Hybrid Autos Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius is a hybrid electric mid-size car developed and manufactured by the Toyota Motor Corporation.

The Prius first went on sale in Japan in 1997, making it the first mass-produced hybrid vehicle. It was subsequently introduced worldwide in 2001. The Prius is sold in more than 40 countries and regions, with its largest markets being those of Japan and North America.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, the 2008 Prius is the most fuel efficient car sold in the U.S.

According to the UK Department for Transport, the Prius is tied as the third least CO2-emitting vehicle on sale in the UK and there are eight cars which are more fuel-efficient than it for the combined use cycle.

Feature Between Prius 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid and Prius Touring 1.5L 4-Cyl. Hybrid

Tuned suspension
15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires
15-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P185/65R15 tires and trim rings
16-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with P195/55R16 tires and full wheel covers
Dual color-keyed power outside mirrors
Heated outside mirrors
Aerodynamic multi-reflector halogen headlamps
High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps and integrated fog lamps
Washer-linked variable intermittent windshield wipers
Color-keyed front and rear bumpers and door handles
Heavy-duty rear window defogger with timer
Chrome-type finish grille
Electronic rear hatch locking system
High Solar Energy-Absorbing (HSEA) glass
Rear deck spoiler (larger on Touring)
Intermittent rear window wiper

As with many of Toyota's vehicles, the Prius has become a standard-bearer in its segment. While many automakers have yet to even develop a gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle, Toyota is already on its second generation of the Prius. This four-door hybrid has become a hit with consumers because of its stellar fuel economy, relatively uncompromised driving and acceleration characteristics and reasonable price.

The 2008 Toyota Prius ranks 9 out of 23 Affordable Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Toyota Prius, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

The Prius ranks solidly in the middle of the pack when considered as a hybrid or as a midsize sedan. The Prius's ranking is based on its industry-leading fuel economy, combined with a spacious interior and a standard equipment package that make it competitive as a midsize car, not just a hybrid. However, its styling continues to divide reviewers even after nearly five years on the market, and it sacrifices performance in the pursuit of fuel efficiency. In our hybrid rankings, the 2008 Prius falls behind its corporate cousin, the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid, as well as the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. Those vehicles don't achieve quite the level of fuel efficiency that drives the Prius's fame, but they also do not suffer some of the performance compromises the Prius makes in pursuit of fuel economy. Little has changed in the Prius for 2008, a car which has not had a major redesign since 2004. One important change for 2008 is the introduction of a "standard" trim which lacks features like heated mirrors and cruise control, but is available at a lower cost than the "base" trim level.

Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius has sold more than all other hybrids combined—and for good reason. Since the debut of the second generation Prius in 2003 (as a 2004 model), the midsize hatchback sedan has racked up award after award. Years later, the Prius continues to be a red-hot seller.

The Prius inspires a cult-like devotion from its drivers. Satisfaction rates, consistently at 98 percent, are unparalleled. Prius owners are already looking 20 years ahead, when they can claim with great pride, "Yes. I drove one of the first Priuses."

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How u can Safe with Hybrid vehicles??

Driving Habits

For drivers like you that have a fairly balanced mix of city and highway driving, hybrids provide dual benefits. On the highway, hybrids with smaller engines or engines tuned for peak efficiency can deliver improved fuel economy. Current hybrid models achieve 20-25% better highway fuel economy than similar conventional vehicles, without losing highway passing power due to the extra "kick" of the electric motor. You'll get an even bigger fuel economy boost in the city (40-100%) thanks to the addition of regenerative braking, idle-off, and electric-only drive capabilities, which is why you see the full hybrid models such as the Prius and Escape have better fuel economy estimates for city than for highway. Hybrids can also boast better "low end torque" than comparable conventional vehicles--meaning that the gasoline-electric drive will actually deliver better acceleration at low speeds, a great value in navigating city streets.

