Auto363

If New Orleans is in travel planner in future and you are looking at viable option of car rental then a surprise free car renal upgrade is coming your way. As in current scenario of fluctuating gas prices demand for small cars have gone up, surprisingly, pressing up supply in car rental industry.

This one is tricky, but is the scenario in entire America. Whenever you go for car rental ask for the cheapest car and there are chances that you may be offered bigger car on a same price. In case, you are asked by car renting agency for upgrade in fee keep patient unless the name of the car model is not revealed to you. However, you need to be extra careful when negotiating car rental insurance. In order to avoid any confusion you can check out from credit card Company about insurance coverage they provide and also enquire from your auto insurance company.

Also check the gasoline tank, in case it is not filled inform the agency so they may not charge for full tank at time of returning the car. Look out for any dents and damage at the exterior as well as interior of the car and inform the agency any such is found while scrutinizing the car to save you paying from extra when returning the car. Keep receipt for Gasoline.

HYBRID CARS

The other alternative to sort out problem of car renting in withered period of increased prices is Hybrid cars that can run on more than one type of fuel. Among all the models for car renting, the most popular one is Toyota Prius in the category of hybrid cars. It is the most commonly found hybrid car for rent.

It is a great car to drive as incorporates many features not only unique to hybrids but are also found in the cars commonly. However, Prius is not the only car model that is hybrid there a many more models available in the market to provide you with a different driving experience.

The other Toyota hybrids are SUV, the Highlander hybrid, Sedan and Camry hybrid. The Highlander hybrid is a spacious SUV with exceptional features like comfortable, large, interior and optional third row seat. It is placed on the top spot for previous ten years on the quality of fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness as hybrid car. In the form of full size Sedan, the Camry hybrid is better and roomy option to Prius, especially when you are getting away with family.

As Toyota is not the only hybrid car maker other popular model of the hybrid car is Honda Civic. Honda civic is good with room and space within the car despite being smaller and excellent in terms of gas mileage. The other popular hybrid is Ford Escape Hybrid. Like Toyota Highlander, the Escape highlander also is operable in electric, hybrid, and full fuel model. The Nissan Altima hybrid is also praised for its performance as a hybrid car. This way you can have an easy and cheaper alternative for car rent in period of hiked gasoline price.

Hybrid cars are great and have a lot of advantages, no doubt about it. Hybrid cars save you gas, therefore keeping your wallet thick! These cars also have less contribution to the greenhouse effect than conventional cars. These are the two biggest pros of a hybrid car. But we all know if something has advantages, it has disadvantages too!

The Price

The biggest disadvantage of hybrid cars is definitely the price! For instance, the 2008 Toyota Camry costs about $19,000, while the hybrid version costs almost $25,000. That is approximately a $6,000 difference, which is a lot of money. Another example is the 2008 Honda Civic with a base price of $15,000, while the Civic Hybrid is costs $7,000 more. On average, the hybrid version of a car costs between $2,000 and $4,000 more than the non- hybrid version.

Dangerous in Accidents

Although the electric engine gives you more mileage and helps you save gas, it can be also dangerous in a collision. Most hybrid cars use metal hydride batteries and the high voltage that they store can be really unsafe when the wires are exposed, thus there is a chance the driver will get electrocuted when involved in an accident.

The Battery

As mentioned above, the batteries in hybrid cars can kill theoretically. There are some other issues with the battery. Hybrid car manufacturers include warranties to cover the batteries for 80,000-100,000 miles. The carmakers also say the car’s battery will last forever. But what if something unforeseen happens and the car’s batteries are not under warranty anymore? Unfortunately batteries cost a fortune! The other problem with the batteries is that it needs to be recharged at least every second week. So, if you go to vacation you might need to find a “car-sitter” to take care of your car. Some hybrid car owners also report problems with the battery in cold weather.

Performance

No offense, but most hybrid cars are slow! They have slower acceleration and a lower top-speed than conventional counterparts. If you are in need for speed, hybrid cars won’t satisfy your needs! Hybrid cars will make you drive slow, which is actually not a bad thing!

