Hybrids

The Toyota Prius is the second most famous hybrid next to the Honda Insight. Coming in 2006 the selection will be increasing including two SUVs. And if you're expecting a tax credit think again. The government is to end the deals once an automaker reaches 60,000 vehicle sales between now and 2010. Toyota expects to hit that in the first half of this year. Hybrids accounted for 1.3% of 2005 sales. That's 212,000 cars... 146,533 were Toyota even though Honda has three hybrids and Ford has two.

Speaking of Ford, they are adding another SUV to the hybrid market. The Mercury Mariner is larger and more luxurious than the Escape and will get lower gas mileage. The Escape gets 35 to 40 miles per gallon using front wheel drive. Need more convincing that the Mercury Mariner is for you? It recently won the "2006 Green Car of the Year" award at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show. It will retail for around $29,840.

If thirty grand is too much for you try out the 2007 Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid from GM starting around $23,000. Available this summer its specs include 27 to 32 miles per gallon, 2.4L four-cylinder engine, & 170 horse power. Chevy is planning the release of 12 hybrids to come including the 2008 Chevy Tahoe a 5.3L V-8 with 25% better fuel economy. With greater competition among the manufacturers we will see better technology in 2006.

Toyota Prius
Mercury Mariner
Saturn Vue
Hybrid News