Given you drive about 15,000 miles a year and your local gas price is $ 2.25, your vehicle choices break down as follows:

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Automatic) you would stand to spend about $ 4,681 and use about 49.5 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,744 saved at the pump and 29.0 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Manual) you would stand to spend about $ 4,530 and use about 47.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,895 saved at the pump and 30.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Manual, Lean Burn) you would stand to spend about $ 4,680 and use about 49.5 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,746 saved at the pump and 29.1 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2005 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 1 (Automatic, Lean Burn) you would stand to spend about $ 4,723 and use about 50.0 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,702 saved at the pump and 28.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 1.

For the 2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Gen. 2 you would stand to spend about $ 4,530 and use about 47.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,895 saved at the pump and 30.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Civic Hybrid Gen. 2.

For the 2003 Toyota Prius Gen. 1 you would stand to spend about $ 4,056 and use about 42.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,370 saved at the pump and 35.7 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Prius Gen. 1.

For the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 5,562 and use about 58.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,285 saved at the pump and 24.2 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Escape Hybrid.

For the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,374 and use about 67.4 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 1,472 saved at the pump and 15.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Escape Hybrid.

For the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 5,562 and use about 58.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,285 saved at the pump and 24.2 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Mariner Hybrid.

For the 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,374 and use about 67.4 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 1,472 saved at the pump and 15.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Mariner Hybrid.

For the 2008 Lexus LS 600hL you would stand to spend about $ 9,136 and use about 96.7 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ -884 saved at the pump and -9.3 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a LS 600hL.

For the 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid you would stand to spend about $ 7,111 and use about 75.2 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 1,142 saved at the pump and 12.1 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Accord Hybrid.

For the 2007 Lexus GS 450h you would stand to spend about $ 8,205 and use about 86.8 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 48 saved at the pump and 0.5 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a GS 450h.

For the 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid you would stand to spend about $ 5,549 and use about 58.7 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,704 saved at the pump and 28.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Altima Hybrid.

For the 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid you would stand to spend about $ 5,679 and use about 60.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,575 saved at the pump and 27.2 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Camry Hybrid.

For the 2007 Toyota Prius Gen. 2 you would stand to spend about $ 4,056 and use about 42.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 4,197 saved at the pump and 44.4 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Prius Gen. 2.

For the 2007 Lexus RX 400h (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,862 and use about 72.6 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,801 saved at the pump and 29.6 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,263 saved at the pump and 34.5 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a RX 400h.

For the 2007 Lexus RX 400h (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,720 and use about 71.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,944 saved at the pump and 31.1 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,405 saved at the pump and 36.0 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a RX 400h.

For the 2007 Toyota Highlander (2WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,720 and use about 71.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,944 saved at the pump and 31.1 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,405 saved at the pump and 36.0 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Highlander.

For the 2007 Toyota Highlander (4WD) you would stand to spend about $ 6,862 and use about 72.6 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 2,801 saved at the pump and 29.6 barrels of oil Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,263 saved at the pump and 34.5 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Highlander.

For the 2006 Honda Insight (Manual, Lean Burn) you would stand to spend about $ 3,678 and use about 38.9 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,747 saved at the pump and 39.6 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Insight.

For the 2006 Honda Insight (Automatic) you would stand to spend about $ 4,076 and use about 43.1 barrels of oil over the 5 years you tend to keep your vehicle. Compared to similar conventional cars in its class ¹, this translates to roughly $ 3,349 saved at the pump and 35.4 barrels of oil saved over the 5 years you would own a Insight.

Source : http://go.ucsusa.org/hybridcenter/buyersguide.cfm

Hybrid Car Buying Tips at the dealership

Tips at the dealership

Persevere - be insistent - you want your hybrid!

With hybrids in such high demand, some dealers may want to try and steer you into another automobile they have on the lot if they don't have the hybrid you want in stock. Don't be afraid to say "no thanks" if a dealer doesn't have the hybrid you want.

Check for the cleanest technologies.