Despite all these drawbacks, hybrid cars are the way to! Car manufacturers are working to eliminate these disadvantages. I am pretty sure hybrid cars in the near future will be lighter, safer and provide better performance!

Generally, I wasn’t too happy with the variety of models in Canada. When it comes to family cars, the choices are quite simple – you go for a mini van or, as of lately, for an SUV. No big deal. But I thought that mini van is a waste of money if you have only two kids and don’t run a repair business. SUV has a fun, all-terrain drift to it, but it too is a waste if you don’t use it. What I was looking for is a smaller multi-purpose, single-volume vehicle, and there aren’t many of them here. Domestic makes are better in that respect than imports. I almost got to think that the selection is such that it forces you to either buy a big car or two cars.

I’m mostly saying this because I’ve seen plenty of such versatile models in Europe. For example, you can find a new Civic in 5 door trim — diesel!

Or a highly unusual, but apparently very versatile and practical Fiat Doblo (a wide spacious crossover) that looks somewhat like Honda Element, only it’s a bit smaller and proportionally wider.

Wagons and generally single volume vehicles are very popular in Europe. Half of Fiat’s fleet are such cars. And of course, the diesel option — everybody has it. I was really sorry I did not find a suitable one here.

Anyhow, that is what it is. This is my overview of different models I’ve looked at:

Honda Accord

I drove Accord ‘89 for years, and I can testify to its quality. The engine was just great, even with 230,000 km on it. Every year when I need to perform Air-Care, all I’m thinking is: “Is it going to be slightly better or slightly worse than last year?” In the first couple of years I used to drive a bit before the air-care to warm up the engine, but later abandoned that practice — it was simply unnecessary. Anyhow, Accord was my first thought, and always a backup plan: “if I don’t find anything I like, I’ll just buy Accord”.

And the latest Accord (model 2003) was in all aspects a very good choice. Good space, good quality, safety, fuel economy, pretty much everything. It wasn’t that sleek and pretty as I would hope, but that’s really not big a deal. Also, it did not have the perfect safety scores (in couple of tests it had 4 out of 5) — and I was kind of expecting perfection from my favourite make. In the end, the current model was just about to be replaced, the 2008 is completely redesigned, and I was expecting major improvements with the new model. So the current model seemed somewhat an outdated choice.

Honda Civic

Haven’t really thought of Civic before — to me it was a city car for singles or a first family car that you replace quickly. However, the new Civic (model from 2006) made a strong impression on me.

Pros: A lot of new features, some quite advanced. Top safety: impact-absorbing body, all 6 airbags, ABS, sensors, and all of that in the base version. Excellent fuel economy — just slightly worse than Corolla (which is top in that respect). Although a smaller car, it grew over time. The passenger space is very good even for a taller person. I even tried moving the driver seat all the way back and then sitting behind it, and it was ok. It’s quite wide inside — it’s no minivan, so don’t expect wonders, but perfectly acceptable.

Also, the options are created reasonably, so all I had to add was AC — it had everything else. The design is sleek, the interior very pleasant, and very enjoyable for a driver. Driving a Civic (manual transmission) is just a beautiful experience.

Cons: The only flaw I found was small trunk space. Trunk is smaller than most of the cars I’ve looked at. Corolla has 40L bigger trunk which is not negligible especially in smaller cars. The shape of the trunk is good which means you can put in different robust pieces, but the total volume is simply small.

Honda CR-V

A completely new model (2007), bigger than before, and very nicely designed. I generally did not shoot for SUVs, but if I decided to get one, CRV would have been a serious candidate. The only flaw for me was that it doesn’t come with manual transmission.

Honda Hybrid

I have also considered hybrid cars, but gave up generally for one reason: the batteries occupy a good part of the trunk space, and that was already an issue with non-hybrid models. And with the price, I decided to pass on those nice modern things this time.

Toyota Corolla

Towards Corolla, I had similar feeling as to the pre-2006 Civic — seems as a city, young/small family car, only even more than Civic. For my current situation, I was seriously considering it. What I didn’t like was the way it was sold: the base model did not have ABS, only front airbags, and generally some other nice safety features were missing. Now the options are managed in such a way that if you add those things, you also get plenty of those that you don’t need (e.g. sunroof), and it’s not that affordable anymore.

