Article Directory | BlogStones.comArticles about any topics to be reprinted or published on web sites, newsletters, ezines

With great fuel efficiency and eco-friendliness the hybrid vehicles are slowly gaining popularity worldwide. The limited choice of hybrid options keep these vehicles with hefty price tags. Though these hybrid vehicles are costlier than the conventional ones, they are far more beneficial. The true fact is that it is worth to spend some extra cash in buying hybrid vehicles as you will be able to save a great deal of money in a long run. For example, the hybrid vehicles use fossil fuels and also give you great mileage. Hence you can save your money spent in filling gas to your vehicle. Toyota is a well known manufacture of hybrid vehicles. Recently Toyota launched a new SUV named “Highlander Hybrid” (New version of 08 Highlander Hybrid) with many advancements. The 2009 Highlander Hybrid seems to break all the limitations of the other hybrid SUVs available out there.

Highlander Hybrid ?? Power Unleashed

The Highlander Hybrid has proven that the hybrid vehicles needn??t be underpowered. The hybrid VVT-i V6, 24 valve engine delivers unmatched power to the Highlander. A test run of the Highlander hybrid proved to generate 208 hp at 5600 rpm, which most of the hybrid SUVs available today failed to deliver. The Highlander Hybrid was also able to develop a maximum torque of 247 lb.-ft. at 0-1500 rpm. Surprisingly, this powerful monster is easy to control. The power assisted disc brakes with ABS and EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution- only available in 09 Highlander) will offer great control even in the roughest terrains.

Unmatched Safety

Toyota has been providing ultimate safety features in all their vehicles. The Highlander Hybrid is no exemption. Toyota has included some of the best modern safety features in the Highlander Hybrid. Toyota refers the safety system of the Highlander hybrid as “Star Safety System” which includes Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control with a cutoff switch. As the Highlander is an SUV that has to be driven in rough terrains, it is equipped with the latest sophisticated traction control (TRAC). The Highlander Hybrid is also equipped with the regular safety features like airbags, side impact door beams and a collapsible steering wheel. The combination of “hill start assist control (HAC)” and “downhill assist control” makes the Highlander to be driven with ease in steep hills. With HAC “on”, even rookie SUV enthusiasts can drive the Highlander Hybrid in steep hills without backward rolling.

Great Looks

The 09 Highlander Hybrid grabs the attention of people with the multi-reflector halogen headlamps and the shiny unique hybrid grille with chrome surround. Toyota has thrown some eye candy to the door handles with a layer of chrome. The UV reduction windshield looks very classy. If you want to get the envy of other SUV owners you can opt for 19-inch 5-spoke aluminum alloy wheels with silver-painted accents which will add more beauty to the Highlander hybrid.

Buying the Highlander Hybrid

Alright, now we are sure that you will be eager to have a look or even buy the Highlander Hybrid. The only authorized seller of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid in the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area is “Greensburg Toyota”. So what are you waiting for? Grab the keys of this unique SUV and experience the power along with becoming environmentally responsible.

Read more on Toyota Highlander Hybrid Breaking The Barriers…

Selecting a hybrid vehicle, or an HEV, can be an easy task. Choosing to purchase a hybrid vehicle creates many benefits. The first benefit, of course, is that you save money on fuel costs. The second benefit is that you are doing your part to protect the environment. The third benefit is that you are reducing the need for our country to depend on oil sources from other countries. The next benefit is that you can receive a tax incentive from the government based on the Energy Bill. It is true that a hybrid vehicle is more expensive than the standard vehicle; however, it pays for itself time and time again. Here, you will learn some important steps on how to select a hybrid vehicle.

1) The first step to selecting a hybrid vehicle is to determine what style of vehicle that you are in the market for. You can choose from a basic sedan to a SUV when selecting a hybrid vehicle. You must first determine what style of hybrid vehicle that you are in the market for before making the appropriate choice for you.

2) The next step to selecting a hybrid vehicle is to evaluate your driving habits. You should carefully consider whether you need a vehicle to drive short distances, or if you need a vehicle that will drive long distances. Many people travel often, and other people do not. Your travel habits will play a large role in selecting a hybrid vehicle.