All hybrids are not built the same. If a less polluting model matters to you, demand it. In 2003, 57% of the US population was living in areas that did not meet federal public health guidelines for smog. Even under the new Tier 2 federal emissions standards, some vehicles can emit up to 13 times as much smog-forming pollution as the cleanest vehicles available. The Gen 1 Civic Hybrid is a case in point, as their California model is a Bin 2 yet they have produced only Bin 9 models - producing 14 times as much smog-forming pollution as Bin 2 models - for the rest of the country, and have, thus far, refused to release Bin 2 models. While Gen. 2 Civic Hybrid is all Bin 2, you should always ask to see the emissions ratings of the vehicle you are going to buy, both smog-forming and global warming.

Comparison shop, and don't be afraid to bargain.

You might have a longer trip to the dealer, but you may end up with a cleaner car. Dealers may have different cars on their lots with different features. Internet sales and comparisons are also a great way to compare. As hybrids become more prevalent, so, too do incentive deals on hybrids. If you are shopping for a hybrid model that has a conventional equivalent, and that model has an incentive, ask that incentive be applied to the hybrid model as well. Check our state hybrid incentives list to see if a state nearby has a tax credit or other incentive, then ask the dealer in your state if he can match that discount in order to get your business. If you are shopping for a Toyota, a vehicle that no longer qualifies for a federal tax credit, note the fact that other hybrids still qualify for a tax credit to the dealer (in other words, don’t be afraid to play one hybrid against another…). Remember to ask people for an "out the door" price that will consist of the taxes, tags, and options you've selected.

Prius: waiting lists and "non-specified" models--

Now that Toyota has increased Prius production, the waiting list issue is far less common, waiting lists still occur in some areas with more limited availability. According to the dealers we talked to, for a $500 reservation fee, you can "order" your Prius model and get on the waiting list for its production (the $500 goes into the total cost of the vehicle, but is non-refundable if you change your mind about purchasing it). This fee may vary, so be sure to ask more than one dealer. There you will choose your car's color and the package of options you want. The waiting list for your model to arrive has been up to 3 and 6 months. Toyota is also producing an increasing number of "non-specified" models that, of course, already have their color and options pre-determined. If you're not picky about color, you can call around and see if dealers in your area are getting in a model with the options you'd like.

Beware "Hybrid Gouging"

Unfortunately, some dealers seem to be trying to find out exactly how badly you want your hybrid. One Prius dealer we spoke with attempted to convince us that there was a $2,500 additional fee to take a "non-specified" model if we didn't first get on the waiting list. One call to another dealer proved this to be untrue. Only take, and pay for, what you are buying, and look to purchase a vehicle that has only the features you really want. And remember, there is usually more than one dealer in your area, so don't be afraid to comparison shop.

Buying Used?

All current hybrid models have 8 year/80,000 mile or 8 year/100,000 mile warranties on their battery. If you are buying from a private party, you may want to call the company and make sure that the warranty is fully transferable to you. If buying used from a dealership, make sure that they are still honoring the original vehicle warranty, or are offering a pre-owned vehicle warranty that sufficiently protects your investment.

source : http://go.ucsusa.org/hybridcenter/buyersguide.cfm

Hybrid Electric Vehicle

A hybrid electric vehicle (HEV) is a vehicle which combines a conventional propulsion system with an on-board rechargeable energy storage system (RESS) to achieve better fuel economy than a conventional vehicle without being hampered by range from a charging unit like a battery electric vehicle, which uses batteries charged by an external source. The different propulsion power systems may have common subsystems or components.

Regular HEVs most commonly use an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric batteries to power electric motors. Modern mass produced HEVs prolong the charge on their batteries by capturing kinetic energy via regenerative braking, and some HEVs can use the combustion engine to generate electricity by spinning an electrical generator (often a motor-generator) to either recharge the battery or directly feed power to an electric motor that drives the vehicle. Many HEVs reduce idle emissions by shutting down the ICE at idle and restarting it when needed. An HEV's engine is smaller and may be run at various speeds, providing more efficiency.