On the other hand it had a lot to offer: good space for a smaller car, the best fuel economy, proven quality.

But I gave up on it mainly because of the lack of safety features.

Toyota Matrix

Similar to Corolla, with very similar and annoying option structure. I mean, it goes up to $28,000 if I add features I want (ABS, Airbags, AC, …) That is because you also get leather seats, sunroof, and some other options.

Now Matrix was conceptually exactly what I wanted — a single-volume, not too big, but practical, multipurpose car. But it has been built on Corolla chassis, and to me it had a certain “incomplete” feeling to it. And almost some cheapness as well.

Toyota Camry

I did not like it very much. I mean, it seems to be a great car — it’s big, spacious, amazingly soft and comfortable. It’s a bit heavy which you can feel on acceleration, but again, it’s a bigger car, so it’s no surprise. Generally, Camry is starting to look and feel as a regular 6 cylinder large American car, which is perhaps exactly what they are trying to do. I did not like that much — I like cars such as Accord better; it’s sleeker, more dynamic, a bit harder on the road, more sporty.

Anyhow, except for the fact that I did not need a big limousine-like car, I have nothing really against it.

Nissan

Nissan is an excellent car that simply did not flare any particular interest with me. This is of course just a personal taste. Altima is in particular very nice, well made and affordable car. Sentra is less so — I found it below similar sized cars. Maxima is a great full sized car — but similar to Toyota Camry it was a bit larger sedan that I’d go for.

Hyundai

Now this is a puzzle. Sonata has a beautiful and very elegant style. It looks fairly high-end by appearance. And it has excellent features and plenty of them. For example, a latest trend — Shiftronic transmission or CVT (Continuous Variable Transmission) that pairs the best attributes of manual and automatic mechanisms. I’ve heard that the fuel economy with CVT is almost as good as in the manual one; actually Volvo claims that in one of their models, on a highway, CVT performs even better than manual. But to me, driving a car with CVT was not that impressive experience.

Hyundai obviously has a lot of latest features for a highly affordable price. And although it does look good, you can still tell that it’s an affordable car. When Hyundai entered the American market it was known as the worst car — people say it would last you for about a year. But in the past 5 years they have made such a good progress, that in some independent ratings (Such as Consumer Report’s) they rate better in some aspects than Honda or Toyota.

All in all, I did not spend much time on it, although I’ve considered both Sonata and their SUV Tucson as an option.

Mazda

I was looking mainly at Mazda 3 Sport. By the way, the name is completely misleading — for a long time I did not even consider it because I simply thought it’s a sport edition not suitable for a family. But when I did looked at it, I was surprised to learn that it actually isn’t — the term “sport” apparently came up only because “hatchback” was too “boring”. Silly — I don’t think they really thought this one through well.

Anyhow, I learned it has almost all I needed, and on test drive it felt really good. The dealer told me they sell mostly manual versions because it’s a performance car. I doubt this is really true, but it is true that the car is pretty sporty — very responsive, fairly strong, and in general a pleasure to drive. Nevertheless, it has good space inside, and generally is suitable for a family.

But the trunk was small, i.e. narrow. The width of the trunk is virtually the same as the width of the trunk door. This I simply don’t understand — seems as if they purposely did not use all the available space.

In addition, its crash ratings (from the tests) were not the best. And as a smaller flaw the seat covers felt a bit unpleasant.

But it is generally a very good car and I was considering it very seriously

Mazda 5 also caught my attention because it was a bigger family car, yet not a mini van. I was comparing it to Matrix. However, it looked to me that the goal with an unusual “crossover” design was not really achieved (or completed), at least to my personal taste. The third row is too small for anyone except kids to use for any longer drive. With the third row up, the trunk is too small. Although not a mini van it is still fairly heavy and “lazy” on the road.

It’s generally a very interesting vehicle, worth looking at.

