Incentives for hybrid buyers

Even some deals on the Prius?

For the last several months Honda has offered the best deals for hybrid shoppers, but for those not interested in a Honda hybrid, the hybrid bargains haven't been as plentiful.

Last night, however, I stopped by my local Toyota dealership and found several hybrid specials, even on the Toyota Prius. For instance I could lease a package 2 Prius for $249 month, or receive a $500 rebate or 0 percent financing on a Camry hybrid.

Anyone else been shopping hybrid cars recently?

Forbes: Best cars for highway commuting

Fusion hybrid one of 3 hybrids on Forbes list

Three hybrid cars made the Forbes list of best autos for highway commuting. The Ford Fusion hybrid, the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Honda Civic hybrid were picked for their high Consumer Report's rankings, highway fuel efficiency, legroom and headroom.

JD Power: Prius most dependable compact

Tops according to JD Power and Consumer Reports

Here we go again. Numerous lawyers around the country have called Toyota vehicles unsafe and unreliable. Yet, again, however, real world data doesn't match these assertions.

Not long ago, despite the recalls, Consumer Reports data again showed that Toyota is still one of the most reliable brands, and both the Prius and Camry hybrid were Top Ten Best Values.

Today, JD Power has released its latest reliability findings and the Prius is the most dependable compact car. While Toyota did drop 3 spots in dependability to number 5, Lexus was third and Toyota still topped more segments than any other automaker.

Best Values: Fusion hybrid v Camry hybrid

91 percent would buy again

The Ford Fusion hybrid topped the Toyota Prius in the Consumer Reports 'Buy Again' category. 91 percent of Fusion hybrid buyers would buy again, while 88 percent of Prius buyers would buy again.

Interestingly, however, according to Consumer Report's testing, the Camry hybrid and the Fusion hybrid both average about 34 mpg, despite the EPA's higher fuel economy rating for the Fusion hybrid. Still, both hybrid cars offered Top 10 fuel economy.

Ultimately, the Camry hybrid came in as CR's 10th Top Value, ahead of the Fusion hybrid, which did not make the Top 10.

Hyundai hybrids: Everything in place for greatness

In a class of its own?

I've been very excited about the potential of Hyundai hybrid cars ever since Hyundai announced its lithium-polymer powered Hybrid Blue Drive at the 2008 LA Auto Show. According to many experts, Hyundai's lithium-polymer technology might give Hyundai an edge in lithium battery production.

And, now that the Hyundai Sonata hybrid is just months away from hitting US dealerships, my excitement is beginning to percolate.

In recent weeks we've learned that the new Sonata is cheaper and lighter than all other vehicles in its class. Moreover, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has now given the Sonata its Top Safety Pick. What more could you want?

A hybrid version with class leading fuel economy at the lowest price in its class, of course.

Recently, Hyundai admitted that although they were late to the hybrid game, they were quickly ramping up their efforts. If Hyundai can offer the new Sonata hybrid for less than the Toyota Camry hybrid while matching or topping the fuel economy of the Ford Fusion hybrid, I'll be a believer - not just in Hyundai's hybrid plans, but their plans for plug-in hybrid leadership as well.

Hyundai Sonata hybrid: Cheaper than Fusion and Camry hybrids?

Hyundai's upcoming Hybrid Blue Drive

Today, Hyundai released pricing on the 2011 Sonata. While the Sonata hybrid was not on the list, the conventional Sonata is priced lower than the competition, especially at the premium trim levels.

Since most hybrids include many premium trim level components, Hyundai Sonata hybrid pricing might undercut both the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid.

Hyundai had a pretty good 2009 and 2010 is expected to be even better, especially in light of Toyota's recall problems. Topping the year off with a Sonata hybrid that is cheaper and more cost-effective than the competition would be some pretty sweet icing on the cake.

2010: The big questions

The rubber finally hits the road

2010. Here we come.

While 2010 isn't going to be quite as significant for the hybrid market as I would have expected a few years ago, there are a few interesting stories developing:

1.) Will any hybrid, aside from the Prius, sell 50,000 units in one year?
2.) Can the Honda CR-Z hybrid reinvigorate Honda's hybrid sales?
3.) Will the Hyundai Sonata hybrid make it to America, and how will the Sonata hybrid compare to the Toyota Camry hybrid and the Ford Fusion hybrid in terms of price and fuel economy?
4.) What will be Toyota's next dedicated hybrid, and how many other hybrids will Toyota announce, debut, etc?
5.) Finally, after years of hype the Chevy Volt will go on sale. How many units will GM produce in 2010? Will there be any delays? Final pricing, options?

