Toyota Highlander Hybrid car Review

Since the United States is so obsessed about things needing to be larger there is the thought process by many car makers that the new hybrids need to be large. The world has never seen a new brand of car like the SUV that made such a splash in the industry and when they were introduced they brought about the best in the consumer and buying public. It was not long though before the SUV began to fall out of favor. This came on the tails of the rising gas prices and the fact that people could no longer afford gas and insurance on the large vehicles that they had come to love. For this reason people began to sell off the SUVs they owned and got back to the old adage that smaller is better when it comes to fuel mileage and so on. Thankfully companies like Toyota sought to change all of that. This is the reason why the Toyota company released the Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV and the hungry public has been all too happy to receive it.

The Highlander hybrid is being built and updated on the same level as the Toyota Avalon, the most popular foreign truck model in the entire world. Since releasing the hybrid version of the Highlander, Toyota has seen a definite up swing in sales as people are now realizing that they no longer have to give up the size and safety of the SUV because of the horrible price of gas. Using the multiple electric motor concept that has made the Toyota hybrids famous, the Highlander reaches mpg ratings in the middle to high thirties which is very impressive for the size of the vehicle to say the least. There are very few all gas models on the road that can boast such an impressive rating and few people have anything bad to say about the Highlander.

The Highlander is impressive in not only the mpg rating area, but also in the style area. The design of the SUV is aimed at the new younger generation that seeks to have the best of the best when it comes to style. This new hybrid model has been raved about in the media and the Hollywood stars that have come forward with their models have made it all that much better. Thanks to this success the Toyota company plans to release a completely updated model for the 2008 year of sales.

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Hybrid Cars

A regular car uses an internal combustion engine with a fuel-air mixture powering it. A hybrid car on the other hand powers itself not only using the conventional means but it also uses a variety of alternate means like fuel-cells and solar-energy to turn the wheels. That makes it more environment friendly and increases its mileage.

Some people think that hybrid cars are the cars of the future. They say it is what we will be driving in a ten years time. It is true that hybrid cars have many advantages. But we must not forget the shortcomings of the hybrid car.

Gas and oil are non renewable sources of energy. They also cause much damage to the environment. There is a danger they might soon also be depleted from the earth. On the other hand, hybrid cars are environment friendly. They source of energy they use is renewable and therefore they pose much less threat to the world. Hybrid cars are efficient and save money on fueling.

Performance wise, hybrid cars are rubbish. At the stage they currently are, they are more than likely to break down after traveling every few miles. If you buy a hybrid car, leave for office an hour earlier than you used to before, because hybrid cars are much slower than normal cars. Because they have very less energy to run with, they are made with as light bodies as possible. We want to protect the environment to protect our children. But if you're planning to buy them a hybrid car to do so, the chances of them being flattened by some bigger car are far more. So if you want to keep your children safe, why not buy them a Land Rover instead? And then there's the matter of power again. With the amount of power a hybrid can provide, imagine the trouble and time it would take for you to reach a high altitude point with a fairly steep road, that is, if you would ever manage to get up there on that car.

Whether hybrid cars will be the future of the car industry, one cannot say for sure. But one thing is certain, where it stands today is quite for from a point where it will replace the petrol or gas powered cars.

Jonathon Hardcastle writes articles on many topics including Automotive, Shopping, and Sports

What Are The Two Different Forms Of Hybrid Cars?

Currently, there is a lot of interest in hybrid cars due to the gas prices of recent years. There are two forms of hybrid cars. The first is a parallel hybrid, where there is both a gas and electric supply attached to the transmission of the car and the car is able to use both sources when running. The second is a series hybrid, where the gas portion powers a generator and the generator supplies electricity for the motor to run. These both improve the efficiency of the car, which is why hybrids are favored today. The only drawback for some consumers is the size.

The reason for this is that smaller cars help maintain the efficiency of the car. With a big car the engine is heavier and so when speeding or traveling up an incline, more energy is needed. Further more, because of the size, the hybrid car has an engine that requires less energy to perform its tasks. Then there is the cylinder displacement, which in a large vehicle takes more power. And in terms of cylinders, the smaller hybrid car doesn?t need as many to perform.

The Honda Insight is one of the smallest hybrid cars on the market. It was designed to carry two people. There is hardly any space for cargo or luggage. This design improves the fuel efficiency considerably, but the lack of space is a drawback.

The Toyota Prius has more space than the Insight. It can fit more than four people and the hatchback trunk can carry more cargo or luggage. This design has won Toyota awards and honors but for a family car, today?s consumers are used to having much more room.

Then there is the Honda Civic Hybrid. This car is the same size as a regular Honda Civic. The compartment spaces are maximized as much as possible in this model. Again, for the consumer who is used to driving an SUV or a minivan, this may still be not enough.

And for those consumers, there are some SUV and minivan hybrids available, however they don?t perform well. The efficiency has been compromised by the size. The price tag of these cars is a couple of thousands of dollars more than the regular models so in the end it may not be worth it in terms of gas mileage. So if you are buying a hybrid, it is best to go for the smaller cars and if you are looking for something larger, a hybrid may not be worth it.

