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.

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.

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.

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!

Hybrid Technology

Hybrid cars are next generation vehicles with specially designed power trains and innovative technology to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Such vehicles feature relatively smaller gas-engine teamed with an electric motor to assist while accelerating. This additional electric motor acts as a generator charging its batteries automatically while you drive. Lightweight components, advanced aerodynamics and periodic engine shut-off systems make todays hybrids even more competent than regular cars.

2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Cadillac is the first to offer economical driving in a luxury SUV. Its two-mode hybrid system modulates between the electric motor and the fuel engine as speed and towing needs vary, thus improving up to 50% of fuel economy. Competing with Chrysler, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz, the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid pairs GMs signature Vortec 6.0L V8 with its new Electrically Variable Transmission (EVT). The 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid gets a facelift that further scaled down weight and drag.

2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

The Tahoe Hybrid is the first ever GMC-built vehicle to deploy the two-mode hybrid power train. It is quite a feat to adjust a mighty 6.0L V8 to retain a consistent 20mpg on the highway as well as in the city. The hybrid propulsion system generates electric power to optimize fuel consumption. The 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid is named the Green Car of the Year by the Green Car Journal. To know more about different features of Tahoe read Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid review by the auto experts.

GMC Yukon Hybrid

Another hybrid version of GMC SUV cars is GMC Yukon, a highly impressive full-size SUV that boasts of big towing capacity, ample power and enough room to accommodate 8 passengers along with cargo. The best thing about GMC Yukon Hybrid is that it offers better mileage than its non-hybrid siblings GMC Yukon XL. There is ample V8 thrust when required and the transition between engine modes is smooth. When put head-to-head with Honda, Toyota and Ford hybrids GMC stays ahead in mileage.

Recent GMC Yukon Hybrid review shows that in terms of riding quality Yukon Hybrid SUV is equally impressive as its full-size regular versions. With 18-inch wheels and modern safety features, including antilock brakes, electronic stability system and three-row curtain airbags GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV promises secure driving on the highway.

GMC Hybrid Trucks

If you need a full-size pickup truck that gives better mileage and at the same time ensure eco-friendly driving the 2009 GMC trucks can be wise choice. GMC Sierra sports GMs patented dual mode hybrid engine. The gas engine automatically shuts off as soon as the truck stops and thus improves fuel economy about 8 percent more. Using light acceleration GMC Sierra can move on electric motor alone if needed.

Unlike previous versions of hybrids that came with very basic options present days hybrid vehicles are loaded with a host of high-end technological features. Promising far more practical and enjoyable driving hybrid cars are worth the money.

It seems that weekly there appears to be hikes in the price of gasoline and oil which is making consumers and car users more interested in ways of cutting back on such expenditures. Many have now already began replacing their current car models buying a new buy or used hybrid vehicles. The main function of a hybrid automobile is to lessen the consumer dependence on fuel which helps them to be unaffected by the constant gasoline price hikes.

The benefit that hybrid cars play on the environment is also an important point that helps in creating bigger interest in the buyers eyes when they choose to purchase a secondhand hybrid vehicle.

Many years ago no one ever assumed that the car industry would reach the level of success that it is now currently enjoying. People just dreamt of cars that would dramatically reduce their gas and oil expenditure. Present day such dreams have become a reality with the birth of the hybrid vehicle which are making a big dent in the car market niche which has always been dominated by conventional cars.

Though hybrid cars come at a much higher price tag, if you cover many miles in your car the long term benefits will easily outweigh the short term losses.

Hybrid motorcars are now sold in many car dealerships around the world and appear in showrooms along with the traditional car. Many manufacturing firms have been more than happy to take the compliments that have been heaped upon them in creating more environmental friendly and cost saving cars.

The rates when buying used hybrid vehicles are dramatically different. Prices for new hybrid cars are higher compared to prices of the conventional gas powered counterparts. This is mainly due to the costs in producing the hybrid. The technology that was used in the development and assembly are much higher and many experts believe that it will be a while before hybrids prices drop.

Not to worry though as there are secondhand hybrid vehicles that are on the market currently. For consumers who desire a hybrid can now contact a car dealer in helping them to find a used hybrid car that is ready for purchasing.

There are a number of way to buy a used hybrid automobile, one of which is find car dealer. Such people will be able to assist you great in you search for your purchase of used hybrid vehicle. Buying one is still not that easy because in many people eyes they are still very unfamiliar.

Used hybrid vehicles vs new hybrid cars

In the end, it really doesn’t matter if you would be buying new or used hybrid cars. Remember, new hybrids are definitely much more expensive compared to the used hybrid car prices. Since they all carry the same features anyway, whether you’re getting a new or used hybrid vehicle won’t make much of an impact. Just make sure you’ve checked that everything works in top condition before you sign anything.

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.

With this new technology comes a much higher price tag and many questions about the reliability and viability of the technology, and whether or not the price of a hybrid versus a comparable fully-combustion engine vehicle is worth paying to have the perceived benefits. Are hybrids really worth the extra cost?

Well, it depends on what you consider savings. The two-motor technology of the hybrid vehicle is the blessing and curse of owning a hybrid. Indeed, the car is much more costly and prone to breakdown because of the fact it uses two motors.