10,000 Camry hybrids per year for Australia

Being built down under

Toyota is now producing the Camry hybrid in Australia. To start, Toyota hopes to produce and sell about 10,000 Camry hybrids in the Australian market.

And the Hybrid Synergy Drives just keeps on scaling.

US hybrid sales can't top 3 percent market share

Fusion hybrid sales up 73 percent

Compared to last year, this year's November hybrid vehicle auto sales were up 21 percent. Still, total new car market share was only 2.7 percent for hybrid cars.

Almost half of all hybrids sold were Toyota Prius hybrids, and almost three-quarters of all hybrids sold were made by Toyota.

The only real bright spot outside of Toyota was the Ford Fusion hybrid with 2,361 total units sold. For comparison the similarly-sized Toyota Camry hybrid sold 1,465 units. However, the Prius sold 9,617 units.

Prius, Camry hybrid gas pedals to be replaced

Ready for a trip to the dealership

Toyota has announced that it will eventually replace the gas pedals on all 2004-09 Toyota Prius and Camry hybrid cars. In the interim, owners can have their gas pedal shortened to prevent the possibility of the gas pedal catching under a loose floor mat.

Toyota floor mat issue almost resolved

Shorten the gas pedal?

If you own a 2004-'09 Toyota Prius or a 2007-'10 Toyota Camry hybrid then you've probably received your floor mat recall notice already.

Still, Toyota hasn't fully figured out its long term plan for dealing with this issue and negotiations with NHTSA are ongoing. Nonetheless, it seems that the final fix will include shortening the gas pedal in these vehicles. Reports indicate Toyota has already set aside money for this purpose.

Toyota keeps natural gas hybrid idea alive

Next job: Surfrider Foundation outreach

At SEMA Toyota is showing off a natural gas Toyota Camry hybrid that will be used by the Surfrider Foundation for various public outreach programs.

So, how will the CNG hybrid perform?

Basically everything is the same, except the fuel system was replaced with a natural gas system that does utilize a chunk of trunk space. Likewise, total horsepower drops to 170 hp from 187 hp. Range is 250+ miles.

I wonder when Boone is getting his?

Can another hybrid top Prius sales?

What would it take to dethrone the king?

The Toyota Camry is far more popular than the Toyota Prius, yet the Camry hybrid has never come close to matching Prius sales. Why (and it's not just a supply issue)?

Is it simply the unique design of the Prius? The cheaper price? The greater fuel efficiency? All of the above?

Are small cars the only cost-effective platform for successful hybrid cars? For instance, could a unique hybrid truck or crossover compete? What about a unique Camry-sized hybrid?

What would it take to surpass the Prius?

Is the Toyota Prius irrelevant?

Is the Camry hybrid the ultimate barometer?

Toyota is now ramping up its lobbying efforts in Japan hoping to extend tax credits for environmentally-friendly cars, particularly hybrid cars, for another two years. Thus far these credits have pushed the Toyota Prius to the top of the sales list in Japan. Yet, what would Prius sales be without these tax credits?

Likewise, despite the fact the Prius was a top ten cash for clunker seller, the Prius still did not crack the 10 best selling vehicles list for August.

Until Camry hybrid sales outperform conventional Camry sales, for instance, aren't hybrid cars and the Toyota Prius basically irrelevant?

Dedicated GM hybrid sedan coming

Will its tech top the Fusion hybrid?

GM is working on a new dedicated hybrid sedan according to reports. Unfortunately, there are few details regarding this new hybrid.

Certainly, it is good news to learn that GM is working on a dedicated hybrid. Still, it will be interesting to see if a dedicated hybrid sedan offers a more compelling consumer case than either a Ford Fusion hybrid or a Toyota Camry hybrid.

Nonetheless, the king of hybrid cars is still the Toyota Prius. Why not take on the king?

Fusion smackdown: Lithium to power Camry hybrid soon

The perfect Toyota hybrid for lithium?

OK. This is pure speculation. Nonetheless, there was a time when Toyota had verbally committed to putting lithium-ion batteries into the third generation Prius.

Then a few cell phones and laptops blew up. But, that wasn't all that happened to stymie lithium Prii.