Jackson Porter is a staff writer at Automobile Enthusiast and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Environmental Central.

Hybrid Cars Could Help In Conserving Energy And Reducing Pollution

With the gas prices being so high, more and more people are becoming aware of how valuable energy is in our daily lives. Hybrid cars show how energy can be conserved and pollution reduced. The cleanest non hybrid car can put about 90 percent smog pollution in the air versus the hybrid.

The Honda insight was the first hybrid on the US market in 1999. It is electrically powered and can go 61 mpg on city roads and 70mpg on the highway. Then in 2000, Toyota brought the Prius to the market, it goes 52 mpg in the city and around 45 mpg on the highway. The Honda Civic hybrid came out in 2002 with 46mpg on city roads and about 51mpg on the highway. Since then there have been other hybrid models such as, the Chevy Silverado, the Dodge Ram pickup and the Ford Escape SUV.

Hybrids are more efficient for a number of reasons. For one, the battery of a hybrid lasts longer. It is equipped with two energy supplies- the gas and electricity. The car is made of lighter materials, that means less energy is used. The engine in a non-hybrid is heavier so it requires more power to accelerate and to go up an incline. And with a hybrid there are fewer cylinders.

Hybrids have less internal machinery. The energy and time needed to move a cylinder up and down in a non hybrid is greater. To start the car, the non hybrid engine needs more power because it has more cylinders. In addition, each cylinder uses more fuel for cylindrical displacement.

There are some tips to keep in mind when driving a hybrid to maximize energy and mileage productivity.

Drive slowly-Aerodynamic drag increases if you drive fast. If you slow down you will save energy.

Drive at a constant speed- Increasing your spend and then slowing down wastes fuel.

Try not to break suddenly-The motor in a hybrid is like a generator. Energy is lost if you stop abruptly. Try to give you car some recovery time.

Jackson Porter is a staff writer at Environmental Central and is an occasional contributor to several other websites, including Automobile Enthusiast.

What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Hybrid Car?

The days of 50 cent gas prices have vanished along with sock hops and soda shops. Now day's gas is closer to $2.50 a gallon and kids go to raves. What can be done? Are we destined to spend more on gas for a week than we do on groceries? Enter the hybrid car. Every year, more hybrid cars hit the market, and for good reason, consumers today are beginning to demand more fuel efficiency from their cars. If you are interested in purchasing a hybrid car, you are not alone, but you may not know what to look for while car shopping. The following tips will help you plan what you want in a car and how to find it on a lot.

Hybrid car dealers also have their own language, you should know how to speak "hybrid" before you decide to go shopping for one of these vehicles. You will need to know that these cars are, on average, have a 90 percent lower emission rate than traditional cars and are therefore known as Ultra Low-Emission vehicles.

Research is so important when contemplating the purchase of a hybrid car. Thankfully, most people have access to the internet and therefore have access to information such as manufacturers' websites. These websites may be some of the most valuable information that you will find. They will contain information that will lead you to repair shops, vehicle maintenance requirements and other such information that is specific to hybrid cars.

However, if needed, the engines will run simultaneously as well. This will happen if more power is needed than either the electric or combustion engine alone can produce. An example of this type of situation would be accelerating on an expressway.

Before you decide to tackle the hybrid car market, there are some general points of knowledge that you need to be aware of. For example, this type of car is often referred to as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV. It will have two engines as opposed to a traditional vehicle, which has one. The engines that are found in an HEV are combustion and electric, having the two engines allows the car to switch from one engine to the other when power begins to run low.

Visit http://find-hybrid-cars.info or http://hybrid-cars-central.info to learn more about all hybrid cars and honda hybrid car.

Get Hybrid Gas Mileage in Your Regular Car

It's no secret that hybrid cars get better fuel economy than their "regular fuel" counterparts. Unfortunately, chances are you probably don't own a hybrid car. Thankfully, that doesn't have to stop you from getting great gas mileage.

Below are several things you can do to help your vehicle get hybrid like fuel economy without having to shell out the extra money for an actual hybrid car:

1. Remove all excess weight from your vehicle. The rule of thumb is for every extra 100 pounds you carry in your car, you reduce its fuel economy by 2%. A good place to start is in the trunk of your car. Do you really need to carry your golf clubs around all the time?
2. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Again, the rule of thumb is driving with under inflated tires will reduce your fuel economy by 2%, on average. You should try and check your tire pressure at least once per month.
3. Watch your speed. According to FuelEconomy.gov, for every 5 miles per hour you drive above 60 mph, you reduce your fuel economy by 6%. That's a pretty big incentive to just hang out in the right lane.
4. Reduce the amount of time you are in idle. Again, according to FuelEconomy.gov, your car wastes up to 17% of its fuel by simply being in idle. Whether you turn the car off when you're sitting at a long stop light, or park the car when you pick up something from a friend's house, you need to find ways to reduce the amount of time your car sits in idle.
5. Use moderate acceleration. Rapid acceleration, coupled with accelerating in to stops (as opposed to coasting) can decrease your fuel economy by as much as 33%! So, the next time the light turns green, don't gun it.