HEVs became widely available to the public in the late 1990s with the introduction of the Honda Insight and Toyota Prius. HEVs are viewed by some automakers as a core segment of the next future automotive market.^[1] An article for the July-August 2007 issue of THE FUTURIST magazine titled "Energy Diversity as a Business Imperative"^[2] included plug-in hybrid vehicles. GM vice president for environment and energy Elizabeth Lowery is quoted as saying, "Today, we are embracing multiple energy sources because there is no single answer available for the mass market…"

Technology

The variety of hybrid electric designs can be differentiated by the structure of the hybrid vehicle drivetrain, the fuel type and the mode of operation.

In 2007, several manufacturers have announced that vehicles will use aspects of hybrid electric technology to reduce fuel consumption without the use of the hybrid drivetrain. Regenerative braking can be used to recapture energy and stored to power electrical accessories, such as air conditioning. Shutting down the engine at idle can also be used to reduce fuel consumption and reduce emissions without the addition of a hybrid drivetrain. In both cases, some of the advantages of hybrid electric technology are gained while additional cost and weight may be limited to the addition of larger batteries and starter motors. There is no standard terminology for such vehicles, although they may be termed mild hybrids.

The 2000s saw development of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), which can be recharged from the electrical power grid and do not require conventional fuel for short trips. The Renault Kangoo was the first production model of this design, released in France in 2003.

Engines and fuel sources

Gasoline

Gasoline engines are used in most hybrid electric designs, and will likely remain dominant for the foreseeable future. While petroleum-derived gasoline is the primary fuel, it is possible to mix in varying levels of ethanol created from renewable energy sources. Like most modern ICE-powered vehicles, HEVs can typically use up to about 15% bioethanol. Manufacturers may move to flexible fuel engines, which would increase allowable ratios, but no plans are in place at present.

Diesel

Diesel-electric HEVs use a diesel engine for power generation. Diesels have advantages when delivering constant power for long periods of time, suffering less wear while operating at higher efficiency. The diesel engine's high torque, combined with hybrid technology, may offer substantially improved mileage. Most diesel vehicles can use 100% pure biofuels (biodiesel), so they can use but do not need petroleum at all for fuel (although mixes of biofuel and petroleum are more common, and petroleum may be needed for lubrication). If diesel-electric HEVs were in use, this benefit would likely also apply. Diesel-electric hybrid drivetrains have begun to appear in commercial vehicles (particularly buses); as of 2007, no light duty diesel-electric hybrid passenger cars are currently available, although prototypes exist. Peugeot is expected to produce a diesel-electric hybrid version of its 308 in late 2008 for the European market.^[4]

PSA Peugeot Citroën has unveiled two demonstrator vehicles featuring a diesel-electric hybrid drivetrain: the Peugeot 307, Citroën C4 Hybride HDi and Citroën C-Cactus.^[5] Volkswagen made a prototype diesel-electric hybrid car that achieved 2 L/100 km (140 mpg imp/120 mpg US) fuel economy, but has yet to sell a hybrid vehicle. General Motors has been testing the Opel Astra Diesel Hybrid. There have been no concrete dates suggested for these vehicles, but press statements have suggested production vehicles would not appear before 2009.

Robert Bosch GmbH is supplying hybrid diesel-electric technology to diverse automakers and models, including the Peugeot 308.^[6]

So far, production diesel-electric engines have mostly just appeared in mass transit buses.

Design considerations

In some cases, manufacturers are producing HEVs that use the added energy provided by the hybrid systems to give vehicles a power boost, rather than significantly improved fuel efficiency compared to their traditional counterparts.^[7] The trade-off between added performance and improved fuel efficiency is partly controlled by the software within the hybrid system and partly the result of the engine, battery and motor size. In the future, manufacturers may provide HEV owners with the ability to partially control this balance (fuel efficiency vs. added performance) as they wish, through a user-controlled setting.^[8] Toyota announced in January, 2006 that it was considering a "high-efficiency" button.

