One of the newest in the batch 2007 hybrid car lineup is the 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, the third in Toyota's Hybrid cars. The Camry hybrid boasts of a performance of a topnotch six-cylinder engine with the fuel economy of a four-cylinder engine. Although it isn't as fuel efficient as the first Toyota hybrid, the Prius, the Camry hybrid is a whole lot better than the regular Camry.

Never to be left behind, giant Japanese vehicle manufacture Honda, has also the Hybrid Accord and the Hybrid Civic. These two sedans offer what Hybrids are known for, less emission and less fuel consumption.

The 2007 Honda Accord Hybrid alone combines luxury and fuel efficiency that's truly environment friendly. Even with a V6 engine that generates 253 horsepower, you can be sure that you will get more miles to the gallon. It is a nice change knowing that you get the luxury and power that you want and still get the fuel economy that we all deserve.

Then there is the 2007 Civic Hybrid which continuously provides the true essence of hybrid technology. Its ingenious engineering has rightly earned it its Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle (AT-PZEV) rating. What this means is that you don't only get from point A to point B in less gas usage, but also save the environment by not adding to the air pollutants already swarming over it.

Joining the Hybrid vehicle race in 2007 is General Motors second Hybrid vehicle, the 2007 Aura Hybrid sedan. This will be competing with other high-end hybrid automobiles such as the Toyota Camry Hybrid and the Honda Accord Hybrid. Sporting a V6 engine as well, the Aura Green Line is dedicated to providing utmost engine power with minimal gas consumption. Its engineers claim that it will be able to generate 20 percent savings in fuel economy over its conventional model.

Nissan has also announced that a 2007 Altima Hybrid will be offered and has offered test drives and a glimpse of its development automobile. In a deal inked with Toyota, Nissan will be dedicating five years into the project with the Hybrid Technology developed by Toyota.

Rumored to be unveiling its first hybrid model, Volkswagen is said to be preparing a full-hybrid car for 2007 but it hasn't disclosed yet which automobile model they will be infusing the technology. Latest rumors said that it would be on the Jetta for the upscale engine level or in the Passat for the four-cylinder class.

With more and more car manufacturers realizing the potential of Hybrid automobiles, it wont be long before every vehicle produced will be infused with the Hybrid technology. And as oil prices continue to soar and concerns for the environment are ever growing, we have the ability to all be sure that these vehicles will be welcomed with open arms.

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Saving the environment through less gas emissions from vehicles have been becoming sort of a sacred statement today. More and more people are voicing out their concerns about saving the environment from deadly gas emissions from automobiles and yet are still buying vehicles. Well, the convenience a automobile gives is incomparable, but the damage it brings is amazing. That is why Hybrid Automobiles have become a viable solution in answering the call for convenient and simple modes of transportation and lessening or eradicating air pollution.

Many vehicle manufacturers have seen the potential of hybrid automobiles and have developed their own versions of this revolutionary automobile. At the forefront is Toyota and Honda who was the first ones to come up with mass produced hybrid vehicles and has a number of hybrid vehicles in their line up. GM has also come out with their Hybrid vehicles as well as Ford. With many Hybrid vehicles out in the market already, a consumer may wonder which is truly the Best Hybrid automobile available this day?

With the advent of technology and science, more and more gadgets and equipments are being offered today to suit different tastes, styles and preferences. That is why declaring one to be ultimately the best and perfect for all is quite impossible. This goes the same for automobiles. Depending on where you'll be using the car, what's best for you might not be necessarily be the ideal for another. But, they could be divided into categories and the ideal among them could be chosen.

According to current researches and surveys, here's the current list on what's considered the "best" by the consumers.

The Ideal Sedan Hybrid Vehicle distinction was awarded to the latest Honda Civic Hybrid. Improving significantly over its previous model, it has the sleek and sporty look the conventional Civic has and doesn't announce its being a hybrid. But being its owner, you will certainly feel the difference. You still get the high quality and comfort conventional Civics provides, but you go to gas stations to fill up less.

The Best SUV Hybrid award is given to the first ever SUV Hybrid in the market, the Ford Escape Hybrid. Its inception in the Hybrid market was such a massive success that although it already has competitors from Toyota and Lexus, it still reigns supreme. With many features and accessories plus the power of a small SUV, the Ford Escape is seen to just keeping superior and would be hailed as the Majesty of Hybrid SUV's for many years to come.