3) It is important to do research when you are selecting a hybrid vehicle. There are numerous ways that you can research hybrid vehicles to ensure that you are selecting the hybrid vehicle that is right for you. You can do an online search, or you can visit your local dealer for information on the various types of hybrid vehicles that are available, and research the features of each one.

4) There are websites that are sponsored by the government that rate various makes and models of hybrid vehicles. Since the government issues tax incentives on the hybrid vehicles, you should choose the make and model of hybrid vehicle that has the highest efficiency rating to ensure that you get the most money from your tax incentive.

5) Once you have selected a hybrid vehicle that you are interested in, it is important that you contact a dealership and arrange to take the hybrid vehicle that you select for a test drive. Many major car dealerships will even allow you to keep a vehicle overnight to test drive it. This will give you plenty of time to have your automobile technician check the vehicle and offer you their opinion.

There are many steps involved when selecting a hybrid vehicle. It is important that you do all of your research, and select the hybrid vehicle that is closest to meeting your driving needs. You should be sure to do all the research that you can in order to make the most logical decision when it comes to selecting a hybrid vehicle.

Read more on Selecting a Hybrid Vehicle…

With all the high gas prices out there, hybrid vehicles are continuing to become more popular among drivers. There are a few luxury hybrid choices out there, and the Lexus Hybrid 400h Hybrid seems to be the most popular of those choices. Check out some of the features of the Lexus Hybrid 400h Hybrid and what sets itself apart from the other hybrids.

The Lexus Hybrid 400h hybrid looks nice on the outside and cushy on the inside, but how does this SUV handle? According to Toyota, superbly. As with every other hybrid, the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid has two engines – gasoline and electric – that function together or separately. This is where the fuel-efficiency comes in. The way the motors work in tandem makes some people think that all vehicles should be hybrid. They could be right.

The gas engine is a 3.3 liter V6 like the one found in the RX 350. With a combined 268 horsepower output when used in conjunction with the electric motor, this SUV kicks butt with gasoline conservation. This is a definite plus with gas prices being so high. The electric motor in the front operate optimally under regular driving conditions, and the electric motor in the rear kicks in when the pedal is to the metal in full-throttle acceleration.

The gasoline engine switches off whenever you slow down, is traveling at a low speed or is idling. This is when the electric motor takes over. With a built in Ni-MH battery, there is plenty of energy to run the SUV as well as store electricity that is produced when the vehicle brakes. It’s also very helpful when the vehicle speeds up. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid can reach 60 miles per hour in 8 seconds. Most other SUVs cannot do that and the Lexus is doing it with an electric motor. It is also consuming the same amount of gasoline as a compact four cylinder car. Hence the ability to get a Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle designation in the United States.

The low emissions are what qualified the vehicle to receive a 4 star rating. It produces 75% less emissions than most of the standard comparable crossovers. It is also certified to get 26 miles per gallon in the city and 24 miles per gallon on the highway. Why? The electric motor kicks in during city driving and the breaking and decelerating produces energy that is stored in the batteries.

Zero to sixty-two miles per hour can be reached in 7.6 seconds and the top speed the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid can reach is 124 miles per hour. The engines are quiet and consumers may wonder if their vehicle is even running. Ride and handling is fine on the blacktop and it lives up to the reputation the standard version has earned. This SUV is luxury defined and a comfortable ride for all. Yes, the handling could be better, but then most SUVs do not handle very well anyway. Overall the vehicle is an excellent choice with an off-road 4×4 system.

Lexus’ are highly reliable vehicles and they have managed to live up to their high-quality and luxury name. Even though the hybrid has been around since 2005, there have been no production setbacks or problems related to the vehicle. The way it’s designed lends credence to the fact that there may never be any manufacturing setbacks.

Safety features are included with the standard dual front airbags, side bags, head curtain side bags and driver knee airbags. In crash tests, the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid received 5 stars, the highest rating a vehicle can get, in side impact and head on collisions. The Four-Wheel drive suspension the controls the vehicles height varies with the driving conditions, a nice and unique feature. At 62 mph, the vehicle lowers by 0.3 inches when driving normally. In low mode it can shrink more, another 0.6 inches and 1.2 inches for easier passenger access when in access mode.

Surprisingly enough you would think that this hybrid would be sitting way up there with a big price tag. It’s a hybrid. It’s an SUV. It’s a Lexus. $50,000? No. The Lexus RX 400h Hybrid starts at $39,000 and peaks in price at $46,000. And that depends on the model year, release specifications, and other bells and whistles that may have been already added.