It may seem unrealistic, using the above tips should help you increase your fuel economy by between 10 and 20%. You may not be able to get the same fuel economy as an actual hybrid car, but following these items should get you pretty close.

Please visit Daily Fuel Economy Tip for more tips like this. The better driver you are, the more gas and money you'll save. It's a win/win situation!

Hybrid Cars Save Money

Hybrid Cars Save Money If you have been sitting on the fence about deciding to purchase a Hybrid car, you no longer have any excuse to be squeamish. Consumer Reports just released a study this August that confirms that Hybrid cars will in fact save you money over the long run.

The combination of generous tax credits along with the fuel saving nature of these vehicles is what makes them a good long term value. The difference in up front cost between a hybrid and its traditional counterpart is often between $1200 and $7000. Thats a wide gap, and can be enough to leave you wondering if its worth it.

The good news is that if you act fast and purchase your new Hybrid car before the tax credits phase out in 2007, alot of that upfront additional cost will come back to you in the form of a tax credit. Meanwhile, you will enjoy long term savings on fuel costs.

Did you know that as of 2006, Hybrids account for only 1% of new car sales in the US? As gas prices rise, the ratio will likely change as people seek to cut costs out of rising fuel prices. Unfortunately, if you wait too long you will no longer be able to take advantage of the tax credits that are being phased out. If you are considering purchasing a Hybrid car, you are better to do it now.

The study, conducted by Consumer Reports assumes that you keep your Hybrid car for several years, long enough to notice the difference in cost of filling up. Of course, the more you drive to work, school, or on vacation, the faster and greater your savings will add up.

If you are researching Hybrid cars, be sure to check out http://www.hybridrevolution.org This site lists updated information on all makes and models of Hybrids available and soon to be available.
Amber Lowery is an author and webmaster. You can read more about Hybrid cars by visiting her site: Hybrid Cars or by visiting: Hybrid Cars

Is A Hybrid Car For You

You may have seen one zipping past you in the high occupancy lane, a lone driver at the wheel. It's a gasoline-electric hybrid car and driving in the HOV lane is just one of the benefits of ownership in many states. But what is a hybrid? How does it work? Is it the right car for you and your family?

A hybrid car has a both a gasoline engine and a battery. The battery is recharged by energy from the gasoline engine that would normally be lost during braking or decelerating. The car uses either the battery or the gasoline engine depending on several factors including how fast the car is traveling. Sometimes, both will work together to provide an extra boost of power without using too much extra fuel.

The result of this technology is cars that get significantly better gas mileage and produce less carbon dioxide emissions that traditional gasoline powered cars. For example, according to Honda, the 2006 Civic Hybrid gets 50 miles to the gallon on the highway, 14 miles to the gallon better than the 2003 regular Civic. When driven the national average of 12,000 miles, that represents a savings of 69 gallons of gas and 258 pounds of carbon dioxide per year.

In the early days of hybrid cars, there were few models to choose from. People desiring to purchase a hybrid car were stuck in tiny cars with little cargo space. Today, however, manufacturers produce hybrid cars and light trucks in nearly every category including family-sized sedans, sport utility vehicles and minivans. The smallest cars still get the best gas mileage, but larger hybrids consistently outperform their regular siblings in gas mileage and carbon dioxide emissions.

Unfortunately, hybrid cars cost more than regular models. In the case of the 2006 Honda Civic, the hybrid model costs almost $7,000 more than the regular model. Congress passed a law providing tax credits for hybrid car owners that took effect on January 1, 2006 that would save the buyer of a 2006 Civic Hybrid $2,100. It would take several years to break even on the purchase of a hybrid counting gasoline savings alone. However, many hybrid owners are as dedicated to the environmental benefits of driving a hybrid as they are to the money they save.

One of the fears when hybrid cars first became available was that maintenance and insurance costs would be prohibitive. Research has shown that regular maintenance costs for hybrid vehicles are no higher than for regular vehicles. Additionally, hybrid car owners are less likely to be involved in accidents and some insurance companies have begun offering discounts to hybrid car owners.

Kadence Buchanan writes articles on many topics including Automotive, Outdoors, and Recreation.

Saving Big With Hybrid Cars

In America, a standard automobile gets an average of 20.4 miles per gallon. With the innovative hybrid technology, consumers can expect to get a lot more mileage for their dollar. According to researchers, the Honda Insight was designed specifically for the purpose of getting the best gas mileage and is said to be the current industry leader in this type of hybrid savings.

Just how much of a difference will consumers see with the Honda Insight hybrid cars? Studies have shown that hybrid cars featuring a manual transmission will get approximately 60 miles per gallon in the city and 66 miles per gallon on the highway. Hybrid cars with an automatic transmission generally provide slightly less than 57 miles per gallon in the city and 56 miles per gallon on the highway.

The brand new 2006 Honda Civic hybrid cars are only manufactured with an automatic transmission and provide an approximate 50 miles per gallon on the highway and/or the city.

As expected, hybrid cars will get better mileage per gallon than that of a hybrid SUVs. The Ford Escape, for example, provides 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway. Even with these numbers, the hybrid Escape is rated to provide better gas mileage than the non-hybrid Escape, which is only said to provide 22 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway.