The general configuration of a hybrid system involves a gasoline-powered engine that gets the car up to speed and then an electric engine that kicks in at cruising speed to keep the car moving while saving gas. The constant switching back and forth is the biggest issue – constantly activating and deactivating these engines increases wear and tear, causing both motors to wear out faster.

The arguments that a hybrid is a more fuel efficient vehicle are also open to interpretation. Many owners of hybrids report a wider deviation of gas mileage figures than the owners of the typical gasoline-powered engine vehicles. A hybrids mileage advantage is estimated to be anywhere from just 5% to upwards of 35% better than a comparable combustion-only-engine car.

It is also more vulnerable to negative factors such as heavy traffic congestion in normal commuting, the “jack-rabbit” stops and starts that accompany city driving, and the additional weight placed into the hybrid vehicle as a result of having a second engine. Considering that those mileage percentages when placed into actual mile numbers can range from just 1 mile per gallon up to 25 miles per gallon, there is no clear definition of what the benefit of a hybrid vehicle really is.

The extra up-front costs of buying a hybrid vehicle may not be realized in life-of-ownership benefits over buying a gasoline-powered vehicle. Given that in the United States, the average car owner holds onto a new car purchase for five to seven years, the average savings over that lifetime in fuel costs don’t make up for the extra costs of the vehicle.

Consider a Toyota Prius versus a comparably-sized Toyota Corolla. The difference in fuel costs per year for the Prius versus the Corolla works out to about $500 per year, or approximately $3,500 for the average lifetime of ownership. The purchase price difference between the two, based on MSRP, is $5,750 for base models of both cars. The lifetime savings for the hybrid vehicle is much less than the extra cost. This forces the consumer to purchase based on expectation of either having the car long enough to realize the benefits, or expecting the price of fuel to rise so dramatically that the savings naturally materialize.

That being said, the hybrid vehicle is not a white elephant that isn’t worth the purchase. The hybrid is a more fuel efficient vehicle and, thus, can save consumers money on the back end. Plus, the US government still offers some tax credits on certain lesser-selling hybrids, so there is a tax incentive.

The biggest benefit of the hybrid is that it is the precursor to the alternative fuel vehicle, and provides a large environmental benefit. Hybrids output a small portion of the emissions of the typical gasoline-engine vehicle, and they have been praised for their adoption and development of the electric engine. Many lawmakers, automakers, and consumers are hoping to see this as the mainstream technology used in vehicles for years to come.

Hybrids are the closest thing we have at this point to an alternative fuel vehicle on the roads today, and are the choice for the (long-term) budget-conscious and environmentally-aware consumers. As fuel prices rise, the savings of hybrids will continue to grow, possibly to the point that it will make sense for most, if not all, new vehicles to utilize a hybrid system.

Despite the loss of some power under the hood, consumers are warming up to the hybrid vehicle as a means of common transport, and are willing to pay the extra cost now to reap the benefits of this rapidly-developing alternative-fuel technology for the future.

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.

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.

The dictionary defines the word hybrid as: Offspring
resulting from breeding between parents of two different
species, and that’s a good definition for our purposes.
That’s because a hybrid car has a power plant that’s a cross
between a gasoline powered engine and an electric motor.

What’s the big deal about hybrid cars?

The automobile industry claims that a hybrid car can give you as
much as 20 to 30 miles per gallon more performance than a
standard gasoline engine. That means that you buy less gasoline,
and buying less gasoline leaves more money in your pocket.
You’ll need that extra money, however, because hybrid cars are
still relatively expensive compared to traditional
gasoline-powered cars. As more hybrid cars are sold,
manufacturing prices will drop, and that drop will be seen in
the selling price.

How does a hybrid car save gasoline?

In a typical automobile, the engine is connected to the
transmission via a mechanical link called the drive
train. When the engine’s sparkplugs fire, they ignite
gasoline vapor which pushes a piston up and down. This piston
movement gets transferred to the transmission via the drive
train. The transmission turns the wheels and the car goes down
the road.

Well, the hybrid car is almost exactly the same except that in
addition to the engine being connected to the transmission, an
electric motor is also connected to the transmission. Actually,
there are two different versions of hybrid cars. The one that
was just described is called a parallel hybrid, because
there are two different energy sources connected in parallel to
the transmission.

The other type of hybrid car is called a series hybrid
because the gasoline engine works in series with the electric
motor to power the car. This is accomplished by having the
gasoline engine either charge the car’s batteries, or power the
electric motor. The gasoline engine doesn’t actually turn the
car’s wheels at all.

The parallel hybrid operates off of the electric motor when the
car is being driven below a certain speed, and the gasoline
engine kicks in when that speed is exceeded, or when sensors in
the car indicate that the driver has accelerated suddenly as if
to pass or to avoid an emergency situation.

Of course, the gasoline engine is always running even when the
electric motor is powering the car, so some gasoline is always
being used.

The series hybrid is always running off of the electric motor,
which restricts the top speed of the car, and the gasoline
engine only kicks in when the batteries need to be charged.

Like all automotive claims, your mileage may vary. Even so, if
you’re looking to spend less money at the gas station, and avoid
much of the effect of rising gas prices, you might want to park
a hybrid car in your garage