Gas prices began to spike and Toyota Prius demand went through the ceiling. Imagine making your first lithium hybrid roll out in a car with such huge production numbers, demand, and expectations. One bad thermodynamic event and the king of hybrid cars drops from first to last. Hence, Toyota indicated that the first Toyota lithium hybrid might be a Lexus.

Screw Lexus. Now that Ford has rolled out the Ford Fusion hybrid, Toyota needs to send a strong response.

Thus, if Toyota is to keep its hybrid edge, I can think of no better entry point today for lithium than the Camry hybrid. Ford has put a shot off Toyota's hybrid bow. Now it's time for Toyota to fire back, if they can.

Incentives for Toyota hybrid cars buyers

Get a deal on a Toyota hybrid today

Toyota has announced a bunch of incentives on its vehicles, including its hybrid cars. Incentives can vary depending upon your region, but the Toyota Camry hybrid is averaging about a $1500 discount and the Prius is averaging about $1000 discount according to Cars.com.

Check out Toyota's consumer site for more information.

Fusion hybrid priced right?

$27,270

The new Ford Fusion hybrid is 8 miles per gallon more fuel efficient than the Toyota Camry hybrid in city traffic, but it will also cost over $1,000 more than the Camry hybrid.

According to the EPA, the $27,270 Fusion hybrid achieves 41 miles per gallon in the city and the 36 on the highway. The $26,150 Camry hybrid achieves 33 mpg in the city and 34 on the highway.

Is the Fusion hybrid worth the extra cost compared to the Camry hybrid, purely in terms of fuel economy? Not necessarily, especially for highway drivers. For city drivers, however, the Fusion hybrid makes a compelling case. Of course, hybrid tax credits are still available for the Fusion hybrid, so this price difference is currently less relevant.

Regardless, the Fusion hybrid is a pretty impressive offering from Ford. Now, if only they could start seriously ramping up yearly production of their hybrid cars.

4 Hybrids in CR's Best Values

Toyota is value

This year's Consumer Reports Best New Car Values includes a ton of Toyota autos, including 3 of its hybrids vehicles. The Prius, Camry hybrid and Highlander hybrid each made the list.

One other hybrid, the Honda Civic hybrid, also made the list.

Fusion hybrid punks Camry hybrid in the city

Hybrid wars are on?

Ford's new hybrid, the Fusion hybrid, will beat the Toyota Camry hybrid in city fuel economy by 8 mpg according to the latest EPA findings. In the city, the Fusion hybrid will be rated at 41 mpg, 8 mpg more than the Camry hybrid. On the highway, the Camry hybrid will be rated 36 mpg, 2 mpg more than the Camry hybrid.

While this is fantastic and exciting news, I'm still uncertain that Ford is truly ready to challenge Toyota's supremacy in hybrid cars.

Even before the bottom fell out of hybrid sales last month, Ford still only planned on producing 25,000 Fusion hybrids next year. Why? This is a car that should outsell the Camry hybrid. Is Ford's new hybrid technology cost-competitive compared to Toyota's Hybrid Synergy Drive?

Still, whether by luck or not, 25,000 Fusion hybrids per year might be the right number until gas prices pick back up. For now, the Fusion hybrid is a hopeful development for the US auto industry.

Toyota's natural gas hybrid: Going nowhere fast?

Just an auto show filler?

Let's be honest. When it comes to Toyota and hybrid cars, it's all about the Prius, especially when the third generation Prius is just months from making its North American debut.

In the past couple of years, Toyota has used the green-focused LA Auto Show to, well, show off its new gas-guzzlers, such as the Sequoia.

This year, Toyota will show off its Camry natural gas hybrid. Yet, under the Obama administration, does natural gas mean anything? Is this hybrid even less valuable the Sequoia?

Best hybrids of the LA Auto Show

Ford Fusion hybrid

There are going to be a number of new hybrid cars at this year's LA Auto Show. While much of the hype has been focused on the Honda Insight hybrid, it is the Ford Fusion hybrid that I am almost most interested in, almost.

The new Fusion hybrid will debut Ford's new hybrid powertrain - no longer dependent on Ford's Hybrid Synergy Drive. Even more exciting, it will out perform the Toyota Camry hybrid in fuel economy.

Unfortunately, however, Ford only intends to produce 25,000 Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles per year. That simply doesn't cut the mustard. It also makes me wonder, is Ford's new hybrid powertrain truly cost-competitive?