Subaru

Ah, Subaru…

Subaru was the most pleasant discovery for me. I didn’t know much at all about this make, only a few vague facts. But after I learned a bit about it I figured that this make is simply excellent. And they have recently been gaining more and more popularity. Then I went to US for a weekend and saw that there are as many Subarus (mostly Outbacks) on the road there as there are Honda Civics in Canada. Every other person owns it!

So I explored the models a bit and figured that Forester and Outback are most appealing. Forester as a smaller and cheaper option and Outback as a bigger and more expensive. Impreza was too small and a bit too much sporty — it’s a performance car used for racing. Legacy, built on the same chassis as Outback and very similar as well was ok, but Outback simply looks better.

I took Forester on a test drive — although it has older look, and is boxier, jeep-like, I liked it somewhat better than Outback. Actually this comparison is a bit like comparing apples and oranges — both look very nice and are conceptually different in exterior design. Perhaps I liked Forester a bit better exactly because it looks like a small SUV. It drives just beautifully. It’s not really an SUV, because it’s smaller and lower than, say CR-V, but it does feel like one because you sit higher above the road than, say, in a sedan. This gives you an excellent visibility of the road in front of you. The space was good, but not too good — in particular the shoulder and hip room is comparable to even Corolla and Civic. So two car seats and an adult can fit in the back, but it wouldn’t be too comfortable on a longer, hours long trip. Other dimensions including the trunk size are just fine.

An interesting little side feature of the Boxer engine (horizontally opposed pistons): When you turn the ignition on, Forester “shakes” just a wee bit, just as if you were sitting in a truck. This is not too noticeable, but it gives you a bit of a nice feeling of strength.

Security with Subaru vehicles is the one of the strongest points. Their cars have straight 5 on all tests (front impact, side impact and rear impact). This is not accidental — they have systematically developed this quality. They’ve been known in the past to put a lot of effort in security, so much that even they admitted they did it on account of the style. Thus even the Forester that does not have the curtain airbags at all, protects rear passenger better than some vehicles that have the curtain airbags. However, I found that lack of those airbags was too serious flaw for me — as I mentioned, my first priority was safety and I did not want to compromise in that respect even a bit. Outback on the other hand has all 6 airbags, but it’s also considerably more expensive.

Another security feature resulting from the engine design, i.e. the Boxer style, is that it has very low center of gravity, lower than ordinary engines. For this reason, the risk of rollover with Forester is comparable to a sedan, rather than any SUV.

Subaru vehicles are not true gas-savers. Specifications claim they spend 10.7L/100km. I drove Outback for 24 hours, and it spent 12L/100km. This is understandable; you’ll never get the fuel economy from the spec, especially with brand new car. However, compared to Corolla’s 7.1 or Civic 7.8, it is almost 50% more.

I didn’t choose Subaru for a couple of reasons, although I was so close to buying one. Forester does not have curtain airbags, and new Forester model is planned for 2009. Outback is not cheap — with taxes and PDI and the rest of the fees it comes up to $38,000. Buying Outback in US would cost me somewhat above $30,000. Forester would be somewhat below $30,000. So, I’d have to pay good money, and wouldn’t be happy with either lack of airbags or not the best fuel economy. But I think my next car might easily be a Subaru.

Volvo

No need to say it’s a great make, and one of my personal favourites. However, affordable or close to affordable Volvo’s (such as S40, V50) are small, and larger ones (S70, XC70) are expensive. If it wasn’t for the price I think I wouldn’t even analyze it — I’d just go and buy it.

Volkswagen

I know VW was always a good car — when I was a kid half of my hometown was driving VW. I know features of Golf models from Golf I to Golf IV. And I drove it a bit too. But my main interest in VW was that I was looking for a diesel car. I was disappointed to find that VW dealers in Canada do not sell plenty of diesel models. There is TDI (here and now it means Jetta TDI) — that’s it.

Then I also discovered that City Golf and City Jetta are amazingly affordable — they are cheaper than Civic and Corolla. And they are good cars! I almost decided to go for one of them!!

