Gas Mileage and Gas Prices » Hybrid Cars

Hybrid MPG: Toyota Prius vs. Nissan Altima vs. Honda Civic

Fuel Economy Advisor — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 21:50:10 +0000

Now that we are hearing more and more about fuel saving hybrid cars that run on batteries, we wanted to know how the top contenders compare in fuel consumption and value. So we took at the look at the 3 Hybrids rated the most fuel effecient for 2009: The 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid, the 2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid and the 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid.

All of these figures are based on the assumption that you have driven the car at least 1500 miles to break it in. Assuming 1500 miles annually and gas prices at $2.44 per gallon, combined MPG (Miles Per Gallon) and the assumption that you refill when the tank is at 10% full.

The Toyota Prius Hybrid does the best in the city at a whopping 45 MPG, but breaks even when it comes to the highway at 45 MPG and again takes the lead in the combined gas mileage at 46 MPG. It should cost you about $1.33 to drive 25 miles, while only using only .54 of a gallon of gas. This car will cost about $794.00 to fill up on a yearly basis.

The Nissan Altima Hybrid does not do as well as either car, as it only gets 35 miles in the city and 33 on the highway. It only pulls a combined 34 MPG. To drive 25 miles would cost you $1.79 and only gets 612 miles on a tank of gas.
You’re looking at $1076.00 in annual fuel cost based on 612 miles per tank fill up.

The Honda Civic Hybrid comes in about even with the Honda Prius with 40 miles in the city and 45 on the highway. It pulls a combined 42 MPG, it cost $1.45 to drive 25 miles, while only using .60 of a gallon. To fill this car up it will cost you $43.92, while getting 612 miles off of a fill up, and a yearly fuel cost of $871.00.

The Top 3 Hybrids of 2009 for the Best Gas Mileage

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 21:25:45 +0000

The 2009 Toyota Prius Hybrid is hands-down the highest rated of the hybrid vehicles. Gas mileage, the most important consideration for many, is 48 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. This Toyota was designed from scratch as a hybrid, not modified from a conventional vehicle, and is considered by many the best blend of efficiency, dependability and affordability. It’s roomy design seats up to 5 people and maximizes interior space. At $21,100 it is a good value for all that it offers.

The 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid has excellent gas mileage at 40 mpg in the city and 45 mpg on the highway. Its price is competitive with the Prius at $22,600. The Civic Hybrid is a roomy, 4-door style sedan with a number of trims and options available. This hybrid vehicle is considered reliable and affordable, all-in-all an excellent value. Plus Honda has an award-winning extended warranty program which is standard for most vehicle purchases.

The new kid on the block, coming out this fall, is the 2009 Smart Fortwo. The Fortwo is a small, affordable 2-seater, designed more for around-town than for long trips. It’s base price of only $11,590 is very affordable, and it gets great gas mileage: 33 in the city and 41 on the highway. Although this Smart car is definitely not for everyone, it is easy to park anywhere and it’s low fuel consumption will definitely save you money.

For those who need a more conventional vehicle, the Volkswagen Jetta may be a better alternate choice than these hybrids in a slightly bigger class. It is not an alternative fuel or hybrid vehicle; it gets great gas mileage through efficient design. It gets 30 mpg in the city and 41 mpg on the highway, with some variation between specific models. Available in a coupe or a sportwagon, the VW Jetta boasts quality design and construction for a long lasting vehicle, starting about $17,500.

Top 3 Cars With The Best Gas Mileage In 2008

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 18 Feb 2009 04:33:38 +0000

With gas prices in constant flux everyone shopping for a new car is very cognizant of the gas mileage of the vehicles they are looking at. Car manufacturers themselves have also become very concerned with this and as such have begun developing cars specifically to meet this need. In 2008 three cars stood out from the rest and earned the reputation as the vehicles with the best gas mileage.

