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.

Honda Insight in Paris: Cheaper, not better than the Prius?

Not as efficient as the Prius in the city?

The new Honda Insight hybrid will be the first real challenge to the Toyota Prius. But is it really a Prius fighter?

While the Insight IMA hybrid powertrain coupled with its 1.3 liter engine will be a bit smaller and lighter than the powertrain in the Honda Civic hybrid, it will still offer very similar fuel economy to the Civic hybrid. Thus, while the Insight might equal the Prius on the highway, the Prius will far out-perform the Insight in city fuel economy.

Of course, the Insight will be cheaper than the Civic hybrid and the Prius, making up for some of this city efficiency, but it will also be smaller than both hybrid vehicles. How much is extra space worth?

Insight versus the Prius? The choice is yours, and choice is what really matters.

Do hybrid tax credits still make sense?

Tax credits have helped Altima hybrid sales

The Toyota Prius has not qualified for a tax credit in some time, yet demand far outweighs supply. The demand supply ratio is so out of whack that dealers are adding as much as $5,000 to the MSRP, in addition to thousands worth of dealer add-ons - and they are still selling.

Many other hybrid cars, such as the Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Camry hybrid, are selling as fast as they can be produced - also with dealer markups. While a few hundred thousand new hybrids will be added to the hybrid supply starting some time in 2009, if gas prices remain high, these hybrids will probably not just sell easily, but many will sell with dealer markups.

So, are hybrid tax credits still necessary? For what, to help justify dealer markups?

Hybridcarblog has been an advocate of hybrid tax credits for years, but isn't new thinking required? For example, perhaps the focus should be on plug-in conversions, EVs, or vehicles that achieve at least 80 mpg. Of course, it's hard arguing against hybrid tax credits when, unbelievably, gas guzzlers STILL qualify for small business tax incentives.

Nonetheless, should Congress create new hybrid tax incentives and, if so, what should be the focus?

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

750,000 miles in a hybrid - How far have you gone?

Is it possible?

I was reading the latest Honda Civic hybrid testimonials, and I was surprised to read about a Civic hybrid with 750,000 miles. Owner, Skip, states "That is not a misprint. I have never gotten less than 40 mpg with the a/c on at 70 mph. I love this car."

Now, we have no reason to doubt Skip, but we're sure many will, and we are trying to verify this information.

Anyway, there are many older hybrid cars with well over 100,000 miles, even 200,000 miles. Anyone else out there with some crazy hybrid mileage?

Honda's new hybrid not as cheap as expected

Cheaper than the Civic hybrid

There has been a lot of sketchy information coming out of Honda when it comes to their new dedicated hybrid-only vehicle. And, new statements from the AP are no less clear, particularly when it comes to cost.

In a speech at the Center for Automotive Research Management Briefing Seminars Richard Colliver, executive vice president of American Honda Motor Co. confirmed everything we already know: Honda will launch the new 5-door, 5 passenger hybrid next Spring. Yet, in terms of costs, Colliver would only go so far as to say that it will be cheaper than the Honda Civic hybrid($22,600).

That seems a lot less confident than some of the $19,000 predictions of a few months ago. I'm betting no less than $19,999.

Has an oil change killed your hybrid's fuel economy?

Is the right oil essential?

Recently, a Honda Civic hybrid owner offered an interesting Civic hybrid testimonial. Currently, this owner has 50k miles on his 2005 Civic hybrid and he had this to say about a recent trip to the dealer.

"Watch the OIL type. they're supposed to have 0-20w oil. dealer changed our oil at 46k, wife drove it home and was appalled to see the meter showing 29 miles per gallon. way less than normal. we called the dealer back...they tried to put the blame on my new tires, but that wasn't the case as i already had 3k on them, with standard mileage we'd come to expect. today, we got the oil changed at dealer again...wife drove home and meter showed 40 miles per gallon. same car, same woman, same distance/route. three months ago after the last change: 29mpg. this time: 40mpg."

Any similar experiences?

After more than 100,000 miles, hybrids keep saving fuel

Hybrid reliability keeps cruising

I was just reviewing the latest Toyota Prius testimonial about a 130,000 mile Prius that is still averaging about 50 miles per gallon on the highway - a pretty common story for older Prii. And it isn't just the Prius, the Honda Civic hybrid has been just as reliable. In fact, some hybrid owners have put more than 200,000 miles on their hybrid vehicles, yet they've had to do little more than change some oil and replace their tires. Hybrid batteries - the big fear - have remained very reliable, especially since the 2nd generation Prius was launched.