But Golf is small for a Canadian family, in particular, the trunk is too narrow — I can’t even put the kid’s stroller in straight, but have to incline it a bit. I started wondering how did the half of my hometown raise kids with a Golf? (And the other half of the town drove smaller cars.) But those were different times…

City Jetta is better in that respect, but not too much. It is an old Jetta model, first designed several years ago. It’s still the same with all the small improvements made over the years, but nothing major.

Major redesign of Jetta went into the Jetta model (without “City”) that is some 8 grand more expensive and looks more like a Passsat (actually so much so that on the road I have trouble telling Jetta from Passat). Jetta is an excellent car, has excellent security features, lots of space (very, very comfortable inside). And there is diesel (TDI) option.

Generally, an excellent option — only a summary of all features and price decided against it, and not by far at all.

—————————————————————————–

Read the rest on following pages:

Part One: Why and What?

Part Two: How?

Part Four: The Dealers

Hybrid vehicles have become more popular in the past few years, as drivers are constantly trying to find ways to save on gas costs. Pump prices have rocketed especially after the Iraq war in 2003, as the flow of oil supplies was disrupted. Ever since that year, gas remains expensive and continues to rise due to market turbulence, high demand and conflicts in the Middle East.

Is 2007 the year to jump on the bandwagon for hybrid vehicles? Consider that using hybrid technology will be more expensive compared to purchasing a standard vehicle. Some of the top vehicle makers have already released an impressive line of hybrid vehicles 2007 that will likely make car buyers scamper to showrooms similar to bored wives going to a mall sale.

The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Updated for 2007, the Toyota Camry Hybrid is a 4-door sedan that can carry 5 passengers. This hybrid vehicle is powered by a standard I4, 2.4-liter hybrid engine boasting of 192-horspeower. This hybrid vehicle achieves 43-mpg in city driving and 37-mpg on highway drives. The Camry has automatic transmission and overdrive is standard.

Initial Impressions

The 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been lauded for its impressive interior and consumption. However, many users have complained that consumption struggles to achieve as what is advertised by the company. Some even say that this vehicle only achieves 34mpg maximum.

Toyota has pulled out all the stops for this hybrid vehicle but it comes with a price, and expensive at that. Sold at an average of $29,000 in showrooms across the US. This vehicle is a nice option for those that do not want to scrimp on luxury but save on gas.

2007 Ford Escape Hybrid

A hit vehicle in 2006 that just got better for 2007. The 2007 Ford Escape is a 4-door sport-utility vehicle that can carry a maximum of five passengers. This hybrid vehicle comes in two trims, the 4WD and FWD.

This SUV hybrid is powered by a I4, 2.3-liter, 155-horsepower engine. Can achieve 36-mpg in city driving and 31-mpg in highway driving. Both trims come with transmission is variable speed automatic.

Initial impressions

A favorite among vehicle critics, the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid for its Interior Space, Fuel Economy, GPS, and Comfort. Fuel Economy is outstanding and most consumers supposedly achieve 35 mpg, which is just below the advertised 36 mpg. However, attaining this type of performance will rely on the skills and behavior of the driver. 2007 might be the year Ford reclaims its dominance in the SUV market with the new Ford Escape.

2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Looking to extend its great run in 2006, Mercury has updated the Mariner Hybrid for 2007. This vehicle only comes in one trim, the 4WD. This hybrid vehicle is powered by an I4, 2.3-liter, 133-horsepower hybrid engine. This vehicle can achieve 33-mpg in city driving and 29-mpg if cruising on the highway.

2007 Lexus GS 450h

All-new for 2007, the Lexus GS 450h is the hybrid that will propel the company in the new year. This hybrid vehicle is a 4-door luxury sedan and comes only in one trim, the Sedan.

The 450h is powered by a standard V6, 3.5-liter, V6, 339-horsepower hybrid engine. This hybrid vehicle can achieve 28-mpg in city driving and 28-mpg when cruising on the highway.

Initial impressions

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h has been lauded for having the best interiors around. Gas mileage is supposedly revolutionary and performance is comparable to the BMW M3.

The 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid is both technologically advanced and practical, with several new features that make the model a vehicle of safety and convenience. Impressive new features include the standard Smart Key System, which automatically unlocks the door as the driver approaches, and also continually variable transmission, which allows for smoother shifting on the drive.

