Diesel v hybrids at an EPA glance

The EPA's top pick for 2009

I've been ill the last several days, so when I saw the EPA's Top 10 Most Fuel Efficient Vehicles List last week, I just wasn't very surprised or excited. Hybrids still dominate, especially in the city. Since, however, I've read a few articles noting the significance of the first diesel making the list.

A manual VW Jetta TDI is rated 30 mpg in the city, 41 on the highway. The Toyota Prius is 48 and 45, respectively.

Many diesel fans regularly chide the whole hybrid cars segment as a fad, but when it comes to city driving it's clear, hybrids are easily superior.

In order the list goes: Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Ford Escape hybrid (and Mercury Mariner hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid), Smart ForTwo, Toyota Camry hybrid, VW Jetta Diesel Manual, VW Jetta Diesel Automatic, Toyota Yaris Manual, and the Toyota Yaris Automatic.

Mazda Tribute hybrid testimonials

Tribute hybrid reviews and testimonials

Are you the owner of a Mazda Tribute hybrid? Tell us about your experiences with the Tribute hybrid.

What kind of gas mileage do you get in your Tribute hybrid and in what kind of driving?

Any other issues with your Tribute hybrid?

Add your Mazda Tribute hybrid testimonial today.

Most cost-effective gas savers according to Intellichoice

The most cost effective mid-sized gas saver

According to Edmunds, most hybrid vehicles are not good buys because they cost more. Accordingly, a Honda Fit without air conditioning or cruise control and little more than a cheap AM/FM radio is a better deal than the Toyota Prius, simply because the Prius costs more. I won't even get into keyless entry, etc, for example, because such features have even far less value to Edmunds.

However, others, such as Consumer Reports, have perpetually picked the Prius as one of the most cost-effective vehicles to own. And it isn't just CR.

Finish: Most cost effective gas savers

Consumer Digest picks best hybrids

Ford dominates best hybrids?

According to consumer reports, the best hybrid vehicles based on behind-the-wheel testing, safety ratings, ownership costs warranty, price, comfort, ergonomics, styling and amenities, are the Ford Escape hybrid, Mazda Tribute hybrid, Mercury Mariner hybrid and the Toyota Prius.

(Source: DetroitNews)

Only 350 Mazda hybrids to start?

A good city SUV?

An SUV that achieves 34 mpg in the city? Inconceivable? Unbelievable?

Well, it's true. The EPA claims the Mazda Tribute hybrid can achieve 34 mpg, and Edmunds.com claims that if driven carefully, the Tribute hybrid can achieve 75 percent better fuel economy in the city compared to the conventional version.

Of course, it has also been reported that Ford will only sell 350 Mazda hybrids to start with, and all will be sold only in California - the country's leader in the sales of hybrid vehicles.

Mazda Tribute hybrid tax credits announced

Coming later this year?

The Mazda Tribute hybrid will qualify for a $3000.00 clean vehicle tax credit, according to the IRS. However, if you purchase the 4-wheel drive version of the Tribute hybrid, then that vehicle will only qualify for a $2,200 tax credit.

(Source: Car&Driver)

Expect more Mazda hybrids?

A hydrogen combustion hybrid soon?

According to the InsideLine "Mazda is putting its money where its mouth is in the effort to become a green leader."

"Mazda has several interesting green options in the pipeline, including a hybrid-electric vehicle with a hydrogen-fueled combustion engine that is due next year."

Already Mazda offers the Tribute hybrid, but the company has indicated an interest in developing its own proprietary hybrid powertrain. Will this powertrain be limited to hydrogen? Will it be a flex-fuel hybrid - either hydrogen or gasoline?

Ultimately, there are more questions than answers regarding Mazda's green drive and how it relates to hybrid cars, but if Mazda is going green, it seems unlikely that the move won't include a serious hybrid effort.

Did Ford fail at NAIAS?

Ford didn't really surprise anyone at NAIAS this year. While it was nice to see a Mazda Tribute hybrid on the floor, there really weren't any major new developments from Ford at the Detroit Auto Show. The Airstream hydrogen plug-in hybrid vehicle was a cool way to launch the HySeries Drive platform, but the HySeries platform is still dependent upon the hydrogen highway, which means it is far from reality. Certainly Alan Mulally deserves more time to have an affect on Ford, as he has only been CEO since September. Still, it seems Ford really needs some good buzz. Hopefully, Mulally has a trick or two up his sleeve.