Some believe that once automakers start producing millions of hybrids, more problems are inevitable, but thus far, the reliability of hybrid cars has been quite stellar, especially on those hybrids that have been around the longest.

For more hybrid reviews, or to add your own hybrid testimonial, go to hybrid vehicle testimonials and reviews.

A new Prius or Civic hybrid for 2009? Better get on the list now

Gonna have to wait 3 to 4 months?

Cars.com called around the country yesterday trying to find out where a Toyota Prius or a Honda Civic hybrid can be found on a dealer lot. Waiting lists were the only thing they could find. While the average waiting list for a Civic hybrid was 3 to 4 months, the Prius was 4 to 6 months.

If you're shopping hybrid cars, it might just make more sense to tune up your current vehicle in the short term until supplies of hybrids can better meet demand.

Underestimated: Honda's upcoming hybrids?

A very insightful hybrid

When it comes to hybrid cars, Toyota is king, but Honda has been in the hybrid game about as long as Toyota. However, Honda has never been as bullish as Toyota regarding hybrids. I've always figured that Toyota has taken a more aggressive approach to hybrids because the Hybrid Synergy Drive isn't just powering Toyota's hybrid vehicles, but also Toyota's fuel cell vehicles. That isn't the case for Honda's hybrids.

Today, however, Honda is singing a very different hybrid tune, and the automaker is now preparing to fully take on Toyota and, particularly, the Toyota Prius.

In the past I've preferred Toyota's hybrid vehicles over Honda's because I live in LA and congestion is my only driving condition. In such conditions, a Prius is simply more fuel efficient than the Civic hybrid. Nonetheless, I've always been a big fan of the Civic hybrid.

Thus, I'm incredibly excited about Honda's upcoming hybrid vehicles, set to launch next year. While the Chevy Volt is always the hot topic in Prius-fighting circles, I think Honda's new hybrids are being completely underestimated. The Volt will electrify, but cheap, cost-effective hybrids offer far more potential in the short term, and Honda, I bet, is primed to give Toyota a run for the hybrid money.

Prius, Escape hybrid rule city fuel economy

Escape hybrid outperforms the Civic hybrid

When I tell people that a Toyota Prius can achieve as much as 60 mpg in LA driving, many don't believe me. Yet, a recent city driving test by Cars.com has proven my - in some minds - wild claims.

In several tests of real world Chicago traffic, the Toyota Prius achieved fuel economy ranging from 50.5 mpg to 60.8 mpg, averaging 55.7 mpg according to observed tests and 59.1 mpg according to the Prius computer.

Surprisingly, the Ford Escape hybrid outperformed the Honda Civic hybrid in the same traffic, achieving 38.3 mpg versus the 37.6 mpg of the Civic hybrid.

Cars.com only tested four hybrid cars. The other hybrid tested, the Chevy Tahoe hybrid, achieved 20.5 mpg.

Camry hybrid: Best hybrid for the money?

Payback in just 18 months?

According to Edmunds, the Toyota Camry hybrid recovers its costs compared to the the base 4 cylinder Camry in just 18 months. The Chevy Malibu hybrid was second at 2.7 years, although it won't save as much money over the long run as other hybrids. Thus, the Toyota Prius at 3.5 years will save more money than the Malibu hybrid if you keep the vehicle for at least 5 years. The Honda Civic hybrid takes 4.8 years to recover its hybrid costs.

Because of large price increases in the last year, the Ford Escape hybrid, now priced more than $2,300 more than last year, and the Toyota Highlander hybrid, now up $5,482 over last year, take 7.3 years and 12 years respectively to recover their hybrid costs. Ouch!

Obviously, some hybrid vehicles are a great hedge against high gas prices, but the Toyota Camry hybrid is beginning to look like a steal.

China could be key to hybrid revolution, but...

Only $38,000 in China

We've all heard it before. The future of the automarket will be determined by Asia, especially China and India. Unfortunately, even as the automarket begins to emerge, China is already the world's largest polluter, and if the Chinese start embracing the automobile as do Americans, that pollution will increase exponentially - as will Chinese foreign oil dependency.