Conversion kits

One can buy a stock hybrid or convert a stock petroleum car to a hybrid electric vehicle using an aftermarket hybrid kit.

Benefits

Benefits of the hybrid electric design include:

Fuel consumption

Current HEVs reduce petroleum consumption (compared to otherwise similar conventional vehicles) primarily by using three mechanisms:
a) Reducing wasted energy during idle/low output, generally by turning the ICE off;
b) Recapturing waste energy (i.e. regenerative braking);
c) Reducing the size and power of the ICE, and hence inefficiencies from under-utilization, by using the added power from the electric motor to compensate for the loss in peak power output from the smaller ICE.

Any combination of these three primary hybrid advantages may be used in different vehicles to realize different fuel usage, power, emissions, weight and cost profiles. The ICE in an HEV can be smaller, lighter, and more efficient than the one in a conventional vehicle, because the combustion engine can be sized for slightly above average power demand rather than peak power demand. The drive system in a vehicle is required to operate over a range of speed and power, but an ICE has its highest efficiency is in a narrow range of operation, making conventional vehicles inefficient. In contrast, in most HEV designs, the ICE operates closer to its range of highest efficiency more of the time. The power curve of electric motors is better suited to variable speeds and can provide substantially greater torque at low speeds compared with internal-combustion engines. The greater fuel economy of HEVs has implication for reduced petroleum consumption and vehicle air pollution emissions worldwide^[10]

Durability

Reduced wear on the gasoline engine, particularly from idling with no load. Reduced wear on brakes from the regenerative braking system use.

There's no definitive word on replacement costs of the batteries because they are almost never replaced. According to Toyota, since the Prius first went on sale in 2000, they have not replaced a single battery for wear and tear.

Environmental impact

Reduced noise emissions resulting from substantial use of the electric motor at idling and low speeds, leading to roadway noise reduction,^[11] in comparison to conventional gasoline or diesel powered engine vehicles, resulting in beneficial noise health effects (although road noise from tires and wind, the loudest noises at highway speeds from the interior of most vehicles, are not affected by the hybrid design alone). Note, however, that this is not always an advantage; for example, people who are blind or visually-impaired, and who rely on vehicle-noise while crossing streets, find it more difficult to do safely.[1] Reduced air pollution emissions due to lower fuel consumption, leading to improved human health with regard to respiratory and other illness. Pollution reduction in urban environments may be particularly significant due to elimination of idle-at-rest.

One common misconception is: "However, one must remember the environmental stamp of HEV batteries, which must be replaced on a regular basis and are treated as extremely hazardous waste." This is not entirely true. Battery toxicity is a concern, although today's hybrids use NiMH batteries, not the environmentally problematic rechargeable nickel cadmium. "Nickel metal hydride batteries are benign. They can be fully recycled," says Ron Cogan, editor of the Green Car Journal. Toyota and Honda say that they will recycle dead batteries and that disposal will pose no toxic hazards. Toyota puts a phone number on each battery, and they pay a $200 "bounty" for each battery to help ensure that it will be properly recycled.

The Guides to Hybrid Vehicles

in January 2008 we have been shocked by the high price of gasoline? As the pump clicked past $20, $30, $40 or even $50,

Historical Gas Prices (Adjusted for inflation)
Year	Price Per Gallon
1950	$1.91
1955	$1.85
1960	$1.79
1965	$1.68
1970	$1.59
1975	$1.80
1980	$2.59
1985	$1.90
1990	$1.51
1995	$1.28
2001	$1.66
2002	$1.31
2003	$1.52
2004	$1.79
2005	$2.28
2006	$3.03
2007 (so far)	$3.26
Source: U.S. DOE

maybe you thought about trading in your car for something that gets better mileage. Or maybe you're worried that your car is contributing to the greenhouse effect.

