Specs
- Engine Type: In line 4 cylinder aluminum alloy 8 valve SOHC i-VTEC with multi-point fuel injection putting out 110 hp at 6000 rpm.
- Electric motor: Permanent Magnet Motor outputting 20 hp powered by a Nickel Metal Hydride battery outputting 158 volts.
- Continuously variable transmission.
- Mileage is 40/45/42.
- 0 to 60 in 13.5 seconds.
Civic Hybrid Overview
The engine in this little vehicle is so efficient that it isn’t scheduled for a first tune up until it has covered one hundred thousand miles. It is a front wheel drive vehicle that comes standard with a direct ignition system with immobilizer.
This little car isn’t going to impress you with how it plasters you in your seat when you press down on the gas pedal, but that’s not the point of this vehicle.
The Civic Hybrid features an automatic climate control system and has an available satellite linked voice recognition navigational system with Bluetooth hands free link. Standard are the power windows with an automatic up and down on the driver’s window. It comes with power door locks and an auto-lock feature. If the available leather upgrade is ordered, the steering wheel will get a perforated leather-wrapped treatment. The steering wheel also has wheel mounted control systems, it tilts and is also telescopic. This little car has many comfort and convenience features standard and there are also upgrades available to customize your vehicle to your desires.
Honda has built a large base of loyal customers that wouldn’t think of purchasing anything but a Honda, these folks are happily signing up to purchase their first Honda hybrid. They are confident that this little vehicle will stand up to the quality and reliability they are used to in Honda products.
Click here for the Honda Civic Hybrid homepage.
Specs
- Engine: Aluminum double overhead cam 16 valve (with variable valve timing intelligence) 4 cylinder gasoline engine, 1.8 liters.
- Power output is 98 hp @ 5200 rpm.
- Electric power provided by a pair of Permanent magnet AC synchronous electric motors (one for propulsion, the other for electrical systems generator).
- Propulsion motor puts out 80 hp.
- The Prius clocks 0-60 in 10.1 seconds.
- MPG city and highway 51/48.
- Electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.
Overview
The third generation compact vehicle classified Prius comes as a four door sedan in multiple colors for either interior or exterior. It is equipped with an ll.9 gallon gas tank and has seating capacity for five.
The 3rd generation Prius is available in four trim levels, the levels are II through V respectively. The II will receive 15 inch alloy wheels and full power accessories, keyless ignition, cruise control and a few other accouterments. The III adds Bluetooth and an eight speaker upgraded stereo with six CD changer. The IV adds exterior locking buttons for keyless entry, leather upholstery, heated front seats, driver lumbar adjustment and auto dimming mirror. The V adds on 17 inch alloy wheels, foglamps and LED headlamps with auto-leveling and washers. There are even more options available for this vehicle, depending on how much money you’d like to spend.
The Prius, having already been on the road for a while has garnered both loyal customers and jaded owners. Many Prius owners are ready to hand in the keys to their old Prius in favor of the all new, feature packed new Prius. The market has gotten tougher so many people are doing their homework before running out and putting money down on this familiar vehicle.
Click here for Toyota’s Prius homepage.
Specs:
- Engine: 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine.
- Two permanent magnet AC synchronous motors powered by 330 volt nickel metal hydride battery.
- Electronically Controlled Continuously Variable.
- 153 hp at 6,000 rpm.
- Front Wheel Drive rated at 24/31 mpg.
- Four Wheel Drive rated at 30/27 mpg.
- 177 combined hp.
Ford Escape Hybrid Overview
This has been and continues to be the most fuel efficient SUV hybrid on the market. When the vehicle is in full acceleration, both power sources are utilized while under stop and go traffic conditions, the vehicle is able to alternate between power sources. The only real down side to this vehicle is that the air conditioning compressor cannot run while the vehicle is in all electric mode.
This vehicle comes in many different optional configurations and colors. It actually registers as being slightly quicker than it’s fully gas propelled four cylinder counterpart. The main difference between the Escape Hybrid and the regular gas powered Escape is that the hybrid carries 300 pounds more in weight and you can feel it in the response times.
When it comes to the hybrid SUV market, the Escape doesn’t really have much in the way of competition, for that reason, green conscious SUV enthusiasts are waiting with trade-in keys in hand in order to get hold of the new Escape Hybrid. The Escape is already receiving all sorts of positive attention from the SUV buying public because of it’s reliable past and promise of the future.
Click here for Fords Escape Hybrid homepage.