Voted for Ideal Hybrid car in terms of economy in pure fuel is the Honda Insight. Combining its distinctive aerodynamic body design and its lightweight finish plus of course its superb hybrid technology, the Insight produces the ideal figures in fuel economy. Although not as multi awarded nor as comfortable and powerful as its stable mate the Civic Hybrid, the Insight is ideal if you want fuel economy, and with the oil prices still surging upward, this is not a bad idea after all.

But gaining a lot of nod of approval from the Hybrid enthusiasts is the league leading and multi awarded Toyota Prius. Garnering the largest number of votes as the Hybrid car with over all great value, performance and design, this could most probably be the Hybrid automobile that most likely deserves to be called as the best hybrid vehicle available this day.

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Hybrid vehicles are considered to be the car of the future. Because of the rising cost of fuel prices, hybrid cars are indeed suitable in today's fuel economy. With hybrid automobiles, you'll be able to cut fuel consumption by half. This means that you can effectively go 60 miles or more in only one gallon of gasoline.

Indeed, hybrid vehicles can give everyone great benefits. You may not know it but hybrid vehicles can also benefit those people who don't have cars. It can do this by emitting far lower toxic fumes than conventional car. This will mean that it is environmentally friendly and also makes air healthier and more breathable.

Hybrid car owners also enjoy benefits that the United Says government imposed. For example, because it is fuel efficient and emits few volumes of pollutants, the government imposed tax breaks for owners and buyers of hybrid cars. They will also enjoy free parking space and other kinds of benefits if you use a hybrid automobile.

You've to consider that it is important that people today should conserve fuel, especially when the fuel reserves in the world is only limited. Because of this, the hybrid automobile is the best answer for conserving fuel and making the fuel reserves all over the world last.

Even if the price of fuel is on a constant rise, hybrid car owners virtually do not feel it.

This day, many car manufacturers are on a campaign to promote hybrid automobiles as an alternative to save fuel. One of these manufacturers is Honda. In fact, Honda now has a line of hybrid cars available in the market today. The company is now one of the leading companies to produce a fuel efficient hybrid vehicle.

Honda is a well-known name in the vehicle industry. Even before, they produce quality vehicles with fuel efficient internal combustion engine. Now, Honda is taking it one step further by integrating the hybrid technology in their cars.

One vehicle that Honda developed with hybrid technology is their Honda Civic Hybrid. Although the Civic have been around for quite a while now, this new edition of Civic made by Honda now has the hybrid technology integrated. The Honda Civic is already known to be fuel efficient. Now, with the hybrid technology installed, it can grant you to care about far greater gas mileage.

The Honda Civic Hybrid is tagged with the Advanced Technology Partial Zero-Emission Car rating. This means that it is definitely a green car or an environmentally friendly vehicle that everyone can benefit from. The integrated battery pack in the automobile is designed to take you to the distance. With an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty, you'll truly enjoy the Civic Hybrid for years to come.

Another hybrid vehicle that Honda developed is the Honda Accord Hybrid. This four-door sedan is a high end luxury car that will enable you to save a lot of money on fuel consumption. The Honda Accord Hybrid has a 253 horsepower V6 engine to let you satisfy your need for speed. Also, it has an advanced electric motor and battery installed for you to be able to save money on fuel consumption.

Indeed, Honda is one of the leading manufacturers of hybrid cars. If you want a quality hybrid vehicle, think of Honda as the hybrid automobile manufacturer of your choice.

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The hybrid SUV started the test with one 15-gallon tank of gas. That one tank of fuel and a 330-volt electric battery kept the Ford Escape Hybrid running for 37 consecutive hours of city driving in the grueling urban congestion of Manhattan, for a total of 576 miles. The resulting fuel economy of the hybrid version of the Escape is a 75 percent improvement over the 20 mpg that the Environmental Protection Agency rates the conventional Ford Escape V-6 at.

An electric motor powered by a 330-volt nickel-metal battery pack and a conventional gas internal combustion engine are combined to run the Ford Escape Hybrid. When driving, the system chooses whether to use power from the electric motor or the gas engine, and when extra power is needed it will use both at the same time. Unlike some hybrid cars, the Ford Escape is capable of running on electric power exclusively, and at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. The system constantly evaluates how to maximize fuel economy, and will use the ideal combination of electric and gas power to achieve that.

The casual observer will be unable to tell the difference between the hybrid and conventional versions of the Escape as they look exactly the same, and in fact come off the same assembly line. The dash board even appears normal, though there's a battery level gauge, and the tachometer has a below-zero setting that indicates the vehicle is running in electric only mode.