If you want to look into a hybrid SUV that is not going to kill you on monthly payments but ease you gasoline burden without sacrificing luxury and quality, then the Lexus RX 400h Hybrid is the one for you. There is plenty of cargo space to haul things, great interior perks, and a lot of room. For the most part, this luxury SUV crossover is worth the money.

Read more on Lexus RX 400h Hybrid Features…

Buying a hybrid car gives the phrase “go green” a whole new meaning. Not only is it good for the environment, it’s also good for your pocket book. Check out the tax benefits of hybrid vehicles for yourself.

The government has decided that encouraging drivers to do their part to protect the environment could be better enhanced by offering tax incentives. So 2006 sees a variety of incentives from tax credits to tax deductions.

But before you get too excited, be sure you understand all the regulations. It is a bit complex and not all vehicles that call themselves hybrids actually qualify for the hybrid tax relief programs.

The full on hybrid vehicle uses both a gas engine and an electric engine. The Toyota Prius is an example of a full on hybrid. However some of the other models that call themselves hybrids aren’t classified as such by the government. That’s because some vehicles that do no more than shut the engine off at idle wear the hybrid designation.

The full tax credit is applicable to only the first 60,000 cars sold by the car maker. After that, the amount of the credit goes down. So if you want to be able to take the full tax credit you need to be buy early. Be aware that leasing doesn’t qualify for a tax credit.

The new tax incentive programs are much more valuable than the old programs that were in place. For the exact amount and rules you need to contact the IRC, but ACEEE has provided the following estimates to give you an idea of the tax benefits you might reap.

The Toyota Prius should qualify for the full $3400 tax credit, and it’s the only hybrid to earn this honor. A $2600 credit goes to the Ford Escape 2WD, Honda Insight, and Toyota Highlander 2WD. A $2200 credit is available for the Lexus RX400H, Honda Civic Auto Transmission, and Toyota Highlander 4WD. A $1950 credit goes to the Ford Escape 4WD and Honda Civic Manual Transmission. The Lexus GS450H, Nissan Altima, and Toyota Camry all have a $1300 tax credit. The Honda Accord, GMC Sierra, and Chevy Silverado all get under $1000.

Remember, these are estimates. The actual numbers will have to be obtained from the IRS or you’ll need to wait until they release them.

The basics for being able to take the credit are as follows: you must purchase the vehicle new on or after Jan 1, 2006, and it cannot be for re-sale. That’s pretty simple but there are some other areas that aren’t so clear so be sure you get the details on “all” the rules.

The tax benefits of hybrid vehicles are definitely improving. Have your accountant or bookkeeper find out what your personal options are and take advantage of any tax breaks you can!

Read more on Getting A Tax Break With Your Hybrid Vehicle…

After several years of experiment and tests, Audi was the first company to bring Hybrid cars on production in 1997. Since then all the leading automakers including GM, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Cadillac and many others have adopted the technology and brought their own models in the market. If you are looking for a big hybrid car that has the power of V8 as well as emission free propulsion of electric motor Cadillac Escalade Hybrid and GMC Yukon are the best options.

Read more on GMC Hybrid Review 2009 GMC SUV Cars and Trucks…

Hybrid cars are fast becoming a trend these days with many more people looking at buying used hybrid vehicles. For quite a while many car manufactures have been developing and distributing the hybrid vehicle in the market and due to it’s popularity has enjoyed a quick growth rate by producing impressive sales figures. This is in no way surprising on the people are keen observers in the industry who believe the marketing and production of hybrid car was long overdue.

Read more on The Reasons Why Buying A Used Hybrid Vehicles Can Be Easier Than Expected…

Do not let the initial appearance of the Tahoe Hybrid fool you; while the vehicle looks very similar to the normal Tahoe, there are several smaller differences. For one, the vehicle is far more aerodynamic, as the body of the SUV has been altered enough so that air smoothly passes over the car instead of causing air dragging. The SUV’s D-pillar was given a revision and now the car has flared ends at the run boards which deal with effectively reducing wind resistance. It’s not just supposed to look cool, the SUV’s body has a purpose. The entire new look of this vehicle seems to make the SUV more efficient, but has the added bonus of looking sleek.

