Hybrid Heaven - Predicted Top Hybrid Performers

The past summer of hurricanes and rising gas prices has done much for the hybrid automobile industry. The highly debated war in Iraq, although not definitively linked politically to oil, has certainly affected the economy, including the price of gas. The public's increasing interest in hybrid cars has evolved from skepticism to eager curiosity. Concerns about warranties, electrical issues and reliability in various weather conditions, has been appeased somewhat by major makers coming out with new and better hybrids. Before, many people thought that they might consider purchasing a hybrid one day when they were streamlined and technologically sound. Today, many more are asking not when they will buy a hybrid, but for which one they should put themselves on a waiting list. Performance is the top priority for consumers who are convinced that their next vehicle is going to be a hybrid, even if they need to pay a several thousand dollars more, and have to wait a year to get one.

Makers have been racing to improve the technology of the hybrid. Strange alliances have been formed between makers to get more consumers interested. For example, Toyota shared some of its patents with Ford because of beliefs that Americans wanted more options and makers getting in the hybrid market. It seems that Toyota did get hurt with this alliance. The more makers that are producing hybrids, the more people will begin to trust that they really work and will work for them.

The latest models of hybrids are surpassing their recent predecessors. Because of technological advances, more people can focus on other aspects of the vehicle they want. Some people just want a practical vehicle and are happy with Ford's Escape. Others want and can afford the luxury of the Lexus Highlander, which is a SUV combined with all the fixings. For some, however, the big question is whether the mileage and performance of the hybrid are really going to be as wonderful as the manufacturers say it is.

The Toyota Prius is still holding its head high as the leading maker of hybrids. Although it is a mid-size, it boasts the most horsepower, and goes from 0-60 in 10.2 seconds, which is better than the two-seat, Honda Insight at 10.7 seconds and 71-horsepower. The EPA has also given the Prius its super rating for emissions standards, the AT-PZEV. This means that it is a whopping 90% more environmentally friendly than the average car. The Prius is also one of the easier hybrids to actually come by. Toyota has increased production because of demand and has kept the price in the low $20,000 range even though it is cutting profits.

Honda is keeping up with the hybrid battle. The Honda Civic and Insight, although not completely up to line with the Prius, are only minimally treading behind. With prices starting a little below the Prius, the Honda hybrids perform great with mileage reaching into the mid-50s. The Honda Civic hybrid also boasts the mighty iVTEC engine, which more efficiently accommodates acceleration and cruising. Honda has also improved the air-conditioning so that it gets most of its power from electric sources.

For the best SUVs, Toyota claims the Highlander, which has a 270-horsepower engine. It may not match up to the Lexus RX 400h, but the Highlander is obviously more attainable for most people. The Lexus will definitely win over hearts with its 0-60 in eight seconds engine and 28/30 mpg. For those of us that are not able to shed $50,000 for the RX 400h, the Highlander will not be a let down. Starting at $33,000, the Highlander offers an SUV that feels and drives like a regular one without the emissions and mileage fears.

The technology of the hybrid car, truck, SUV and soon minivan, with the Toyota Sienna, which is already in Japan, has crushed some of the worries that they are unpredictable, not safe or too expensive. The performance of hybrids is improving with each year and makers are even helping other ones keep the market down by sharing some technology once in awhile. While Toyota has the Prius and Highlander selling well as top performers, Honda, Ford and of course, Lexus are offering quality hybrids as well.