Hybrid cars are arguably the most innovative automotive vehicles of our time. Ever since the first Honda Insight (1999) and Toyota Prius (2000) reached U.S. auto dealers, the impact of these environmentally friendly vehicles has continued to grow. Today, there are several more hybrid-electric cars on the market, including the Honda Civic, Nissan Altima, Honda Accord (recently discontinued), Toyota Camry, Chevy Malibu, Lexus GS450h, and Saturn Aura. This list doesn’t even include hybrid suv models.
For those who are just starting to research hybrids, a hybrid car is (simply stated) a vehicle that includes a gas engine and an electric engine. The electric motor is powered by batteries that recharge during braking, and it also is designed to assist the traditional gasoline motor as needed. And, while we might be driving plug-in hybrids in the very near future, current hybrid car models do not (contrary to popular belief) need to be plugged in. Todays hybrid vehicles look and drive so much like other cars that without hybrid badges, you might not notice them.
|
There is no question that the most popular hybrid vehicle is the Toyota Prius. Month after month, and year after year, the Prius continues to outsell all other hybrid makes and models. Its tremendous popularity is based on its size, affordable price, futuristic design, incredible gas mileage, and many other factors. Even so, Toyota isn’t resting on the success of the Prius, as a 2009 “next generation” model is due out soon.
Other manufacturers are also jumping into the hybrid passenger car field, with the Ford Fusion, Mercury Milan, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, and others expected to go green in the next 2 years. And, as hybrid technologies continue to improve and become less expensive, we expect the best hybrid cars are yet to come. It’s also getting easier to find more used hybrid cars for sale, which benefits everyone. Some day, 60 mpg vehicles might seem really inefficient. With 2007 in the history books, 2008 upon us, and 2009 fast approaching…the top new hybrid cars are all but here! Isn’t this fun?