The hybrid’s hood has now changed to sport grilles, as well as air vents that are able to increase air intake, which makes engine cooling much easier for the hybrid than standard gas-powered SUVs, the body of the Tahoe hybrid is designed to assist in eco-friendly functioning of the vehicle.

In speaking on the hybrid’s actual composition, the Tahoe’s hood and liftgate are constructed from lightweight aluminum, which helps the hybrid weigh less, which eases strain on the engine. Integrated hybrid motors are not light, in fact, they can weigh up to 400 pounds that lightweight hybrids need to be able to handle. Every little bit counts with this vehicle.

The Tahoe Hybrid sports wheels that are specifically designed for low resistance. Considering the lightweight of the car, the tire design is more efficient for a hybrid SUV than regular tires. Stylistically, the hybrid is sleek and fashionable, with colors for the exterior ranging between silver, sport red, black and amber. The Tahoe Hybrid logo has been replaced by a badge on the C-pillars’ liftgate. Overall, the Tahoe Hybrid has the same height and length expectations as any other SUV with a more timely update.

Interior

In considering the interior of the vehicle, the important thing to note is that Chevrolet is a luxury provider, and so anything less than sophisticated and exquisite would be a disappointment. Thankfully, the interior of the vehicle looks just as fantastic as the outside, and the cabin is just as spacious and comfortable as to be expected in a normal Chevrolet Tahoe. Because the vehicle is an SUV, the interior is standard for a gas-powered car, but for a hybrid, it is a bit of an exception.

The comfortable space in the cabin can easily fit up to eight people, which makes using the vehicle for work purposes, as well as for personal errands. After all, the cargo space in the trunk can certainly hold enough groceries for a large family, or even carry lumber and supplies or luggage. It would be ideal for family getaways, long picnics and out-of-town weekend vacations. After all, there would certainly be enough room to carry a picnic basket or camping gear.

Because it is being advertised as a luxury sports utility vehicle, I am sure there is concern as to whether or not the Tahoe Hybrid is still a work truck, capable of doing the labor needed from an SUV. No need to worry, while the interior is cozy and comfortable, there is a ruggedness to the material. In fact, the material of the interior can handle abuse and messes like any other SUV, as well as being able to handle tough and high impact environments that would be found in construction sites. This vehicle is designed to bring comfort to dealing with these heavy duty activities. Thanks to the cargo capacity, it is also quite easy to carry equipment, building materials and tools.

Taking a glance at the front seat, the seats for the driver and passenger are comfortable, cozy and luxurious. These seats are also elevated, giving excellent visibility to the drivers of the SUV. While the dashboard has an instrumentation panel, considering this is a hybrid vehicle, there are additional gauges and meters for measuring the efficiency of the hybrid motor.

In the second row, as there are three rows of seats, the seats have been changed and redesigned to that they can accommodate the location of the hybrid battery pack that is placed beneath these seats. The final and third row is the same as a conventional Chevrolet Tahoe with folding seats and that make storage much more accessible.

Like many luxury vehicles, there are several bells and whistles that can be placed throughout the Tahoe Hybrid. While optional, there are packages that include a sophisticated audio system, DVD entertainment systems, navigational programs, as well as a rear camera. This feature tends to be skimmed over, however, the rear camera allows the driver to see on the dashboard screen. Instead of that convenience and comfort, though, some consumers simply prefer the simple pleasures of cup-holders for all. Oddly enough, the simplicity of cup-holders has apparently been overlooked by the competition.

Read more on Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid Exterior and Interior Overview…

In today’s automotive market, the fastest growing sector of the industry is the hybrid vehicle. These vehicles are touted for being fuel efficient and utilizing the latest in “green” driving technology in order to maximize mileage while minimizing the consumption of fossil fuels.

Read more on Is a Hybrid Vehicle Worth the Cost?…

With all the high gas prices out there, hybrid vehicles are continuing to become more popular among drivers. There are a few SUV hybrid choices out there, and the Mercury Mariner hybrid seems to be the most popular of those choices. Check out some of the features of the Mercury Mariner hybrid and what sets itself apart from the other hybrids.

