Ford Hybrids: Safer than Toyota

A 5 Star Safety vehicle

The 2009 Ford Escape hybrid and the Mercury Mariner hybrid are both 5 star rated vehicles according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. And Ford hopes to use this rating as a way to promote its hybrid vehicles over Toyota. Both the Toyota Prius and the Highlander hybrid received 4 stars.

Soon, Ford will launch the Ford Fusion hybrid and the Mercury Milan hybrid, and the automaker hopes to double the sales of its hybrid vehicles.

That's four hybrid vehicles. Yet, Ford is only hoping to sell 50,000 hybrids?

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)

Time to kill the Mariner hybrid?

Too much like the Escape hybrid?

There is absolutely nothing wrong with the Mercury Mariner hybrid, except one thing: the Mariner hybrid is simply too much like a Ford Escape hybrid. At least that is the point Karl on Cars recently made.

Regarding the Mariner hybrid, "like most Mercurys, the increased cost over the comparable Ford product doesn't return when it's time to sell. In fact, Mercurys do worse on resale value than their Blue Oval cousins. If nothing else that last point confirms which version you should buy (and raises the inescapable spectre of what Ford should probably do with Mercury...)".

Incentives to buy a hybrid vehicle

Ford is offering some nice financial incentives on hybrids in some areas

How many incentives do you really need to buy a hybrid vehicle? Foreign oil dependency is threatening our national security. Pollution from automobiles is threatening our health and almost certainly causing global warming.

How much is it worth to you to do the right thing? How much is it worth to invest in a better future for your family, for your children?

O.K. So, I'm overly optimistic - just a silly, utopian dreamer. You need a few financial incentives to buy a hybrid. Well, even for those with less altruistic motives, hybrid cars can still be a great deal.

---> Finish reading Incentives to buy a hybrid vehicle.

2008 Hybrid Escape and Mariner pricing announced

Ford debuted the 2008 Ford Escape and the 2008 Mercury Mariner today in Claycomo, MO, where the new line of small SUVs will be built. The debut also includes the hybrid versions of both vehicles as well.

According to a press release the 2008 Ford Escape hybrid will start at $25,740, which is more than $1000 cheaper than last year's hybrid Escape. The 2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid will start at $26, 430, which is $1300 less than the 2007 model.

In addition to the lower prices both hybrids will offer "redesigned interiors feature upscale appointments and innovative storage options. Both vehicles include Ford's first "top of dash" information system, a standard MP3 audio jack and a new center console that provide enough room to store a laptop. At night, new ice-blue lighting replaces green on the instrument cluster. In addition, Escape introduces sustainable new cloth seating that is the first U.S. automotive application of 100 percent recycled fabric."