Pickens: Support the Camry natural gas hybrid

Fill 'er up with natural gas

Boone Pickens is calling out his SoCal natural gas army to attend the LA Auto Show this weekend to support the Toyota CNG Camry hybrid, and other natural gas vehicles.

I'll be at the show tomorrow and Thursday for the Media Preview, but I think I'll stop by this weekend and see what kind of presence the Pickens Army has at the show.

Sketches of new Lexus and 2011 Camry hybrids?

The Lexus HS250h

Here is a shot of the Lexus HS250h from Mag-X that some are speculating will be the new Lexus hybrid set to debut at NAIAS 2009 in January. According to VW Vortex the new Lexus hybrid will utilize the same 2.4 liter engine currently found in the Toyota Camry hybrid.


The 2011 Toyota Camry?

Likewise, here is a picture of the 2011 Toyota Camry hybrid that is expected to utilize the same third generation Hybrid Synergy Drive set to debut in the 2010 Toyota Prius, except the new Camry hybrid will move up to a 2.5 liter engine.

Similar to the third gen. Prius, the new Camry hybrid is expected to offer better performance and fuel economy.

Black October over - Next for the Big 3?

October was scary, but is the worst over?

So, October was a pretty scary month for US automakers, and it now appears inevitable that the Big 3 will become the Big 2. But, is that is bad as it gets? Is the worst over?

Before addressing the dark side, there were a few a bright spots in October. GM, for instance, stated that despite massive financial concerns, the development of the Chevy Volt will continue as planned. And Ford, according to Consumer Reports, has basically caught up to the best automakers in quality. Moreover, the Ford Fusion hybrid might be a more solid hybrid than the Toyota Camry hybrid.

Still, with the economy possibly crashing into a recession, financial issues could become much worse for automakers, especially US automakers whom have been hit particularly hard by the dramatic decline in gas-guzzler sales. So, even if these automakers avoid bankruptcy, will they really be able to afford producing significant numbers of new, fuel efficient vehicles? When will a US automaker produce 100,000 hybrid cars per year (including the Volt)?

Fusion hybrid 5mpg better than Camry hybrid

No competition for Ford's new hybrids?

InsideLine is reporting that the new Ford Fusion and Milan hybrid vehicles will achieve fuel economy that is at least 5 mpg better than the Toyota Camry hybrid on the EPA's city cycle. That would mean at least 38 mpg..

To achieve this level of fuel economy, Ford's new hybrids will have an electric range of up to 8 miles and be able to run on nothing but electricity up to speeds as high as 47 mph.

According to Ford, these impressive numbers were achieved by downsizing all hybrid components, as Toyota has claimed it will also do with the next generation Prius. That means a battery that is 20 percent lighter than the battery pack used in the Escape hybrid, for instance.

Sounds like a winner. It would be nice to see Ford live up to the hype. Of course, if Ford only produces 25,000 Fusion hybrids, I still won't be that impressed.

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.

Toyota Camry natural gas hybrid in works

Fill this hybrid up with natural gas

Toyota plans to debut a Toyota Camry hybrid concept at the LA Auto Show that uses natural gas rather than gasoline according to reports coming out of a Toyota Conference in Oregon. Toyota doesn't have concrete plans to build natural gas hybrid vehicles yet, but if US interest in natural gas continues to increase, Toyota would then consider developing such hybrids.

A short Toyota hybrid vehicle shopping trip

Customers back in control?

Thanks to a killer headache on Friday, I decided to call it a day early and take care of a few errands. Since those errands took me close to a local Toyota dealership, I decided to shop some hybrid cars.

Are there still dealer markups on the Prius or Camry hybrid?

Finish: A short Toyota hybrid vehicle shopping trip

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?

Will Toyota's hybrid price increases affect dealer markups?

Still leaving all the competition behind

Effective August 1st, the Toyota Prius will cost $500 more, starting at $22,720. Soon after that, on August 25th, the Camry hybrid will also see a $500 increase that will bring its base price up to $26,870 as the price of the Highlander hybrid increases $518 to $35,445.

Considering that most automakers are raising prices on any vehicle that can sell to help offset both declining auto sales and increased commodity prices, the price increase is neither surprising or unexpected. However, when coupled with dealer markups as high as $3,000 - $5,000, isn't the pricing of Toyota's hybrid vehicles becoming a little ridiculous?