The standout car for the year was the 2008 Toyota Prius. This car posted some amazing numbers and was by far and away the leader of all vehicles in all classes. It is classified as a mid sized car which puts it above the small compacts and below the full size vehicles. Still it has enough room to sit four people comfortably and put something in the trunk. The mileage rating on this vehicle is a tremendous 48 miles per gallon city and 45 mile per gallon highway. The big draw back on this car is the price and the availability. If you can find one at sticker price though they are by far the best deal going.

The runner up for the best gas mileage is the 2008 Honda Civic Hybrid. This vehicle is significantly smaller than the Prius and has worse fuel economy, although not by much. This vehicle gets 40 miles per gallon in the city and 45 mile per gallon on the highway. While the city numbers are significantly less, the highway numbers stay right with the Prius. One selling point in favor of the Civic is the fact that the actual vehicle is based around a car that has been in production for some time. All the kinks have been worked out of the Civic line and it makes this car very accessible.

The last vehicle that can be counted as won of the winners is the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. While the fuel economy is not anywhere near the mid size and compact cars it does offer a significant space upgrade over the other vehicles. The gas mileage on the Escape Hybrid is better than most mini compact and subcompact cars so it really is an achievement. This car comes in with gas mileage of 34 city and 30 highway, highly respectable for a vehicle with this much room.

The Philly Car Show; 2009 Philadelphia Auto Show Begins

Fuel Economy Advisor — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 18:33:51 +0000

The 2009 Philadelphia Auto Show starts today, January 31, and runs until February 8, 2009 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Besides all the cool cars and autos from around the world which will be presented at the Philly Car Show, they’ve also got some great events going on.

They’ve got a whole list of really cool Green Technology Cars they’re going to be spotlighting over the course of the next week:

Cadillac — Escalade

Chevrolet — Tahoe

Chrysler — Aspen Hybrid

Ford — 2010 Fusion Hybrid

Lexus — RX 400h

Mercury — 2010 Milan Hybrid

Toyota — Camry

Toyota — Highlander

Volkswagen — Jetta TDI Sedan

Perhaps the most surpirsing on that list is the gigantic Cadillac Escalade SUV! Who ever thought a huge SUV would be discussed in the same breath as fuel economy? But Cadillac says the new Escalade Hybrid will deliver more than a 50-percent improvement in fuel economy in city driving with its new fuel-saving 2-Mode Hybrid system. It’s still only listing at 20 MPG, but hey, that’s alot better than the miles per gallon the regular version gets! Since its pricetag is starting at over $70,000, though, you’re probably not worrying about saving a few bucks on gas if you buy it …

How Hybrid Cars Produce Better Gas Mileage

Fuel Economy Advisor — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 21:16:10 +0000

The computerized Hybrid vehicles detect when to alternate the power from gas to electric. Your benefits are cost effective in fuel or gas, and using a rechargeable battery. In addition, there is less emission produce in hybrid cars opposed to conventional automobiles, which is better for the environment and the economy. Depending on the economy it may produce more jobs having more hybrids in production. It seems that hybrids are here to stay being that it is low cost and easy to maintain.

Hybrid cars have better gas mileage, as it uses both the engine and motor it converts gas to energy and it automatically stores in the rechargeable battery. When you completely brake or make a full stop using the brakes the Hybrid car recreates energy into electricity storing it in the battery. Like any other car the engine and motor forces the vehicle to move forward, backward and so forth. While cruising in the hybrid car the engine shuts down and the battery does all the work saving you a whole lot of fuel.

If you purchased a Hybrid after December 31, 2005 you may qualify for a tax break up to $3,400, so ask your accountant or tax professional for more information.

Rising Gas Prices: Fuel Economy and Your Next Car Purchase?

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 06:31:13 +0000

The Associated Press reported that oil prices fell Tuesday as fresh signs of a deepening U.S. recession trumped tensions in the Middle East and worries over natural gas shortages in Europe. Light, sweet crude for February delivery fell 23 cents, to $48.58 a barrel, in trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

The five-month slide in gasoline prices has come to an abrupt halt, with gasoline rising by several cents in recent days amid indicators that the national average could jump to $2 a gallon or higher this spring.