The most popular reason for consumers to purchase hybrid cars is because they are economical. With the recent rise in gasoline prices, consumers were left searching for an automobile that could provide better gas mileage and found just that in hybrid cars. In addition to their fuel friendly design, hybrid cars are no longer confined to one or two cookie cutter designs. In fact, today's hybrid cars are available in a variety of sizes, colors and are manufactured by a several automobile makers.

With all of the aforementioned benefits, many wonder just how much the convenience of saving money will cost. Surprisingly, hybrid cars are not drastically priced above other non-hybrid automobiles. In fact, hybrid cars & SUVs can be found in prices ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 for standard models, but may cost more depending on chosen upgrades. The new hybrid cars are available in the look of typical highway automobiles or those designed with a unique flair. Either way, the manufacturers of hybrid cars believe that while appearance is important, the most important thing about these new technologically advanced autos is the fact that they are both environmentally and wallet friendly.

Find more about auto buying guides and how to find the cars price and many other automotive news and resources on http://www.autonews24h.com/

How To Choose The Best Tire For Your Hybrid Car

Those who are unfamiliar with hybrid cars may not know that most come with new innovative tire designs. When replacing your tires on your hybrid car, you should stick with the low-rolling resistance tires. Those who own hybrid cars however know that these special low-rolling resistance tires are the best thing since the hybrid design itself. Consumers are definitely not the only ones with their eyes on the new low-rolling resistance tires however. Every major tire maker is getting in on the trend with new tires coming out frequently.

You may wonder what low-rolling resistance actually means. The name is a measurement of how tires roll on the road. If the tire rolls easily, then it is considered a low-rolling resistant tire. One benefit of these innovative tires is that they minimize the energy used by the tire. Tires use energy as heat in three different locations. First, there is heat between the tire and the road. Secondly, there is heat between the tire and the sidewall. Lastly, there is heat between the tire and the rim. The great thing about the low-rolling resistance tires is that they maintain traction, handling, and durability. When used with special suspension and brakes, they reduce resistance even more. The tires go through all of the approval standards of normal tires, so you can be sure they are safe to use.

Now that you know more about tires, you may wonder how they can make tires that reduce the energy usage. The answer is that tire manufacturers are using several different elements to create low-rolling resistance tires. First, they focus on the design of the tread. Different companies are using different designs, so you may seem many different designs coming to the consumer soon. After choosing a great design, they also choose lighter and stronger materials and reduce the sidewall to reduce flexing of the tire. The tires are made to run without air pressure. Most of them can still be used for up to 50 miles with no air pressure whatsoever. This is an amazing trait of these tires. With tires that can run without air pressure, you really have no need to carry around a jack or other tools for changing tires. You would have plenty of time to get to the mechanic shop or home before your tire would be useless.

Studies have shown that using low-rolling resistant tires on your vehicle can save on your gas budget. These efficient tires are fitted for each vehicle, which in turn will make your vehicle run smoother and more efficiently. It is estimated that you can save up to 6% on gas usage when using low-rolling resistance tires on your car. When considering these tires, which tend to cost about $40 more than regular tires for a complete set, think about what you could save at the pump. You may be spending a little more when purchasing the tire set, but you will save more than you are spending in the long run.

Although these great tires can save you bundles, low-rolling resistance tires have had a few complaints. Some drivers don't like the way they handle on the road. But most low-rolling resistance tires have great tread, if you are a wild driver, they may not be as great for handling. However, slow or cautious drivers have seen no negative change. It is more of a personal preference when it comes to how they handle.

Consumers are taking the benefits of the new low-rolling resistance tires very seriously. California has even passed legislation that requires all replacement tires sold in the state to be as efficient as tires on new vehicles, which are mostly low-rolling resistance tires. This is a huge step toward the low-rolling resistance trend. More states are considering legislation as well.

When looking for new tires for your hybrid, be sure to check out the low-rolling resistance options. It is likely that your old tires were low-rolling resistance tires, so you will be used to the features they offer, whether or not you knew about their benefits before. You may be spending a little more in the beginning, but you will make up the upfront cost in gas savings almost immediately.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida. Get auto parts at http://www.car-parts-plus.com/

Hybrid Cars for a Greener Wallet and Environment

Hybrid cars, trucks, and SUVs are a great alternative to regular cars. Although they are usually more expensive than the standard model, by $2,000 - $3,000, depending on the make and model, the savings that you can get with a hybrid over the course of the life of the car more than make up for that. Furthermore, by buying and driving a hybrid car, you reduce our nation's dependency on foreign oil and you show marketers and car-manufacturing companies that there is, in fact, a demand for hybrid vehicles.

It is true that hybrid cars are more expensive than the models with a standard engine. However, there are many benefits that you get with the hybrid that offset that cost over the lifetime oh hybrid cars. For example, a Honda Civic hybrid may yield between 10 and 15 miles more per gallon than a standard Honda Civic, depending on your driving habits. With gas at $3.00 a gallon and going up fast, this can translate into huge savings for you at the pump. Furthermore, many states as well as the federal government offer tax incentives for buying hybrid cars, which can translate to even more savings for you come tax time.