Zen and the Art of Hypermiling

Hypermiling isn't for wimps

I don't drive much thanks to the Goldline and the rest of LA's light rail and subway system. When I do drive it's mostly through dense urban traffic, so hypermiling is an art I find little time to practice and experiment.

OK, that's not totally true since I've been hypermiling through LA traffic long before hybrid cars first hit the road. In my old manual Nissan Sentra from my old Pasadena neighborhood, I would try to coast through Arroyo Parkway traffic touching the breaks as little as possible.

Thus, when I became a hybrid driver, my city driving changed little. In fact, either in a Toyota Prius or a Camry hybrid, I can coast in EV mode through much of LA's commuting congestion achieving unbelievable - at least to non-hybrid drivers - fuel economy.

Highway hypermiling, however, is a whole different story. Finish: Zen and the Art of Hypermiling

Chevy dealers pull a Toyota: Hybrid markups

Not you too?

With demand for hybrid cars skyrocketing well above supply, many Toyota dealerships have added markups to both the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid ranging from $3,000 - $5,000, and often including many dealers add-ons beyond the markups (more).

Recently, a few potential Chevy Tahoe hybrid buyers have also complained of dealer markups ranging from $2,000 - $4,000.

As I've posted in the past, not every Toyota dealer is adding markups to their hybrids. Believe it or not, some dealerships actually value long term customer relationships over short term profits. Shop around if you are running into hybrid markups, you just might find such a dealer.

Hybrids: Edmunds picks Camry over the Prius

Not the best hybrid?

When it comes to hybrid cars, the Toyota Prius is the king of hybrid sales. Still, when you consider the sale's success of non-unique hybrids, or the lack thereof, the Toyota Camry hybrid is the one exception. This apparently doesn't surprise Edmunds. Recently, the Edmund's guys put the Camry hybrid and the Prius to a number of tests to determine which hybrid they liked the best. Ultimately, despite the superior fuel economy of the Prius, Edmunds picked the Camry hybrid because it's a "more spacious, well-equipped true midsize sedan with normal styling and a familiar interior layout."

Hybrid Vehicle Shopping: Camry hybrid v Prius

A better buy right now?

So, I've been helping a friend of mine, Carlos, shop for a Toyota Prius, which I first covered in $3000.00 Prius markup: Screw the Customer. Since that time we've gone to and called dozens of Toyota dealerships in Southern California, and we've found that many dealerships have increased their markups, read $10,000 extra for a Toyota Prius.

Still, we have found a couple of dealerships that were not adding ANY markups to their Prius hybrids, nor were they accepting deposits. It was simply first come first serve at MSRP. Most dealers, however......

Finish: Hybrid vehicle shopping: Camry hybrid v Prius

Have dealers damaged Toyota's hybrid halo?

Could markups kill the Prius?

The Toyota Prius is hot and getting hotter. Almost a year ago, my local Toyota dealer told me the Prius was the best selling car at the dealership. As gas prices have gone up, however, interest in the Prius, and other Toyota hybrid vehicles, has increased greatly since last year. Unfortunately, this increase in hybrid interest has coincided with a massive battery shortage which has reduced Prius availability by a whopping 40 percent. Thus, in hot markets some dealers are charging $3000 or more for a Prius, and in some cases, the Toyota Camry hybrid.

While some say its supply and demand, I say nonsense. If Toyota was factoring in this supply shortage into the MSRP and using that cash to build more batteries, maybe I could swallow the markup. Instead, in my opinion, some dealers are just taking advantage of consumers. Ask most in the market for a car and they'll tell you they trust neither the dealer nor the salesperson, and these kinds of dealer - not manufacturer - markups don't help.

So, have dealers damaged Toyota's hybrid halo?

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.

Camry hybrid price increase announced

Still a good deal?

Earlier this week Toyota announced that prices on the Toyota Prius would be increased by 1.8 percent on all new Prii delivered as of Monday. That announcement has been updated with pricing for the Toyota Camry hybrid. The new price for the base Camry hybrid will be $25,650, an increase of $300.

Prius price increase coming

More expensive some time this month

Toyota is going to raise prices on most vehicles this month to make up for rising production costs in North America. According to the AFP, Toyota Prius prices will be increased by 1.8 percent on Prius hybrids delivered as of today. The Camry hybrid will also see a price increase later this month.