So we’re facing rising gas prices — how does that impact new car purchases, specifically hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles?

Automotive analysts expect consumers, who are still wary over the shaky state of the economy, to buy between 10 million and 12.4 million new cars and trucks in 2009. That’s down substantially from the 16.7 million in annual sales the industry has averaged over the past decade. And it’s even lower than the dismal 13 million or so in sales expected for 2008.

So the question is, at what point does fuel economy and better gas mileage become an issue again? A lot of consumers have simply stopped purchasing new cars due to the poor economy. Once car sales begin to pick up, though, it will be a new market out there. Consumers will want cars which get better gas mileage and more miles to the gallon. Next years answer may come from Ford:

The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, and its twin, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid, are mid-to-full-size sedans that seat five in surprising comfort and offer a full-size trunk measuring around 12 cubic feet. They measure 190.6 inches and weigh a goodly 3,720 pounds. The gas-electric output is 191 horsepower and 0-60 mph acceleration is under 9 seconds.

With the cost of gas increasing to $2 in the next few months, more and more consumers will take another look at hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

Video: Green cars at the LA Auto Show

Fuel Economy Advisor — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 22:30:54 +0000

Video review of Electric cars, Hybrids and other Green car technologies seen in this video from the LA Auto Show. Source: Ventura County Star

The Los Angeles Auto Show still knows how to trot out the eye candy: banks of multicolored rock concert lighting, attractive models in seductive poses in front of machinery and, of course, sleek new cars people come to see.

Top 3 Choices for Hybrid Vehicles 2009: Insight, Escape and Accord

Fuel Economy Advisor — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:43:42 +0000

Hybrid cars are increasing in popularity as consumers are wishing to cut the costs of fuel. With the economy and fuel prices in a state of upheaval, many customers are willing to spend the extra two to four thousand dollars and get a better bang for their buck, especially at the pump! Here are the top three Hybrid vehicle choices for 2009 – these stylish and affordable models are a great reason to go green, while saving on green.

Honda has won the award for the best Hybrid car in the terms of fuel consumption. The Honda Insight combines a sleek and lightweight design offers the highest fuel capacity, and although it may not be as roomy as its family designs, it is well worth its price in the money that will be saved on fueling costs.

The Ford Escape hybrid is a vehicle that confirms that we do not have to sacrifice capacity, or the SUV styles we have come to know and love for fuel efficiency. It has all of the power of a small SUV and all the style, and room required for the size. If you are looking for a hybrid that doesn’t sacrifice the spacious and luxurious features of an SUV, this vehicle is for you.

The next model is created by Honda with their hybrid rendition of the Accord, which is available in a family friendly four-door model. The 253 horsepower engine is one of the best Hybrid vehicles that come with the V6 engine. The electric motor combined with battery power allows for the best fuel efficiency on the market for a family vehicle.

Hybrid models are a stylish choice for those wanting to save the environment while increasing fuel efficiency. Keep these choices in mind for your next trip to the car dealership!

Better Gas Mileage Car Review: 2009 Chevrolet Aveo

Fuel Economy Advisor — Sun, 26 Oct 2008 20:33:02 +0000

If you’re considering a hybrid car because you like the idea of increased gas mileage, but are wary of the disadvantages of hybrid cars, the new 2009 Chevy Aveo or Aveo5 might be for you. These new cars from Chevy promise to get around 34 mpg, which is in the same class of the current hybrid vehicles. Unlike hybrids, however, the Chevy Aveos are traditional gasoline powered cars with a modern 16-valve four-cylinder engine and variable valve timing for optimal power and fuel efficiency.

The Aveo is the sedan version and the Aveo5 is the hatchback. Both pump out just over 100 horsepower and lb/ft of torque, so while they’re not ready for the NASCAR circuit they’re not wimply little boxcars, either. They start in the mid $12,000 to $13,000 range, so they’re very affordable as well.