Reducing our country's dependency is at the top of most people's list of political goals, irrespective of your political leanings. Not only do hybrid cars represent a fantastic opportunity to save money, they also use less gas which translates to less dependency on foreign oil. This is important not just for the safety of the country and it's citizens, but it allows our government officials to do the right things and make the moral choices in troubled areas of the world without worrying about how our economy will survive without the foreign oil.

Finally, by buying and driving a hybrid car you are showing car manufacturers that there is, in fact, a demand for cars that leave a smaller environmental footprint. Some companies have been skeptical of transitioning their models to hybrid engines because they think that the market for the technology is too small to be profitable. Toyota has proven the U. S. automakers wrong with record demand for the Prius and waiting lists as long as six months.

By buying a hybrid car, you are ensuring the availability of a wide selection of hybrid cars in a variety of price ranges for yourself and for others in the future. Furthermore, if we are to lessen the environmental impact of driving, we need to support those companies that invest in being green to show other companies that they can make a profit and be good to the environment at the same time.

Green cars today, blue skies tomorrow.

Lance Freeman writes about hybrid cars and other technology within the automotive and environmental fields.

Hybrid Cars - The Cars Of The Times!

Hybrid cars are a fusion of technologies. Unlike standard cars moving on a single propulsion system, hybrid cars are driven by the power of multiple propulsion systems. Most common among these hybrid vehicles are those cars that use gasoline and electrical energy as their source of power. Serious experimentations with ethanol or plant based oils are also being conducted.

History The history of hybrid cars runs back to the time when inventors were strongly battling to switch over from steam-powered automobiles to electrically driven carriages. At best, these could be termed as trials and were limited to working with just one, two or few models. Success on a mass-scale came about the beginning of the twentieth century; however, it was not until 1999 (on the verge of the 21st century) that America saw the launching of the hybrid car on a commercial-scale, to be bought and used by the mass.

Components

The hybrid car driving mechanism consists batteries, an electric motor, a fuel tank, a gasoline engine, a generator and a mode of transmission. Each part has its definitive role and keeps a hybrid car running.

How Do They Work?

As said, the dual mechanisms employed in these hybrid vehicles make use of both gasoline and electric energy to set the vehicles into motion - while gas cause the internal combustion engines (ICEs) to function, the electric batteries supply power to the car's electric motors. The recent car models are even converting kinetic energy (produced by the engine) into electric energy to charge the batteries.

Conclusion Hybrid cars with their comparatively smaller gasoline engines contribute to the pollution-free, greener environment cause. Moreover, with their sleek, aerodynamic designing and ultra light materials joining hands to give these vehicles driving force of about 60-90 horsepower, you can be sure that the hybrid cars will rule the automobile industry until the arrival of new eco-friendly, efficient cars.

David Maillie holds numerous patents including his recently awarded patent for headlight repair, cleaner and restorer. He can be reached at M.D. Wholesale: MDwholesale.com

5 Things to Know Before You Buy a Hybrid Car

With gas prices rising with every tank of gas, the popularity of hybrid cars is rising almost as quickly. The profile of the buyer of hybrid cars is changing as well, no longer are they seen as fringe environmentalists, they are the average American citizen who is tired of paying outrageous prices for a tank of gas and then not being able to afford to drive anywhere but back and forth to work. So, if you want to purchase a hybrid car, where do you start? What should you look for? The following information will help you navigate your way through the growing market of fuel-efficient automobiles that are on the market today.

1- Before you decide to tackle the hybrid car market, there are some general points of knowledge that you need to be aware of. For example, this type of car is often referred to as a Hybrid Electric Vehicle or HEV. It will have two engines as opposed to a traditional vehicle, which has one. The engines that are found in an HEV are combustion and electric, having the two engines allows the car to switch from one engine to the other when power begins to run low.

2- However, if needed, the engines will run simultaneously as well. This will happen if more power is needed than either the electric or combustion engine alone can produce. An example of this type of situation would be accelerating on an expressway.

3- Hybrid car dealers also have their own language, you should know how to speak "hybrid" before you decide to go shopping for one of these vehicles. You will need to know that these cars are, on average, have a 90 percent lower emission rate than traditional cars and are therefore known as Ultra Low-Emission vehicles.

4- Before you buy a hybrid car, it is imperative that you take into account your current driving patterns. If you do a lot of highway driving, you will not likely see much in the way of fuel savings. However, if you are the type of driver that mostly stays in traffic that requires frequent stopping and starting, you will be able to see significant fuel savings. This is because in these types of driving conditions the vehicle is able to utilize the electrical engine, using lower RPM's than a traditional car does.

5- Research is so important when contemplating the purchase of a hybrid car. Thankfully, most people have access to the internet and therefore have access to information such as manufacturers' websites. These websites may be some of the most valuable information that you will find. They will contain information that will lead you to repair shops, vehicle maintenance requirements and other such information that is specific to hybrid cars.

Visit http://hybrid-cars-central.info or http://best-hybrid-cars.net to learn more about ford hybrid car and hybrid car toyota.