Thus, automakers are showing off their hybrid cars at this year's Beijing Auto Show. According to the WSJ, GM CEO Rick Wagoner believes that China could be the key to effective economies of scale for hybrid vehicles.

Still, the Chinese government will play a big role. Hybrids, such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid, are being sold in China, but at almost twice the cost as in America, largely because of government duties.

Without government intervention, gas-guzzler sales will boom in China, as hybrid sales falter. That can't be good for either China or the world.

Clean your neighborhood, win a Civic hybrid

Help Clean Up America

Honda is again sponsoring the Road to a Cleaner America, a volunteer program to "clean and beautify the streets, roads, and highways that we travel every day". Organizations that "go the extra mile" participating in this effort can win a number of $4000.00 grants, or even a brand new 2008 Honda Civic hybrid.

Click here for more information.

Hybrid vehicles: Can Honda slay the Prius?

Honda won't be the only automaker with a big hybrid announcement in 2009

"Prius-killer". That's what some over at Honda have been calling the automaker's latest hybrid primed for launch next year - a unique, hybrid-only model with Honda Clarity design cues, better-than-Civic hybrid fuel economy, yet cheaper than a Civic hybrid.

Still, Honda isn't the only automaker with a big hybrid announcement planned for '09.

Toyota will be launching the Third Generation Hybrid Synergy Drive in hybrid cars like the Toyota Prius some time next year, in addition to debuting a few new production-ready hybrid-only vehicles at NAIAS 2009. In fact, one of those new hybrid debuts might just be smaller and cheaper than the current Prius (Toyota's new Honda hybrid-killer?).

So, can the latest Honda hybrid do what no other hybrid has come close to achieving - slaying the mighty Toyota Prius? Probably not, but who really cares? More selection, cheaper and better hybrids - isn't that what consumers really care about anyway?

Toyota Prius CR's Top Green Pick Again

The best green car

Consumer Reports has picked the Toyota Prius as its Top Green Car for 2008. Any Top Pick is determined by road tests, safety and reliability.

In terms of the Best Fuel Economy for the Buck, the Prius is was 3rd overall, the Prius Touring Edition was 5, and the Honda Civic hybrid was 7.

Prius still the greenest hybrid

Prius is the greenest conventional fueled car

According to the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy, the Toyota Prius is the 2nd Greenest mass-produced car in America, just behind the natural gas powered Honda Civic. And for all you Boston Legal fans out there, that rating includes battery consideration so a Hummer really isn't cleaner than the Prius.

Other hybrid vehicles included in the Top 10 were the Honda Civic hybrid at 3, the Nissan Altima hybrid at 6, and the Toyota Camry hybrid at 10.

What's wrong with the Civic hybrid?

Fuel economy interest up to start 2008, but Civic hybrid sales down?

I received an interesting e-mail from blogger, Mike, regarding some data that he put together regarding the sales of fuel efficient vehicles (more). While sales of the EPA's most fuel efficient vehicles were up about 15 percent in January of 2008, Honda Civic hybrid sales were down 2 percent.

All other hybrid vehicles are seeing huge increases in hybrid sales, except the Nissan Altima hybrid, which was flat. What gives I wonder?

The Honda Civic Hybrid is "fun"

A "fun to drive" vehicle?

The DetroitNews ran an article reviewing the Honda Civic hybrid this weekend that called the Civic hybrid, " a lot of fun to drive" without really talking about what was so fun.

Was it funner than a regular Civic? Was it funner than a Toyota Prius, or a Camry hybrid? Was it the way it handled?

No. It was "fun" to watch the fuel economy gauge.

Anyway, for some real world Civic hybrid experiences, especially regarding fuel economy, check out our Honda Civic Hybrid Testimonials.

What would it take for a Honda hybrid to challenge the Prius?

The 2009 Toyota Prius?

In 2009 Honda is going to launch a new hybrid vehicle, one that Honda hopes will sell 200,000 units. That's a huge improvement compared to Honda's top selling hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid. Additionally, it would make the new Honda hybrid as popular as the Toyota Prius.

So, how might Honda accomplish such a monumental task? Read more....