With regard to anything automotive, the word "hybrid" has become synonymous with frugality and efficiency. Thanks in large part to the popular Toyota Prius, Americans see automotive gas/electric hybrid technology as at least one solution to lowering fuel costs and reducing America's dependence on foreign oil. As a bonus, hybrids have earned a reputation for cleaner tailpipe emissions as well.

Despite the perceived benefits of hybrid technology, sales of these vehicles still represent only a tiny fraction of the U.S. marketplace. Americans purchased about 250,000 hybrid vehicles in 2006, accounting for just 1.5 percent of the 17,000,000 cars and trucks sold here last year.

Choices, Choices

One reason hybrid sales haven't grown more quickly is the limited number of vehicles available. This list includes 14 vehicles, two of which, at the time of this writing, are not yet available, and one that can only be purchased in five states.

Another reason is cost. In addition to a vehicle's conventional gasoline engine, hybrids also include a regenerative braking system that recaptures energy that is normally wasted in braking and slowing, a battery pack to store the recovered power, and one or more electric motors that assist in propelling the vehicles. Note that all the vehicles discussed here also incorporate engine shut-off technology. Very simply, these systems shut the engine off while idling to conserve fuel. Vehicles with more advanced hybrid systems may propel themselves short distances before restarting the engine, further improving fuel economy.

All this additional technology adds considerably to the overall cost of hybrid vehicles. Still, automakers are loath to be excluded from the hybrid hysteria, believing that offering such vehicles demonstrates both social responsibility as well as technical prowess.

While hybrid vehicles are generally assumed to be frugal with fuel, not all hybrids are designed to be gas misers. Several hybrids, those offered by Toyota's Luxury Lexus division especially, use hybrid technology primarily as a means to improve performance, though fuel economy is generally improved as well. Available now or due soon are hybrid vehicles from General Motors, Ford, Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. From GM comes the Saturn Vue Green Line compact SUV. Hybrid versions of GM's Chevrolet Malibu and Saturn Aura midsize sedans are due later this year. Ford offers hybrid versions of its Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner compact SUVs. Honda's popular Civic and Accord compact and midsize cars are both offered in hybrid form. From Nissan comes the Altima hybrid, a midsize sedan.

Toyota has the most hybrid offerings. The compact Prius comes only as a hybrid, while the midsize sedan Camry and midsize SUV Highlander offer both hybrid and conventional variants. From Toyota's Lexus division come the midsize GS450h sedan, the large LS600h sedan, and the RX450h midsize SUV.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu Base Price Range: NA EPA MPG: NA Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA Due out this fall as part of a redesigned Malibu lineup, this hybrid incorporates the same General Motors "mild hybrid" technology as the 2007 Saturn Aura and Vue hybrids. Though specific information is not yet available, count on seeing a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and conventional four-speed automatic transmission. While the mild hybrid arrangement still incorporates electric thrust to improve acceleration, it does not allow for electric-only running at low speeds, as do most other hybrid systems. Mild hybrid technology, however, tends to be less costly than other systems. General Motors is claiming a fuel economy improvement of up to 25 percent when compared to a similar Malibu without a hybrid drivetrain.

2008 Ford Escape Hybrid Base Price Range: $25,075-$26,825 EPA MPG: NA Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 28.4-31.7 Though sporting new exterior styling, Escape remains mechanically unchanged for 2008. As such, Ford division's only hybrid returns largely intact. While conventional Escapes are offered in XLS, XLT, and Limited trim, the Hybrid is offered only as separate model and includes a level of equipment that closely approximates the midline XLT. Escape Hybrid incorporates a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. A true hybrid, Escape can propel itself for short distances at low speeds using only its electric motor. Escape Hybrid is mechanically identical to the Mariner Hybrid offered by Ford's sister division Mercury.