How Cost Effective Are Hybrid Cars?

There seems to be no stopping the oil companies, as the price at the pumps continues to rise to astronomical heights for a myriad of reasons, valid or not. Civil wars in Nigeria, international conflicts in Iraq, hurricanes and other storms at home and abroad are all reasons gas companies posit to defend their outrageous gouging.

In the face of rising gas costs, many consumers are beginning to consider the option of a hybrid vehicle- one which operates on both gas and electricity. All of the models of hybrid car will save money in terms of gas expenditures, but are they really effective when all of the costs of maintenance and other considerations are factored in?

Right off the bat, consider the cost of buying a hybrid vehicle. Depending on the model, hybrid vehicles can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $5,000 more than the equivalent non-hybrid model. These prices need to be stacked up against the savings that a hybrid car owner would gain in gas, factoring in the mileage needed. One report by Edmunds, for example, shows that huge price increases in the cost of gas would need to take place, or the vehicle owner would need to put on some serious mileage, in order for the hybrid models to gain a sufficient price saving advantage when stacked up against initial purchases. The one exception in the study was the Toyota Prius, which compared very effectively in terms of initial cost with the Camry model. The consumer watchdog points out, however, that as the hybrid cars become increasingly more available as a reflection of demand the prices can be expected to drop, making them more cost effective when it comes to an initial investment.

Also important to keep in mind is the fact that the hybrid cars have a much more specialized system than the standard vehicle, and will therefore require a more specialized mechanic when it comes time for any repairs. Most consumer report features consider hybrid cars to require an investment of at least five years in order to break even as far as initial costs go, and do not take into account the possibilities of damage that requires fixing to the power train of the vehicles.

It seems as though, at least for the time being, the purchase of a hybrid vehicle for the average consumer may not be the best option when it comes to saving money. It is important to keep several things in mind, however, when considering purchasing a hybrid model. Many consumers are choosing to purchase these cars because they represent a significant development in terms of environmental concerns over standard models. They also mean that as a whole, Western nations will become less dependent on oil as the sole means of power.

Finally, it is imperative to keep in mind that the hybrid car is a very new technology. Developed only within the last few years, the technology is still in the infant stages, where costs will continue to be high. Hybrid cars also have only a small percentage of the market right now as well. As time passes, the development of the hybrid technology will begin to push prices down to the point where hybrids are more than competitive with the traditionally fueled models of the past.

Frank Little is a hybrid car enthusiast and maintains a website with hybrid car forums.

How Hybrid Cars Work

From the first moment you step into a hybrid car, you will notice that a multitude of things are vastly different than your conventional vehicle. Turn the ignition key, and you will notice just how quiet these things are. For example, if you happen to be sitting in a Toyata Prius the car's electric generator will quietly fire up the conventional internal combustion engine, or "ICE". As the ICE comes up to operating temperature it will automatically be shut off, which brings the car's electric motor completely online. The gasoline engine will remain in a dormant state until it is further needed. The Toyata Prius will remain completely in electric mode as long as speeds fall under the 15 M.P.H. limit. As long as you don't exceed that speed, you are driving an entirely electric powered vehicle which is using absolutely no gasoline, nor releasing any harmful emissions from its exhaust system. Obviously, if you drive a bit more aggressively, or exceed 15 M.P.H. the ICE will again come online to produce the necessary, additional power required. A computer is constantly calculating the power requirements and sending this data to a device called a power split, which connects the electric and gasoline engines through a series of gears.

Things work slightly differently if you happen to be in a Honda Insight. The gasoline engines in these vehicles remain online from first start until they reach operating temperature, and come to a first stop. The ICE will become completely dormant at that point. As soon as you remove your foot from the brake pedal, shift into gear, or depress the accelerator the combustion will again come online to provide additional power as required. The variety of available transmissions in the Honda line of vehicles has made it necessary to utilize a bit more elaborate system of engaging and disengaging the electric motors. The dash panel will keep you constantly informed of the amount of electrical assist that is being provided. All the while a computer is in the background calculating how much power is required, and allowing the electrical assist to occur. This type of system allows for near conventional car performance, while achieving much greater fuel economy.

The nickel metal hybrid battery systems in these vehicles are quite fascinating. Again, a computer is constantly making calculations, sending power from the batteries to the electric motors when required. When the vehicle is in braking mode the electric motor begins to act as a generator, supplying the batteries with their needed charge. The computer is constantly monitoring the amount of charge in the batteries and maintaining a 30% - 80% charge at all times. These minimum and maximum levels are what allow these batteries to last in excess of 200,000 miles. That's a quite impressive lifecycle for battery technology, and a great thing as hybrid car batteries are quite expensive.

While this is a very simplistic overview of a very complex system, it does give you a basic understanding of the inner workings of the hybrid cars of today, and will hopefully be of assistance as you continue your quest of buying a hybrid car.