The 2008 Camry Hybrid offers several standard safety features, including front, side and rear curtain airbags, and tire-pressure monitoring. Its novel Vehicle Stability Control assists drivers in maintaining control during adverse conditions. The Camry Hybrid, though sleek, contains a family-friendly design. It comes standard with child-protector rear door locks and a rear seat Child Restraint System, which lowers anchors and top tether brackets.

Halogen headlamps, a power sliding moonroof and a blackout sport grill add to the striking appearance of the Camry Hybrid. Convenient features include heated outside mirrors and integrated front fog lamps.

For interior comfort, there’s heated front seats, air conditioning and a 60/40 fold-down rear seat. The Camry Hybrid comes standard with an AM/FM CD player with WMA/MP3 playback capability and an in-glass antenna. Other options include a JBL 6-disc in-dash changer and satellite radio capability. Bluetooth capability, wireless technology, and up to six speakers for optimum FM quality also are available.

Toyota includes in each Camry Hybrid a multi-information display with ECO Drive Level, hybrid system energy flow, outside temperature, average fuel economy, driving range, average speed and travel distance since start. The Camry Hybrid’s system runs on 187-horse power, making it a powerful ride for a smaller vehicle. Another payoff is the fuel economy, with the Camry Hybrid getting 33/34 mpg.

Toyota’s 2008 Camry Hybrid is a vehicle combining safety, practicality and affordability, making it likely a top-buy for next year’s consumer.

The 2008 Toyota Camry Solara is both tech-savvy and reliable, accommodating new features that provide safety and convenience. Impressive new features include this model’s Vehicle Stability Control with Brake Assist, which combined with traction control helps to reduce tire slippage due to sudden steering or change in road conditions.

The 2008 Camry Solara offers several standard safety features, including front, side and rear curtain airbags. Its Tire Pressure Monitoring adds to safety, letting the driver know when the tires are getting low. The Camry Solara, even with its striking appearance, is family-oriented with its rear-seat child restraint system and LATCH, a safety feature that drops tether brackets and anchors for children.

Halogen headlamps and LED taillights, and a power tilt/slide moonroof with sunshade contribute to the sleek body style and a power-retractable fabric convertible top is available on the soft-top model.

Interior comfort is provided by a defroster-linked air conditioning and climate control with air filtration, and a 60/40 fold-flat bench seat with adjustable headrests. The Camry Solara also comes standard with a digital quartz clock, an AM/FM CD 6-disc in-dash changer with WMA/MP3 playback and satellite radio capabilities and in-glass antenna, or body-mounted antenna for the convertible. Bluetooth capabilities and wireless technology also is available on the Camry Solara.

Toyota includes an information display with average speed, instant and average fuel economy, distance to empty and elapsed time functions. The Camry Solara comes at two power levels, including 155-horse power, 4-cylinder engine or a 210-horse power, V6 engine.

Toyota’s 2008 Camry Solara is a car that combines safety, style and affordability, making it one of this year’s most attractive new models.

Gasoline prices are rising every now and then. That is because conflicts in the Middle East never falter to affect the pricing of the volatile oil commodity in the world market.

Consequently, consumers around the world feel the domino effect of the phenomenon. Rising oil prices mean they are up for harder times along the way.

That is why as much as possible, people will always find ways to cut their reliance on gasoline and oil.

Traditional cars are now on the hot seat because consumers and users are starting to complain about high gasoline consumption bills.

The increasing environmental concerns that has been tagged on the gas-powered cars also invoked serious consideration and steps on the part of the car makers.

Because the phenomenon called greenhouse effect or global warming has started to show its wrath through climate changes around the world in the past decades, people are becoming more and more concerned about environmental degradation.

Hybrid cars

Thus, hybrid cars, as manufacturers claim, are the cars of the future. That is because those cars are considered the answers to people’s prayers over the past years for vehicles that would not necessarily run on gasoline, which has prices that are so volatile due to emerging conflicts in the oil-producing countries every now and then.