For the most part consumers seem pleased with this SUV hybrid, and reviewers say that the handling is respectable. While maybe not glowing praise there, the power steering was designed to be sensitive to the speed in which the vehicle is traveling. In this respect the enhanced steering is an improvement. However, many people are finding that small SUVs have better steering capabilities than the Mariner and that this hybrid is not conforming.

The power steering is providing the engine with what is known as a lower drag and this improves the gas mileage. This also makes the Mariner drive more like a truck that a car. The suspension is not built for off-road driving, but it’s perfect for paved surfaces, and the vehicle handles flatly going through corners while retaining its composure on fast transitions.

58.8 miles per hour will give the consumer better gas mileage, but the nature of hybrid SUVs tend to be slower and lacking the same power as regular vehicles. With gas prices being what they are, that slowness is less of an issue than normal. This should be one of the first things anyone interested in purchasing any hybrid SUV should ask about if only to get a good idea of how the vehicle will perform.

Does this mean that the Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV is not a good vehicle choice? That there are others out there better than this Ford model? No. The Mariner can do zero to sixty in 10.8 seconds from a dead standstill. So what? Unless you are planning on a career drag racing this is a respectable number and well within the established limits of the hybrid SUV economy.

The power train is the big ticket item in this SUV and the one thing people talk up the most. It’s powerful and can move the SUV 25 miles per hour solely on electric alone. The four-cylinder engine is a DOHC 2.3-liter that utilizes and well-known and admired Atkinson operating cycle. There are 330-volt nickel-metal battery packs in the motor that have designed for the hybrid sealed inside.

The variable transmission arrangement in the Mariner also provides seamless acceleration on both the gas driven and electric driven engines. That means your hybrid SUV starts out on the gas and eventually shifts to the electric motor as the acceleration continues to rise. Braking causes mechanical energy to be converted and then stores in the rechargeable batteries. This is actually pretty efficient and it eliminates the need to plug the vehicle in to an electrical outlet.

Gas Mileage and Environmental Issues

Ford is touring the Mercury Mariner SUV hybrid as being one of the ‘greenest and cleanest’ vehicles they have ever designed and manufactured. It falls under the strict Super Low Emissions Vehicle classification which is a clean-air standard most of the states in America have gone to following. As a result of this design engineering, the Mariner has also qualified to be listed as being labeled an Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle. This is saying a lot because getting this award and label is very difficult.

The Mariner produce 1 gram of carbon monoxide per mile, nitrogen oxide at 0.02 grams per mile, and unburned hydrocarbon at 0.01 gram each mile. This numbers are extremely low when put side by side with the numbers regular cars produce. The Mariner’s exhaust emissions are dang near non-existent.

Fuel economy right now is a serious issue, but the SUV comes in at 33 miles per gallon in city driving and 29 miles per gallon on the open road. This is opposite of what most cars get, but part of that has to do with the electric motor. Remember, braking helps recharge the battery and there is considerably more stop and go traffic in the city than on the open road.

The fuel economy in a Mercury Mariner Hybrid comes from three different things. The power train helps stretch the mileage of every gallon of gasoline to its fullest. The unique CVT system takes care of running the engine, and finally the gasoline engine switched over to the electric motor when sitting idle, slowing down and moving at slow speeds. All of these help keep the fuel consumption to a minimum, giving you more gasoline for your money.

Final Features

The Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV is priced at around $26,000. This figure is competitive plus Ford points out that their environmentally sound product is socially responsible.

The Mariner also has one of the best safety systems. Other than the safety belts and airbags mentioned earlier, it also has a SecuriLock anti-theft system, tire pressure monitoring system that show up on the dash console, and an anti-lock brake system. It also has remote key-less entry.

It is reliable and durable with a power system that is going to be difficult to improve on. It handles well in all weather conditions and there is no question why it has won all the awards and recognition is has. The Mercury Mariner Hybrid SUV is definitely a good choice in hybrid vehicles. Even Consumer’s Digest thinks so. It gave it a ‘Best Buy’ award already for 2008.

Read more on Mercury Mariner Hybrid Features…

What’s up with Hybrid Vehicles?

By Diane Nassy

If the price of gasoline has got you scared, and you’re thinking
about maybe trading in your car for a moped, you’ve got half the
solution right. It might be time to trade in your car, but
forget the moped – get a hybrid car instead.

Read more on What’s up with Hybrid Vehicles?…