Thomas Manning is a highly experienced automotive technician and author, who frequently contributes to the hybrid cars information website http://www.hybrid-rides.com

Six Easy Steps to Buying a Hybrid Car

Buying a hybrid car is a big decision, even more so nowadays because there are many more hybrid cars and hybrid trucks to chooes from. Having a larger choice is both a good and bad thing. Not only do you have to decide which company to buy from but you also have to decide between getting a hybrid car or a hybrid truck or even a hybrid SUV. The decision can be simplified by knowing why you're buying the hybrid; the issue of saving gas mileage versus just getting a hybrid vehicle in order to say you are driving a hybrid.

Hybrid cars combine two or more sources of power, usually consisting of an electric motor that regenerates energy through braking power and a standard gasoline engine, Because of the regenerated electric power, you are able to use much less gasoline to get where you want to go, which is how a hybrid vehicle saves you money. A hybrid is not an electric vehicle, and does not have to be recharged at night or anything like that. A hybrid is simply a gas powered car with electrical motor assistance.

Many forms of hybrid cars, hybrid trucks, and hybrid SUV's are currently on the market or coming to market. These include but are not limited to the Toyota Prius, the Lexus GS 450h Hybrid, the Honda Civic Hybrid and Honda Accord Hybrid, the Toyota Highlander and 2007 Toyota Camry hybrid, and the Ford Escape Hybrid SUV.

Because of the large influx of hybrid cars, the cost premium of buying one has started to go down. President Bush even said that to cure our addiction to oil, we must invest in hybrid cars and other energy technology, so now is the time to consider buying one, especially with the world's oil fields being so unstable and gasoline rising almost daily.

Which leads us to the key question, how do you best go about buying a hybrid car? Of course the start of that answer lies in 6 simple steps, which I have titled HYBRID. * H - How to know if buying a hybrid is right for you. * Y--Your personal driving habits might determine your choice * B--Before you even think about buying, be aware of your options * R--Research thoroughly the manufacturer and dealer to get the best price * I--Investigate other dealers, and also check online, it may be cheaper to buy in another state and have the hybrid car shipped to you * D--Don't ever go by sticker price. A MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) is just that, a Suggestion, so if you have done all the previous steps you will be armed sometimes with even more information than the salesman, thus allowing you to have the upper hand in the negotiation.

Read more about Hybrid Cars

Tracy Robinson is President of Zen Solutions - providing eco-friendly advice worldwide. More Hybrid Car Information can be found at http://www.HowToBuyAHybrid.com

What is a Hybrid vehicle? This article has the most current hybrid car information and benefits such as gas, tax, and more...

Hybrid systems are engineered to increase performance, reduce emissions and maximize fuel efficiency with a mix of gasoline and electrical power. A hybrid does not need to be plugged into a power source to recharge, the electrical power is stored in batteries that are charged partly by the gas motor but also, ingeniously, by the energy released when you apply the brakes on your car.

Different amounts of electrical power are used at different speeds. At higher speeds, for example, the electric motor is just chipping in, while at lower ones it may take over entirely. To conserve fuel, all hybrids shut down the gasoline-powered engine during stops. Called an idle-stop feature, this not only saves fuel and reduces emissions, but cuts electrical consumption as well. A dashboard display will tell you how much power is coming from each source as you go faster and slower, which savvy drivers use to see which speeds get you the best fuel efficiency.

Think your hybrid only helps you save money at the pump? If you act now and buy a new hybrid, your vehicle can give you another break, a tax break. Here's what you need to know about the IRS's new-for-2006 "Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit."

The hybrid clean fuel tax deduction allows owners to combine two different types of credits ranging from $250 to $3400 deducted from the final tax bill and only the first 60,000 hybrid models sold are eligible for the full credit. The exact amount of a specific credit is based on a complex formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, fuel economy, and emissions data. The bottom line is you get more money for buying a more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle.

With all their advanced technology, exceptional fuel economy and low emissions, hybrid vehicles are often referred to as the cars of the future. Due to the high demand, buying a hybrid may take a little more work than with a traditional vehicle. If you are thinking to get one, it's a good idea to get on a waiting list at your local dealership. For those who are flexible on colors and options, you will increase your odds of getting a hybrid much sooner.

*ref link: http://www.autosbargain.com/index.php?option=com_weblinks&catid=114&Itemid=76

Everyone tries to negotiate the best new car deal in town, but we simply don't know what the lowest price is.

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I Hate Hybrid Cars!

Drivers in the U.S. are buying hybrid vehicles, not because they want them, but because they can't afford to drive any other type of car. With gas prices setting all-time records and heading toward $4 per gallon, consumers are forced to drive a car that gets the most miles per dollar spent. That's an overpriced hybrid car.

The truth is that hybrids may get better mileage than a traditional car, but it's nothing to write home about. First, hybrids cost more. The slightly better mileage means that if you keep your hybrid car for from 3 to 5 years you may make up for the higher cost. That doesn't seem like such a good deal, does it? But it's all we have and that's why folks are buying the darn things.

The good news is that big improvements are on the way. AFS Trinity Power Corp. has been awarded a patent for a new flywheel technology that is expected to be used in second-generation flywheel/diesel hybrid trucks and buses.

This new flywheel within a flywheel technology is expected to make possible two key functions in both automobile and stationary power systems that utilize fuel cells and/or micro turbines. The problem is that these gadgets are constant power output devices, which means they can't speed up fast enough for acceptable acceleration and passing. The new flywheel gizmo may correct that.