The Toyota Prius: The truth about hybrid cars

It's not just a niche vehicle for environmentalists

I just finished reading Karl On Cars' take on the Toyota Prius, and how the Prius outsold entire brands like, Acura, Audi, Buick, Infiniti, Lincoln, Mercury, Mitsubishi, Saturn, Scion, Subaru, Suzuki and Volvo. Not bad for a niche vehicle.

So, why aren't other hybrid cars selling as well?

Because there really isn't any competition. That's the plain and simple truth. Finish....

Buy your Honda hybrid before 2008!

Full tax credit available only through 2007

If you've been shopping hybrid cars, one of your main criterion might be available tax credits. Already tax credits for Toyota hybrid vehicles, such as the Prius and the Camry hybrid, are fully expired.

Starting in 2008, the hybrid tax credit for Honda hybrids will be cut in half. After July 1 the tax credit will again be cut in half. So, if you've been considering a Honda Civic hybrid, it might be time to pull the trigger.

Honda CR-Z hybrid will become reality

Coming in 2009?

Honda has announced that its lightweight hybrid sports car, the CR-Z, is going into production.

The concept CR-Z hybrid is coupled with Honda's current hybrid technology, and is now set to launch when Honda begins selling its new family hybrid - a hybrid only vehicle - in 2009.

While Honda has stated that the new hybrid coupe concept utilizes the same hybrid powertrain found in the Civic hybrid, it isn't clear whether Honda's hybrid powertrain will be updated for the launch of these new hybrid cars. My hunch, however, is that an upgrade is forthcoming.

Since Honda wants to start selling at least a quarter million hybrid vehicles by 2009, a few changes to Honda's hybrid technology seem necessary.

Prius, Civic hybrid: Best Cars for commuters

Most fuel efficient cars for commuters

According to Forbes Magazine both the Toyota Prius and the Honda Civic hybrid are excellent choices for commuters, especially those focused on fuel economy.

"The Toyota is especially well-packaged, with a rear seat that delivers more legroom than many big SUVs. The Prius ranks among the nation's most reliable cars, and it's more affordable for 2008," states Forbes.

On the other hand, "The hybrid version of Honda's popular compact sedan features precise steering, a spacious interior and a raft of safety features, including curtain airbags, active anti-whiplash headrests and a body structure designed to minimize pedestrian injuries."

Top Safest Fuel Saving Cars

Tahoe and 5 other hybrids lead the pack

So, you want to save money on gas, but you also want to feel safe - it is your family, right? What could be more important?

No problem. CNNMoney has come up with 6 vehicles that save gas by providing great fuel economy while providing best in class safety, and 5 of those vehicles are hybrid vehicles.

The Saturn Aura hybrid, Honda Civic hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid and the Chevy Tahoe hybrid and the Ford Taurus all provide great fuel economy for their class, while also providing excellent safety.

India: What does the high cost of hybrids mean?

Will cost twice as much in India as in Japan?

When it comes to both foreign oil dependency and global warming, India and China are becoming key players. With huge populations quickly becoming interested in automobiles, oil shortages and carbon emissions are on the precipice of astronomical increases.

So, just sell them hybrid cars, right?

That's what Honda is going to do with its Civic hybrid in India, for example. Unfortunately, because of Indian tariffs on imports, a Honda Civic hybrid will cost twice as much in India as in Japan.

In a country where many automakers are racing to the $3,000 car, how can $43,000 hybrid vehicles be expected to compete in the mind's of the masses?

When it comes to the dangers of foreign oil dependency and the amount of CO2 emissions in the world today - 'you ain't seen nothing yet'!

Prius and Civic: Best hybrid deals

Worth the money

Saving money isn't always the reason people purchase hybrid cars. Of course, saving money is always nice.

According to Kiplinger Magazine - and many other resources - the Honda Civic hybrid and the Toyota Prius hybrid continue to be the best hybrid vehicle bargains.

The Toyota Camry hybrid, Nissan Altima hybrid and Saturn Vue hybrid make up the next level of hybrids, while hybrid SUVs, according to Kiplinger, provide the least savings.

Can Honda build a Prius-contender?

One possible new hybrid from Honda

Honda is the undisputed greenest major automaker, yet when one thinks of green automobiles, hybrid cars automatically come to mind.

When it comes to hybrids, Honda is far behind Toyota. How did that happen?

