With gas prices so high, most Americans have at least thought about switching to a hybrid car. Yet there are many questions. What are the real hybrid car facts? Is it worth the higher price tag? Which hybrid car best suits my needs?

The idea of saving big at the gas pump is appealing. But what are the facts about hybrid automobiles? Are they really for you? How do you decide if a hybrid meets your needs, and how do you choose a model? These are valid questions. There is more to buying a hybrid car than walking into a dealership and signing a contract!

Prices

If you're looking for a cheap car, forget the hybrids. Not one of the current models available for 2007 is what one might consider low cost. Pre-owned hybrids are an option to seriously consider. Even then, used hybrids tend to maintain a good percentage of original value.

One car that makes no sense at all is the Hybrid SUV. Sure it uses less fuel than a full-gas SUV. But it still uses far too much gas. A hybrid SUV is like a 300 pound man eating two Big Macs and super size fries with a Diet Coke. What good is the diet Coke? There is simply no economical or ecological reason for a hybrid SUV.

Two Kinds of Hybrid Cars

How you drive your car should weigh heavily on your choice of a hybrid auto. There are two different types of hybrid engines. One is good for someone who does a lot of highway driving, and the other is better for people who do a lot of in town stop and go driving.

Parallel Hybrid or Series Hybrid?

A parallel hybrid vehicle basically has two engines, one gas and one electric. It uses the electric power train to move the car in basic stop and go traffic, or just casual driving. This is where the car saves a lot of gas. When this car heads for the highway, the gas engine takes over. But if you use your car basically in town, for shopping and picking up kids, etc, the parallel hybrid is for you.

The series hybrid automobile has a gas engine that doesn't make the car move. The gas engine powers the electric batteries, which then run the car. The series hybrid gets it's best mileage with highway driving. If most of your miles will be on highways, choose the series hybrid.

Hybrid Car Models

The series system cars are the Honda Civic Hybrid, and the Honda Insight. The parallel system hybrids are the Toyota Prius, the Ford Escape, and the forthcoming Suburu B5-TPH. Each year brings more choices. Ask your dealer which type of hybrid he/she sells.

The new Mercury Mariner is both a series and a parallel hybrid.

Alternative Fuels

Most newer cars are designed to be able to use alternative fuels, like ethanol or the various alcohol blends. Finding a station which offers alternative fuels is difficult in the east, but somewhat easier in the midwest and west. If alternative fuel is available to you, you might pass on buying a hybrid and keep your old car.

Investigate the various gas saving gadgets and additives. Some of them actually do provide better mileage. Some don't. Learn which ones do work!

In any case, think small, investigate the models available, and consider the type of driving you do before going to a showroom. Remember the hybrid car facts!

 

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