Is this the huge breakthrough in automotive propulsion that we've been waiting for? Probably not, but it's an indication that a bunch of really smart people are working on the problem of developing a car that gets a million miles per gallon... or something like that.

President Bush recently signed a federal energy bill that encourages the use of fuel-efficient, low-emission vehicles and offers substantial tax breaks. The bill proclaims that high-efficiency vehicles, either hybrid or diesel, will receive credits on a sliding scale based on efficiency. Let me translate - "credits" mean MONEY! The maximum credit for light-duty vehicles is expected to be about $3,400.

When Uncle Sam starts handing out cash, two exciting things begin happening. Number One: Lobbyist begin shoveling it into their pockets. Number two: Lights go on in garages all across the country as inventors strive to solve the problem. You might say they are burning the midnight oil - one of the few fuels that is not necessarily in short supply.

Some point out that there is already a system to make biodiesel from vegetable oils for as little as 70 cents a gallon. This fuel does not contribute to global warming, has no obnoxious odor and is overall pollutant-free. Did you know that years ago Rudolf Diesel invented the diesel engine to run on peanut oil? Nutty, huh?

Another alternative mentioned from time to time is alcohol fuel, or ethanol. It is usually made from fermented corn; it blends as much as 85 percent alcohol and 15 percent gasoline and runs gasoline engines very nicely. Oh, it has a minor drawback, if you consider being highly explosive a drawback. That stuff could turn a Morris Mini into a rocket ship!

Yes, I hate the hybrids... of today, but I just can't wait to see what's coming tomorrow.

Mark Walters writes about hybrid vehicles at http://www.hybridvehiclestar.com and offers a free course titled Car Buying Tips.

Why To Wait a Year for a Hybrid Car

Hybrid cars are very popular vehicles in today's society. Hybrid cars combine the power of a gasoline engine with the environmental benefits of an electric engine to create what most consider being a better car. There are essentially two different types of hybrid cars on today's market. One type uses the gasoline engine to charge a battery. The battery then runs the electric motor in the car. The gasoline engine is reserved for situations where power is required. Another type never fully runs on the electric motor, but reserves that for situations where the car requires more power. Hybrid cars offer thirty to fifty miles per gallon of gasoline, and a host of special features that make them quite competitive with regular cars. They also, though, a price tag of three to five thousand dollars more than a typical car and waiting lists of six months to two years. There are, though, three good reasons to purchase a hybrid, despite the waiting list.

One excellent reason to purchase a hybrid car is to save money. Gas prices have been skyrocketing for the past two years. It hasn't been unusual over the course of the last several months to pay between two and three dollars per gallon of gasoline. If you live in a city or do an extensive amount of city driving, a hybrid is the car for you. Because some hybrids function on electric power only at low speeds, no gas is used during city driving. That means you could get up to fifty miles per gallon of gasoline just by driving to work each day. Since most traditionally built cars get less than twenty miles to a gallon of gasoline, you could be saving some serious cash. Some hybrids can go more than six hundred miles in between fill-ups, and that could save you more than six hundred and fifty dollars at the gas pump each year.

Another strong reason to purchase a hybrid car is to reduce pollution. City style driving is hard on a vehicle. As a result, cars produce more pollution while sitting in city traffic. Hybrid vehicles were built for this kind of a situation. Most hybrids produce ninety percent less harmful emissions than traditional vehicles do. Moreover, because many states are cracking down on emissions laws, this can save you in the long run. The government, both state and federal, offers tax incentives to purchase a hybrid vehicle. The internal revenue service alone offers up to one thousand dollars in the Clean Fuel Vehicle Tax Deduction program. Other local and state agencies offer similar deductions just to purchase a car that will help reduce pollution in our cities and neighborhoods. Additionally, it will help you feel good to know that you, personally, are doing something that will help our nation clear the air and eliminate the toxins we have spent so long adding to the atmosphere.

One final reason to purchase a hybrid car is to end dependency on oil as a power source. Oil powers everything from our homes to our cars. As a result, the United States is one of the leading countries in the demand for oil. This places us in a seriously problematic situation, as we cannot completely provide the oil we need for ourselves. Auto makers have continually pushed for more oil dependent cars like sport utility vehicles, large trucks, and minivans. Americans have bought into the bigger is better auto craze. The demand for oil goes up every day. Purchasing a hybrid, though, helps to tell the people around you as well as the government and the auto makers that you personally want fuel efficient technology that will stop robbing our natural resources and those of other countries as well as a fuel source that is not dependent on the help of other countries. Oil costs billions of dollars not only to purchase, but also to secure in trade agreements, to deal with the politics of other nations, and to find peaceful solutions to terrorist issues that change the oil supply. Those billions of dollars could find homes for other programs in our nation if we did not require as much oil.

Hybrid cars are one step to changing the way we think about driving. There are a number of excellent reasons to purchase a hybrid.

Gregg Hall is a business consultant and author for many online and offline businesses and lives in Navarre Florida with his 16 year old son. Get quality car care products from http://www.stopwaxing.com