As, of course, does it’s twin the Tahoe Hybrid. Despite my skepticism, the EPA ratings proved quite good for a vehicle of this size – 21 MPG city / 22 MPG highway. Pay close attention to that city number – 21 MPG matches the EPA estimates for cars such as the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, [...]
Filed under: Tahoe Hybrid, Yukon Hybrid
This isn’t a post about the latest hybrid from Honda – rather, it’s about a hybrid that isn’t, but should be. One of the supposed benefits of Honda’s IMA hybrid system is the adaptability. Supposedly, the IMA system is easily adaptable to different vehicles, and it costs less to outfit these vehicles with the hybrid [...]
Filed under: Honda
The recently announced 2006-2007 Honda Civic Sedan recall does include hybrids, by the looks of things. If you’re a proud owner of an HCH-II, then you might want to keep any eye on your mailbox for a notice from Honda.
Filed under: Civic Hybrid, Honda
I was happy to see the announcement for the 2008 Mazda Tribute Hybrid, though now I’m not so much. It seems that the supply problem I was concerned with is a reality – there will only be 350 Mazda Tribute Hybrids available at launch, and every one will be sold in California. The other 49 [...]
Filed under: Ford Hybrids
A reader wrote to me the other day with an interesting dilemma. Here’s the email I received : Hi: I have attempted to contact Toyota regarding making our vehicle more efficient. The car is much too powerful. My suggestion is being able to use the battery power much more often. You are unable to not [...]
Filed under: Highlander Hybrid
Just yesterday I set a record for my trip to work, with 61.3 MPG. This morning I nudged the bar higher, and achieved an impressive 62.9 MPG – my highest yet for my 7 mile trip to work in the morning. To those who say hybrids aren’t capable of hitting the 2007 EPA estimates, I [...]
Filed under: Civic Hybrid
The tax credits available on Toyota and Lexus hybrids will expire completely on September 30, 2007. Currently they are at just 25% of their original value – a testament to their popularity. Or rather, to the Prius’ popularity. Even though the tax credits are diminished, they are worth taking into account. Currently the Prius offers [...]
Filed under: Tax Credit
On the same trip to work that I got 56.1 MPG on the other day, I managed to hit an impressive 61.3 today. Remember, this is on a 7 mile drive ( very short ), and no A/C being used. Still, it’s the first time I’ve broken 60 MPG on that segment, and I thought [...]
Filed under: Civic Hybrid
The title of this post is inflammatory, though I don’t intend it to be. My focus today is on fuel economy, and the methods that different automakers are using to improve it. Look at companies like Honda and Toyota – both have proven that hybrid technology, when used properly in an efficient setup, can improve [...]
Filed under: Ramblings
There are some significant changes to the Highlander Hybrid for the 2008 model year – some of which are good, and some of which are not so good. First up is the pricing – a good thing. The base model will start at $33,700, which is $190 less than last year. The Limited starts at [...]
Filed under: Highlander Hybrid