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Hybrid Cars: Great Gas Mileage and Low Emissions

This year, there are three hybrid cars commercially available to car buyers in the US. Honda has produced two of them, the mainstay Insight and the new hybrid version of the Civic. Toyota introduced the Prius in 2001, and has changed it very little since.

Though the hybrids tend to be more expensive than their gas or diesel powered counterparts, the savings in fuel (and sometimes in taxes) can more than offset this difference.

What is a Hybrid Car?

Hybrid cars are cars that derive their main power from a battery, which drives an electric motor to power the vehicle. These batteries are charged by small on-board gas or diesel powered generators. In some configurations, the generator is able to assist the electric motor in powering the vehicle should the need arise.

How Does a Hybrid Engine Save Fuel?

Hybrid engines are typically small displacement, low horsepower engines. These are inherently fuel efficient, but become even more so when they are not required to idle. In addition, hybrid vehicles make use of low weight components and a system which recovers power from the momentum of the vehicle when braking.

With a driving range of 500 miles, the 2003 Insight delivers an EPA fuel economy rating of 61 mpg city/68 mpg highway with the five speed manual transmission, and 57 city/56 highway with the CVT. It accomplishes this by utilizing the Integrated Motor Assist System (IMA), which combines a 1.0L, three-cylinder gasoline engine and an electric motor. Since the electric motor acts as a generator during deceleration and braking to recharge the batteries, the Insight's battery pack never requires an external power source for recharging. Standard equipment includes anti-lock brakes, an AM/FM stereo with cassette, keyless entry, and a theft deterrent system. Exterior colors include Monte Carlo Blue, Sebring Silver, and Formula Red.

Invoice	MSRP	MPG (city/hwy)	Horsepower	Seating
$17,824	$19,080	61/68	67	2

The all-new Civic Hybrid offers a fuel efficient gasoline/electric motor combination with an EPA mileage of 46 miles per gallons City and 51 miles per gallon Highway. The Civic Hybrids main system is a new 1.3-liter i-DSI 4-cylinder engine that is in combination with a high-ouput electric motor. The Civic Hybrid is available with Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) automatic transmission. The CVT is equipped with the Creeping Aid System, which minimizes the cars chance of rolling backwards from a stop on a steep hill. In addition to front airbags, side airbags are now also standard equipment. Other standard amenities include automatic climate control, keyless entry, a high power AM/FM CD player, cruise control and power windows.

Invoice	MSRP	MPG (city/hwy)	Horsepower	Seating
$17,864	$19,550	46/51	93	5

Toyota's Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV), the Prius, returns for 2003 as a carryover model. The Prius continues to boast a fuel economy of 52 city and 45 highway, with an estimated 566 miles per tank. This is accomplished with the Toyota Hybrid System, which combines a gasoline engine with a maintenance-free permanent magnet electric motor. This system is able to power the vehicle with electricity, gasoline, or a combination of both. Standard features include automatic climate control, remote keyless entry, a theft deterrent system, and power mirrors, windows, and door locks. The Prius offers numerous options, including cruise control, daytime running lights, side-impact air bags, and a vehicle navigation system.

Invoice	MSRP	MPG (city/hwy)	Horsepower	Seating
$18,793	$19,995	52/45	70	5

Alternatives to Hybrid Cars...

While hybrids may be cool, you should keep in mind that there are other options when it comes to great fuel economy. Volkswagen has been making ultra-efficient diesel engines for years, and today they offer cars that get up to 50 MPG. It's an interesting alternative to consider, especially with the advent of Bio-Diesel: a renewable alternative fuel which can be used to power an ordinary diesel engine with little modification.

Vehicle Name	Invoice	MSRP	MPG
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Hybrid 4-Dr Sedan	$23,422	$24,990	42/36
2007 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Automatic	$11,326	$12,050	34/39
2007 Toyota Yaris Hatchback Manual	$10,480	$11,150	34/40
2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan Automatic	$11,984	$12,750	34/39
2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan Manual	$11,303	$12,025	34/40
2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan S Automatic	$13,394	$14,250	34/39
2007 Toyota Yaris Sedan S Manual	$12,713	$13,525	34/40
2007 Honda Fit Manual	$13,357	$13,850	33/38
2007 Honda Fit Sport Manual	$14,624	$15,170	33/38
2007 Hyundai Accent GLS Manual 4-Dr Sedan	$12,346	$12,665	32/35