or even 73 mpg with the natural gas version, when it launches later this year. Sure, the Up! achieves these numbers using only a tiny 3-cylinder engine and a manual transmission that offers a maximum 74-horsepowers in a body only 140 inches long. Then, of course, the Up!’s fuel economy numbers won’t stand up to the EPA’s methodologies either.
So, does the Up! demonstrate the value of hybrid technology, or its irrelevance? Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Toyota Prius Tags: Fuel economy, Hybrid Cars
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…
Categories: Ford Fusion hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Lexus CT 200h hybrid, Nissan Leaf, Plug-in Vehicles, Toyota Prius, electric cars, plug-in hybrid cars Tags: electric cars, Ford Fusion hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Lexus CT 200h hybrid, Nissan Leaf, plug-in hybrids, Toyota Prius
Prius and Insight hybrids are back. Time to go shopping.
Hybrid shopping? You can find a Prius.
Japanese hybrid supplies improving
Had some errands to run this morning that took me near a number of auto dealerships, so I thought I’d check out the supply situation of Japanese hybrid cars, particularly the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight.
Sure supplies aren’t at the levels they were before gas prices spiked, but they are still the best I’ve seen in months. Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, MIsc., Toyota Prius Tags: Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Toyota Prius
Why isn’t the most cost-effective hybrid a better seller?
Fuel economy just not worth the extra upfront costs?
The Honda Insight is one of the cheapest cars to own after 5 years
After 5 years, the Honda Insight hybrid is one of the Top Ten Cheapest Cars to own according to a recent Kipplinger report. Yet, in May, the Honda CR-Z hybrid – a two seater – outsold the Insight hybrid.
Why are sales for the most cost-effective hybrid and one of the most cost-effective vehicles available after 5 years so sluggish? What does this mean for the future of hybrid and plug-in vehicles? Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Fuel Economy, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, MIsc. Tags: Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars
Honda Insight, Toyota Prius Top JD Power picks
Another reason to buy an Insight hybrid.
JD Power finds quality in a few hybrid cars
JD Power & Associates has released its 2011 quality rankings that are based on problems incurred during the first 90 days of ownership and a few hybrid cars ranked quite well.
According to JD Power, the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius are top picks in the compact segment. Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, MIsc., Toyota Prius Tags: Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Toyota Prius
Honda hybrid supplies limited through the summer
Buy your Honda hybrid now.
Shortage of parts could last until end of the year
According to MSNBC Honda’s hybrid production will be extremely limited until some time later this year. Consequently, dealers will find it hard to refill their supplies of the Civic, Insight and CR-Z hybrid vehicles.
Additionally, other fuel efficient models will also be limited. Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Fuel Economy, Honda CR-Z hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, MIsc., gas prices Tags: Honda Civic Hybrid, honda crz hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars
Toyota Prius a top pick for resale value – again
Toyota Prius value lasts - making it a top buy according to many
Resale value helps make the Prius a smart purchase
Edmunds.com has announced its first annual Best Retained Value Awards and the Toyota Prius came in fifth overall. The Honda Civic hybrid and the Honda Insight received Honorable Mention in the hybrid segment.
In just the last few months, Forbes and Kipplingers have come to the same conclusion regarding Prius resale value. Read more…
Categories: Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Toyota Prius Tags: Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius, other hybrid prices rising now
Running out of Prius hybrids, other fuel efficient models.
MSRP or higher for hybrids
Just a few weeks ago, deals on hybrid cars such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Insight were available. Today, most of those deals are gone as many dealerships are beginning to run out of fuel efficient cars.
Are dealership add-ons next? Read more…
Categories: Buying Hybrids, Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, MIsc., Toyota Prius Tags: Honda Insight, Hybrid Cars, Toyota Prius