Now, the 34 mpg sounds pretty good, but that’s the best it will get. The actual breakdowns are 27 mpg/City, 34 mpg/Highway for a manual transmission, and 25 mpg/City, 34 mpg/Highway for the automatic (according to Chevy’s specs). This is approaching hybrid fuel effeciency, but not quite there yet. The Toyota Prius gets 48 mpg/City, 45 mpg/Highway (according to federal mileage specs).

But since the Toyota Prius starts at $22,000, almost $10,000 more than the Aveo and Aveo5, you have to consider total cost of ownership. How many times do you have to fill the tank to make back your investment on a hybrid car as opposed to the Chevy Aveo?

It’s not a direct comparison, because the Aveo is a little smaller than the Prius. It’s a nice car to get around in, but noone’s going to mistake you a rock star in it. But if you’re not a rock star, chances are you don’t have rock star money to pay for gas, so it might be worth your while to consider Chevy Aveo‘s increased gas mileage and low sticker price as a great way to save at the pump.

Top Ten Reasons to Choose a Hybrid Vehicle: Car or SUV

Fuel Economy Advisor — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 23:26:10 +0000

With the rising costs of gas there is an abundance of reasons that we are choosing to go green – for one, it releases the strain on your wallet when you see the gas gauge dwindle towards the empty line. Now with the option of a hybrid vehicle customers aren’t forced to look upon that empty gas tank with dread – in fact, with a hybrid vehicle you will see this happen a lot less often!

1. The best reason to buy a hybrid vehicle is to save money! No matter how much some of us may deny it, we all like to save money wherever we can. Now we can save money at the pumps by increasing fuel economy and filling up less with a hybrid vehicle.

2. Not only can we save money but we can also save the environment. Everyone wants to decrease their emissions while protecting the planet for the future generations. Many hybrid vehicle owners are thinking about their children’s future generations and the state of the earth that they are going to be faced with in fifty years. Go green for the younger generations!

3. Hybrid vehicles may cost more to begin with, but upkeep is not as expensive as it once was. Mechanics are becoming more familiar with the different types of hybrid cars and SUVs as they grow in popularity.

4. Hybrid vehicles are all the rage! Celebrities and Stylish people are going green – you are in luck, never before has it been so trendy to go green!

5. Many of our favorite vehicles are available in Hybrid format now with increased gas mileage and specialized engines. This is one reason that a Hybrid can be for everyone! It is available in styles that range from the Toyota Prius, to the traditional Honda Civic, or Ford Escape – there literally is a hybrid for every vehicle owner.

6. Now, you don’t have to worry about losing power within the vehicle. Many of the hybrid vehicles that are being manufactured as just as powerful as those gas guzzling SUVs that we have all come to know and love.

7. Hybrids are the latest technology and are not going to become obsolete the way that some older vehicle models (like electric) did. Soon they are also going to stop making vehicle parts for those gas-powered vehicles that are bad for our health, our wallets, and the environment.

8. Some day soon Hybrid may be the only way to go! Think about the legislations occurring on a daily basis, warranting companies to reduce their CO2 emissions — it is only a matter of time before this legislation is introduced to vehicle owners. Why not get ahead of the game and start reducing today?

9. Hybrids are forming the path to future technologies. Once consumers have decided to care about the environment, their finances and contributing to the transition – auto companies will jump on this trend, too!

10. Doesn’t everyone want to contribute to pressing world issues? When consumers purchase hybrid vehicles, they are assisting the local communities and the nation as a whole to stop relying on foreign oil production. The truth is that the more we learn to become an independent nation, while learning to rely on other methods of energy rather than oil, the better off the relationships between developed countries can be.

With all of these reasons to go green, how can you resist? Not only will you be saving the crunch on your wallet, but also the crunch on the earth – Are you ready to start making a difference and consider trading in that gas guzzling SUV for a hybrid?

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Gas Mileage and Gas Prices » Hybrid Cars

Hybrid MPG: Toyota Prius vs. Nissan Altima vs. Honda Civic

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