Nowadays, car owners are being forced to just commute or take the public vehicles on their way to work everyday instead of using their cars because the gasoline prices are so high, that everyday use of the car would be unsustainable and most often, becoming a luxury.

In those cases, the purpose for buying or purchasing a car is breached, overlooked, neglected and unattained. For sure, cars are bought to give the buyer the convenience of going to destinations without the hassle of a public transport, which usually are tormented by delays, accidents and unlikely incidents.

No wonder, the launch of hybrid vehicles not so long ago was bombarded by promising and higher than expected sales of the cars. It is understandable that people have long awaited and anticipated the market launch of hybrid cars.

Hybrid car models

There are a number of hybrid car models available in the market today. The major companies are almost all claiming that their hybrid cars are the best hybrid cars ever produced in the market.

But are there serious proofs or implications from such claims?

The Japanese car makers have started the race for the best and most-patronized hybrid car models of today and the future.

Thus, from Toyota Motors, the market is now bombarded by the robust sales and increasing demand for hybrid car models that include the Camry hybrid and the Toyota Prius hyrid.

The Camry hybrid is termed the best hybrid car in terms of exterior features, designs and overall functionality. The claim is supported by the hybrid car model’s robust sales figures in the past couple of years.

The Prius hybrid car is tagged the best in terms of environmentalism. Toyota said this hybrid car is designed with zero-emission features, that bids goodbye totally or significantly to gasoline combustion processes in engines, which make up for the pollutants in the air.

The Honda hybrid car

For its part, Honda Motors will not take the competition for hybrid cars just sitting closely by. The Japanese car making giant has its famous Accord and Civic models spun-off in hybrids.

That is right. The hybrid models for the Honda hybrid cars are as efficient and as beautiful as the company’s old, traditional and reliable car models.

Honda claims that its hybrid cars are the best in the market today because the feel of driving them would be nothing different from driving the best car models from the company, namely the traditional and gas-powered Accord and Civic.

Picking up the best

So how do you pick the best? All of them are the best in their own respective rights. The best is a relative term. What can be the best for one person might not be the best for you.

So in picking up for the best hybrid car model for yourself, just rely on your instincts and the best things the best hybrid car models would be put in front of you.

Volkswagen AG, Europe’s largest automaker and the biggest overseas carmaker in China has started selling Magotan sedans in the country and in the process challenging Toyota Motor Corp.’s Camry which is equipped with high quality Toyota thermostat.

The Magotan sedans are equipped with 1.8-liter or 2-liter engine and have a base price starting 192,800 yuan or $25,000 basing in an email coming from Volkswagen. On the other hand Toyota’s China-made Camry has a price that starts at 197,800 yuan more expensive than the Magotan by 5,000 yuan.

The Wolfsburg-based automaker plans to add as many as 14 new models in China by the end of 2009 in an effort to maintain its market lead. Likewise, the automaker’s Santana and Jetta sedans has claimed the top two spots in the first-half sales rankings in the country and comparing that with Camry which went on sale last year and was only able to obtain the fourth rank.

According to Tiecheng, President of FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co. one of Volkswagen’s China ventures, “The Magotan helps to diversify FAW-Volkswagen’s product structure, allowing us to be more competitive in the market.”

Europe’s largest automaker, Volkswagen has about 19 percent of China’s car market accomplished in the first half of the year after boosting sales by a quarter to 431,369. The FAW-Volkswagen which is a venture with China FAW Group Corp. will make the Magotan which is offered as the Passat in Europe. Volkswagen also has a venture with Shanghai Automotive Co. the listed unit of SAIC Motor Corp.

In other news, Jim Press, the President of Toyota North America has made a rather bold statement saying that “eventually, everything will be a hybrid.” And aside from that he has shown his confidence in Toyota’s ability and so proud of their product line that he goes as far as saying that the ground-breaking Toyota Prius hybrid is just like Ford’s Model T.

It should be noted that the Ford Model T has often been considered as the first of its kind and a car which was made accessible to the masses. It was somewhat advance for its time and has helped in shaping the automotive industry into what it is today. Mr. Press is also saying that the Prius just like the Model T is equally revolutionary.