Camry hybrid: Toyota bucks the trend again

Outselling all other hybrids combined, minus the Prius

I have to laugh a bit. Since the launch of the Toyota Camry hybrid, I've been claiming that consumers will buy hybrid vehicles based off conventional models - it's not just about unique-looking hybrids. It's about value, and the Camry hybrid has been proving this since its launch.

Now that the Camry hybrid is outselling the V6 conventional Camry, others are also starting to take notice.

Still, Toyota sold almost 55,000 Camry hybrids last year. This year it might be 60,000. So, it's not as if the Camry hybrid is just starting to sell. More interesting, if the Camry hybrid had qualified for the full hybrid tax credit for as long as the Prius hybrid, I'll bet Camry hybrid sales would have been, and would be, much higher. Nonetheless, once again, Toyota is bucking the hybrid trend and proving that smart hybrids with conventional counterparts can sell.

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.

Hyundai Genesis: Should have been a hybrid?

Hyundai's future: The luxury market?

For months now there has been a good bit of buzz in the auto world about the Hyundai Genesis, which many auto analysts have now questioned. And the buzz is gone.

Had Hyundai launched the Genesis as a lower-priced Toyota Camry hybrid competitor, I bet Hyundai would have seen a massive increase in dealership and website traffic. Instantly, Hyundai could have become a leader in hybrid cars, and the buzz would have been worth the cost of production.

Why is there so little vision in the auto industry?

Interest in Ford Escape hybrid increasing?

Ready for a sales explosion?

According to CarMax, searches for hybrid cars are on the rise. Hybrids like the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Camry hybrid have seen huge increases in search traffic, however, the hybrid that has seen the biggest increase is the Ford Escape hybrid.

Is it Ford's smart "hybrid, hybrid" commercial? Have high gasoline prices finally forced die-hard SUV drivers to consider a hybrid SUV?

Who knows, but it will be interesting to check out Ford's Escape hybrid sales numbers the next few months. For many months, interest in hybrid vehicles has increased, but sales have lagged far behind this interest. Are consumers finally ready to pull the trigger on hybrids like the Escape hybrid?

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....

Will Americans really buy plug-in hybrids?

Would consumers flock to 100 mpg $30,000 plug-in Prius hybrids?

In several recent posts, I've made some negative statements regarding plug-in hybrid vehicles. So, have I changed my mind about something I've called a revolutionary technology?

No. I'm still a huge advocate of plug-in hybrid vehicles. Still, I'm a bigger fan of lithium than of plug-in hybrids. Ultimately, I have serious concerns about the electric grid in terms of reliability, security and greenness. Thus, a lithium hybrid with some kind of capacitor might actually make better sense in terms of fuel economy, cost, emissions, etc - at least for some drivers. Finish.....

Toyota's hybrids continue to lift Sales

Camry hybrid continues to post strong sales

The Toyota Prius achieved a 109 percent increase in November sales compared to last year, selling 16, 737 units. The Camry hybrid achieved sales of 5,118 units, a 65 percent increase compared to last year. Even the sluggishly-selling Toyota Highlander hybrid achieve an almost 11 percent increase in sales at 2,577 units.

Did the Prius give Toyota a green halo? I don't know, but the sales of Toyota's hybrid cars continue to increase and they continue to lift Toyota.

CR - Prius Most Satisfying Vehicle Again

The fourth year in a row

For the fourth year in a row, the Toyota Prius took the top spot for the Consumer Reports' 'Most Satisfying' survey. 92 percent of current owners would definitely buy one again.

The Toyota Camry hybrid was also a Most Satisfying pick in the family car category.

No other hybrid cars were on the list.

Toyota hybrid price increase

2008 Prius at the LA Auto Show

Toyota will increase the price of two of its hybrid vehicles by $150.00. The Toyota Prius, starting December 17, will have a base MSRP of $21,100 for the base model and $23,370 on the Touring model.

The Toyota Camry hybrid, starting January 21, 2008, will have a base MSRP of $25,350.

AOL Autos calls Camry hybrid great

When it comes to the Camry hybrid, AOL and I agree

I absolutely love the Toyota Prius; however, I have to admit, I'm a bit more of a Toyota Camry hybrid fan. It feels safer. It has more comfortable seating for those of us with bad backs, and you can have a factory installed moon roof.

O.K., let me clarify that statement regarding these two hybrid vehicles. In urban driving, I'll drive the Prius. For distance, however, the Camry hybrid rules supreme. Still, don't take my word for it, check AOL Auto's review of this "great" hybrid.