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Issues: Oil & Energy
Hybrid Values
Find out what makes a hybrid such a good buy, and learn what's on the market.
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Hybrids save gas (and $$)
Hybrids get terrific gas mileage by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and designs. For example, the Toyota Prius, a mid-size sedan, is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 48 miles per gallon in city driving, and 45 on the highway. That's about twice the mileage you can expect from a standard mid-size car -- and that means big savings at the pump.
Hybrids are easy on the environment
Hybrid technologies reduce polluting emissions, including greenhouse gases. So choosing to drive a hybrid helps curb global warming and cuts air pollution, as well as helping break America's dependence on foreign oil.Hybrid owners get a tax break
Even the government is catching on that hybrids are good for the country. Federal tax credits on hybrids are available until 2010 - the amount varies according to your hybrid's level of fuel efficiency. If you pay state taxes, you could have a deduction or tax credit coming on your state return, too. For more information, visit http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/tax_hybrid.shtml.
Hybrids come in many shapes and sizes -- and more are on the way
Honda introduced the first hybrid to America in 1999 -- the Honda Insight, a two-door hatchback. Today, American consumers can choose from among hybrids in several major classes made by a number of major brands. The models listed below are available in 2008 -- click on the links for manufacturers specifications. For detailed comparisons of hybrids, visit www.hybridcenter.org.
Sedans
Toyota Prius Hybrid (4-door hatchback), estimated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway
Honda Civic Hybrid (4-door), estimated 40/45 mpg
Nissan Altima Hybrid (4-door), estimated 35/33 mpg
Toyota Camry Hybrid (4-door), estimated 33/34 mpg
Lexus GS 450h Hybrid (4-door), estimated 25/28 mpg
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid/Saturn Aura Hybrid (4-door), estimated 24/32 mpg
Lexus GS 450h (4-door), estimated 22/25 mpg
Lexus LS 600hL (4-door), estimated 20/22 mpg
SUVs
Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute (FWD), estimated 34/30 mpg; (4WD) estimated 29/27
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (4WD), estimated 27/25 mpg
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid (2WD), estimated 27/24 mpg; (4WD), estimated 26/24 mpg
Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, estimated 25/32 mpg
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid/GMC 1500 Hybrid (2WD), estimated 21/22 mpg; (4WD), estimated 20/20 mpg
Trucks
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid Pickup (2WD), estimated 16/19 mpg; 4WD, estimated 15/18
Toyota Prius Hybrid (4-door hatchback), estimated 48 mpg city/45 mpg highway
Honda Civic Hybrid (4-door), estimated 40/45 mpg
Nissan Altima Hybrid (4-door), estimated 35/33 mpg
Toyota Camry Hybrid (4-door), estimated 33/34 mpg
Lexus GS 450h Hybrid (4-door), estimated 25/28 mpg
Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid/Saturn Aura Hybrid (4-door), estimated 24/32 mpg
Lexus GS 450h (4-door), estimated 22/25 mpg
Lexus LS 600hL (4-door), estimated 20/22 mpg
SUVsFord Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute (FWD), estimated 34/30 mpg; (4WD) estimated 29/27
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (4WD), estimated 27/25 mpg
Lexus RX 400h Hybrid (2WD), estimated 27/24 mpg; (4WD), estimated 26/24 mpg
Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, estimated 25/32 mpg
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid/GMC 1500 Hybrid (2WD), estimated 21/22 mpg; (4WD), estimated 20/20 mpg
Trucks
Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid Pickup (2WD), estimated 16/19 mpg; 4WD, estimated 15/18
last revised 2.03.08
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