2007 Honda Accord Hybrid Base Price Range: $31,090-$33,090 EPA MPG: 28-35 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 27.5 Designed as much for improved performance as for frugal operation, Accord Hybrid uses a 3.0-liter V6 at the center of its hybrid drivetrain. With 253 horsepower, the Hybrid is the most powerful model in the Accord lineup. The Accord Hybrid comes only with a conventional five-speed automatic transmission and does not allow for electric-only operation. The Hybrid is equipped similarly to the conventional topline Accord EX, though because of space consumed by the battery pack, it does without its folding rear seat.

2007 Honda Civic Hybrid Base Price Range: $22,600-$24,350 EPA MPG: 49-51 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 37.8-38.0 Unlike its big-brother Accord, the Honda Civic Hybrid is designed specifically for improved fuel economy. To do so, Civic has a tiny 1.3-liter four-cylinder at the heart of its hybrid drivetrain. Civic Hybrid comes only with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and will propel itself for short distances at low speeds without the aid of its gasoline engine. The Hybrid model is equipped similarly to the conventional topline Civic EX, but loses its rear disc brakes, folding rear seat, and sunroof.

2007 Lexus GS 450h Base Price: $54,000 EPA MPG: 25-28 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 22.7 Like its big brother the LS600h, this Lexus hybrid is designed for enhanced performance first, and improved fuel economy second. The GS450h builds its hybrid system around an already potent 3.5-liter V6. They system is coupled to a continuously variable transmission and is capable of running for brief periods of time at low speeds without the gasoline engine. The 450h caps a GS lineup that includes the non-hybrid GS350 and GS430. Like some other hybrid sedans, the GS loses some trunk space to its battery pack.

2008 Lexus LS 600h L Base Price Range: NA EPA MPG: NA Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA Designed with performance instead of frugality in mind, the Lexus LS 600h L promises to be the most expensive hybrid vehicle yet when it goes on sale later in 2007. The LS will also be the first hybrid based on a V8 drivetrain. The hybrid boosted V8 is expected to produce in excess of 430 horsepower. Based on the Consumer Guide Best Buy Lexus LS, the hybrid 600h will be available only with the model's long-wheelbase L body. The LS 600h L should start around $100,000.

2008 Lexus RX 400h Base Price Range: $41,180-$42,580 EPA MPG: 27-33 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA Lexus's crossover midsize SUV was updated for 2008, getting fresh exterior styling but remaining mechanically unchanged. Like the similar Toyota Highlander Hybrid, the 400h hybrid powertrain centers around a 3.3-liter V6 and includes a continuously variable transmission. The 400h is capable of covering short distances in electric-only mode. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. Note that like the Highlander Hybrid, AWD models feature rear wheels that are driven only by the hybrid system's electric motors; there is no mechanical connection to the transmission. The RX400h is equipped similarly to the conventional gas-engined RX350, but loses that model's standard rear-wood trim and tachometer.

2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid Base Price Range: $25,765-$27,515 EPA MPG: NA Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 24.8-28.8 Though sporting new exterior styling, Mariner remains mechanically unchanged for 2008. As such, Mercury's twin to the Ford Escape returns largely intact. While conventional Mariners are offered in Base and Premier trim, the Hybrid is offered as separate model and includes a level of equipment that closely approximates the topline Premier. Like Ford Escape Hybrid, Mariner Hybrid incorporates a 2.3-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. Mariner can propel itself for short distances at low speeds using only its electric motor.

2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Base Price: $24,400 EPA MPG: 36-42 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA Based on its popular midsize Altima sedan, the 2007 Altima Hybrid is Nissan's first hybrid offering. Hedging its bets on continuing consumer demand for hybrid vehicles, Nissan has opted to offer the Altima Hybrid only in "Green States" (California, Massachusetts, Maine, New York, and Vermont). The Altima Hybrid drivetrain features a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and will operate for short periods of time at low speeds in electric-only mode. The Hybrid has roughly the same level of standard equipment as the conventional 4-cylinder Altima 2.5 S.