For starters, the first generation Honda Civic hybrid, for example, was almost more of a mild hybrid than a full hybrid. Even today's Civic hybrid doesn't offer as powerful of a hybrid powertrain as does the Toyota Prius. Quite simply, the Prius is the superior hybrid, especially for urban drivers.

That doesn't mean the Civic hybrid isn't a great car, it is. Finish: Can Honda build a Prius-contender?

Surprise, Surprise Prius is most researched and read about hybrid

Prius dominates NADA research

The Toyota Prius is the most researched and most read about hybrid at NADAGuides.com.

Wow. Isn't that a big surprise?

About the only interesting fact is that the Honda Civic hybrid and the Nissan Altima hybrid are more researched than the Toyota Camry hybrid, but more people read reviews of the Camry hybrid compared to either the Civic or Altima hybrids.

I guess when consumers consider hybrid cars, they research Civic and Altima hybrids for comparison before, ultimately, buying the Prius - in most cases. Not as many consumers, however, are researching the Altima or Civic hybrids as seriously as the Camry hybrid, it appears.

Again, that's not really surprising either. While the Prius is the undisputed king of hybrid sales, the Camry hybrid is also blowing away any competition. 60,000 Camry hybrid sales for its first full calendar year is pretty good for a car that offers barely any tax credit.

Honda sued by Civic hybrid owner

Not as fuel efficient as advertised?

The owner of a Honda Civic hybrid is suing Honda for misrepresenting the fuel efficiency of the Civic hybrid. While Honda uses the EPA's numbers, "The lawsuit claims American Honda Motor Co. has misled consumers in its advertisements and on its Web site. The suit notes that while the Environmental Protection Agency and automobile window stickers say "mileage will vary," some Honda advertisements read "mileage may vary." That implies that it's possible to get the mileage advertised, said William H. Anderson, a Washington, D.C.(more).

Honda maintains some owners do achieve the EPA's fuel economy numbers and that the way a driver drives is critical to performance.

Will this type of lawsuit hit other hybrid cars? Why not sue the EPA since it is common knowledge that almost every vehicle does not achieve EPA estimates?

Honda committed to a dedicated, cheaper than Prius, hybrid

Cheaper and smaller than the Civic hybrid

According to Insideline, Honda's Dan Bonawitz, vice president of corporate planning and logistics for American Honda Motor Co. Inc., has confirmed that Honda will produce a smaller, dedicated hybrid vehicle.

The new hybrid-only brand, according to Dan Bonawitz, will be both smaller and cheaper than the Civic hybrid, as well as the Toyota Prius hybrid. Still, even though the new Honda hybrid will be smaller than the Civic, it will still be a family car.

Well, it appears Honda gets the importance of unique hybrid vehicles. Will other automakers?

Where is my American-made hybrid?

Chevy's foreign oil dependency fighter?

Many SUV fans believe that hybrid SUVs are more important than hybrid cars. These SUV advocates argue that converting the most inefficient vehicles into hybrids results in the greatest fuel savings.

While I see the logic in this belief, I don't agree. Yes, hybrid SUVs are extremely important, but they are not more important than smaller hybrid cars.

For instance, if I'm single, and I want to have the greatest impact on foreign oil dependency, it is far better to buy a Toyota Prius or a Civic hybrid, rather than a Tahoe hybrid.

--> Finish: Where is my American-made hybrid?

BW: The problem with hybrids is diesel?

Death of the hybrid Accord a setback to hybrids?

"Of course, the setbacks don't suggest it's the end of the road for hybrids—it certainly isn't for hybrid pioneers like Toyota and Honda. But it's clear that the difficulties that automakers face in marketing their hybrid engines are still vast, despite the growing awareness of environmental issues."

Wow. I doubt very much Honda ever thought it would sell more than several thousand Accord hybrid vehicles per year. In fact, when the Accord hybrid was developed, Honda didn't believe that such vehicles would EVER replace conventional vehicles. While Honda stepped up their hybrid game with the new Civic hybrid, Honda still isn't nearly as committed to hybrids as Toyota.

In addition to setbacks, such as the Accord, the BW article also claims that clean diesel is set to challenge the future of hybrids.

Kelly: Prius is Fuel Efficient Champ

Surprise, surpise? Not!

Kelly Blue Book picked a number of hybrid cars for their 13 Great Fuel Efficient Cars according to CNNMoney.

Aside from the Toyota Prius, the o