The everything-will-become-hybrid speech of Mr. Jim Press has aroused various reactions and of course there are those that contradict Mr. Press’ statement saying that not everything will be hybrid. But with the present trend in the auto industry maybe who knows we might all end up driving hybrids.

Copyright (c) 2008 Steven Magill

With oil prices steadily climbing up, it seems logical to start considering fuel economy among the many criteria that consumers use for buying their next vehicle. Wise consumers are now eyeing at the most fuel efficient cars that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) comes up with every year. This list pertains to cars that are capable of attaining the best gas mileage due to their specific features and engine performance.

Here is a list of the five most fuel efficient cars that are available in the market today.

Honda Civic GX

One of the main reasons why this particular Honda model has made it to the list of most fuel efficient cars is that it uses compressed natural gas unlike other vehicles. It has a fuel economy rating of 28 miles per gallon (of compressed natural gas). It comes with an at-home pump that you can use to tap into your home gas line to fill it up before you leave your home. However, since compressed natural gas isn’t likely to be available in all gasoline stations everywhere, you will want to carefully plan your trips if you’re going to use Civic GX. It may be one of the most fuel efficient cars but it can only travel 170 miles on a single fill-up.

Toyota Prius

Prius has always made it at the top of the list for the most fuel efficient cars from EPA. It has an overall fuel economy rating of 46 mpg, one of the lowest in the market these days. The mid-sized sedan features a spacious interior which has made it a crowd favorite as well. As one of the most fuel efficient cars in the market, Prius has an estimated annual fuel cost of $1019.

Honda Civic Hybrid

The Civic Hybrid features electric motors that maximize the potential of its small 1.3-liter engine. It is another one of Toyota Prius’ direct competitors when it comes to rankings for the most fuel efficient cars. With an overall fuel economy rating of 42 mpg, one can easily surmise how it came to figure on the list for most fuel efficient cars.

Toyota Camry Hybrid

The Camry Hybrid has a fuel economy rating of 34 mpg which barely made it to the list of most fuel efficient cars today. Its battery pack, while a bit bulky compared with other models, is one of the main features that have made it figure in this roster of the most fuel efficient cars. It also features a fuel economy gauge that lets the driver know when its average mileage rises.

Nissan Altima Hybrid

The Altima Hybrid uses practically the same technology that the Toyota Camry Hybrid has but with a couple of different features. It also has an overall fuel economy rating of 34 mpg making it another one of the most fuel efficient cars among compact sedans. Altima is great to use for city driving. According to estimates, it fares better in the city when it comes to best mileage than when used on the highway. But with its superb engine performance, it has managed to maintain its place among the most fuel efficient cars available today.

Double Din 6.2? In-dash DVD Player with cool and unique Graphical User Interface design, special for Toyota Coralla. Built-in Bluetooth for hand free call, touch screen function can touch the songs and submenu directly. All keys supply red and blue LED, match your original car perfectly. Individuated DVD logo display, can change the DVD wallpaper logo freely by yourself. And with two SD cards slot and one USB port, bring the film in your computer to In-car entertainment system. So personalized and unique device, it will definitely make your In-car system highly impressed!

Double Din In-dash Car DVD Player 6.5 inch TFT LCD Touch screen, specially designed for Toyota Vios/Camry/Corolla. Built in Bluetooth and TV function, make you In-car entertainment system more convenience and functionable. Mini USB port and SD card-reader, bring the films or songs in computer to your In-car cinema, no need to buy disks. FM with preset 30 stations, do not miss the latest traffic. An perfect Car DVD Player for your Toyota!

Double Din Car DVD Player for Toyota Camry, with many incredible features, including Touchscreen, Bluetooth, TV, iPod and FM, USB/SD interface. And wholesale price direct from a high quality Chinese Manufacturer. Added to this, the unit comes with a fully motorized in-dash monitor on an extra large 7 inch high color TFT-LCD screen. It will definity fits your nice Toyota Camry. Get it now! Make you In-car entertainment system to another level.

See more Toyota Car DVD Player in Globeoffer:

http://www.globeoffer.com/car-dvd-players-toyota-car-dvd-players-c-199_207.html