2007 Saturn Aura Green Line Base Price Range:NA EPA MPG: NA Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA Due out this summer, this hybrid incorporates the same General Motors "mild hybrid" technology as the Vue hybrid and forthcoming Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid. Though specific information is not yet available, count on seeing a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and conventional four-speed automatic. While the mild hybrid arrangement still incorporates electric thrust to improve acceleration, it does not allow for electric-only running at low speeds, as do most other hybrid systems.

2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Base Price: $22,370 EPA MPG: 27-32 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 25.8-28.4 Though introduced this past fall, General Motor's first hybrid vehicle (excluding the Chevrolet Silverado that offered a hybrid variant in name only) has already gone out of production. Vue assembly-including the hybrid Green Line-ended earlier this year, but examples should still be available on dealer lots. A redesigned 2008 Vue lineup, due later in the calendar year, will include a Green Line model. Vue Green Line incorporates the same General Motors "mild hybrid" technology as the coming 2007 Saturn Aura Green Line and Vue hybrids. The hybrid drivetrain included a 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and conventional four-speed automatic. Vue Green Line is available only with front-wheel drive. While the mild hybrid arrangement still incorporates electric thrust to improve acceleration, it does not allow for electric-only running at low speeds, as do most other hybrid systems.

2008 Saturn Vue Green Line Base Price Range: NA EPA MPG: NA Consumer Guide Observed MPG: NA Due to arrive this fall as part of a redesigned Vue line up, the next-generation Green Line will be nearly identical mechanically to the 2007 version when it launches. The addition of a new hybrid system will make its debut several months after launch. Thanks to a longer wheelbase and expanded passenger and cargo accommodations, '08 Vues move up a size class to midsize SUV from compact.

2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid Base Price: $26,000 EPA MPG: 38-40 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 28.6-31.2 Not content with the success of Prius, the new for 2007 Camry Hybrid gives Toyota a hybrid sedan that is more conventional in both style and design. Unlike the similar-size Honda Accord Hybrid with its sport-oriented V6 hybrid drivetrain, the Camry pursues optimal fuel economy with its 2.4-liter 4-cylinder system. The Camry Hybrid is capable of covering short distances at low speeds on only electric power. While conventional Camrys are offered in CE, LE, SE, and topline XLE trim, the Hybrid comes as a single model equipped much like the midline LE.

2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Base Price Range: $32,490-$36,550 EPA MPG: 27-31 Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 22.8-26.4 Highlander Hybrid has the distinction of being the only hybrid to offer three-row seating. Like the similar Lexus RX400h, the Highlander Hybrid's powertrain centers around a 3.3-liter V6 and includes a continuously variable transmission. The Highlander Hybrid is capable of covering short distances at low speeds in electric-only mode. Front- and all-wheel drive versions are offered. Note that also like the 400h, AWD models feature rear wheels that are driven only by the hybrid system's electric motors, there is no mechanical connection to the transmission. The Highlander Hybrid is offered in Base and Limited trim levels that closely parallel the content of similar conventional versions of the highlander.

2007 Toyota Prius
Base Price Range: $22,175-$23,070
EPA MPG: 51-60
Consumer Guide Observed MPG: 41.7-45.2
The original hybrid is now in its second generation and still accounting for almost half of all hybrid vehicle sales. Unlike the other vehicles on this list, the Prius was designed specifically as a hybrid and is not based on a conventionally powered vehicle. While dealers have no trouble stocking the other hybrids discussed here, the Prius has been in short supply, meaning that customers have waited weeks and months for their cars to arrive. A recent slackening in Prius demand may mean reduced wait times and manufacturer incentives for buyers. Under the hood, only the Honda Civic Hybrid has a smaller engine. Prius's hybrid system is built around a 1.5-liter 4-cylinder engine and a continuously variable transmission. Under proper conditions, Prius will operate for extended lengths of time without engaging the gasoline engine.