In a midtown-Manhatten road test, the Ford Escape Hybrid performed at the same levels you would expect from a conventional SUV, despite the fact that it ran much of the test in electric-only mode. The gas engine kicked in smoothly when needed, and in electric-only mode the car is nearly silent.

When the gas engine is running, it also recharges the battery. Power generated by braking is also used to charge the battery (called regenerative braking). Despite common misconceptions, hybrid automobiles never have to be plugged in to an external electrical source for charging.

The Ford Escape Hybrid is a good option for those struggling to select between fuel economy and the comforts found in a SUV. You get the improved fuel economy and reduced emissions of a hybrid commuter vehicle, and also the 4WD performance of a conventional SUV with plenty of room for passengers, pets, and cargo.

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Those are the basics of hybrid cars in general. We will divide hybrids into two categories to examine further how the three components work together. Each category of hybrids incorporates the three components in its own way.

Mild Hybrids -
In the mild hybrid configuration the electric motor isn't able to function independently of the gas internal combustion engine. The vehicle is powered primarily by the gas engine, and the electric motor only provides supplemental power to assist when needed. The electric motor is capable of drawing energy from the battery or generating electricity to charge the battery, but it isn't capable of doing both at the same time. The Honda Civic and Insight are mild hybrid cars.

Full Hybrids -
Full hybrid cars integrate the three components in a way that grants the electric motor and the gas engine to operate independently of each other. For instance the electric motor is capable of operating on its own to provide light acceleration at low speeds. The gas engine then starts up and takes over at higher speeds. Both the electric motor and gas engine can operate in unison when more power is needed during hard acceleration, such as when climbing hills. Full hybrids are also able to draw energy from the battery and charge it at the same time. The Toyota Prius and Ford Escape are full hybrids.

Despite their differences, both types of hybrid vehicles achieve the goal of increased fuel economy and decreased emissions over standard gas or diesel powered vehicles.

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The Highlander Hybrid SUV is a seven-passenger car that doesn't sacrifice comfort for fuel economy. The hybrid model is just like the gas Highlander. It handles just as well, has a simple cabin design, and maintains the same 81 cubic feet of cargo capacity. The difference is that it achieves much greater fuel economy while being more powerful. Yes, you might go back and read that again. The hybrid version of the Highlander is actually MORE powerful than the gas model.

Toyota used the same 3.3 liter V6 in the hybrid SUV that it uses in the gas Highlander. They recalibrated it and added three electric motors. One of the electric motors is used for starting the internal combustion engine and also recharging the 288-volt battery pack. One works with the gas engine to drive the front wheels. And the other adds additonal power to the rear wheels when extra traction or power is needed (the third electric motor is not used on front-wheel drive models).

Do not let the silence fool you when starting the Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV. The gas engine won't kick in until you hit 25 mph or you turn on the air conditioning.

The hybrid Highlander isn't lacking for power. In fact, the hybrid model boasts a whopping 268 horsepower compared to the gas model's 230. Acceleration is responsive at any speed with the electric motors handling the low-end pull, and the gas engine hitting its stride in midrange. The Highlander Hybrid went from zero to 60 in 7.2 seconds in track testing, making it one of the fastest SUVs (hybrid or internal combustion) in its price range.

During testing the Highlander Hybrid SUV only attained a 23 mpg average fuel economy. This was a bit disappointing, especially since Toyota claims 31 mpg city and 27 mpg highway, but in the 7-8 passenger SUV class it really doesn't get much superior than that. Hybrids perform much better in terms of fuel economy at low speeds because this is where they use more electricity than gas. While stuck in traffic the Highlander got about 30 mpg.

The 2006 Highlander Hybrid comes with more standard features than the gas model. The model tested came standard with leather and side airbags. But even after adjusting for the extras, you can anticipate to pay about $3,000 more for the hybrid over the conventional model. One incentive to purchase the hybrid model is you can take a $2,000 tax credit if you buy in 2005. However in 2006 the federal tax incentive drops to $500.

The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid SUV is the only hybrid that seats seven passengers.

2006 Lexus RX 400h

The Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV is essentially the best-selling RX 330 with a hybrid drivetrain installed. And the wait list for the hybrid model was so long that Lexus was forced to set up a communication system specifically for keeping customers updated on the vehicle's progress. Due to the early buzz created by the RX 400h, Lexus is now planning hybrid versions of the GS and LS sedans.

The RX 400h hybrid SUV uses the same drivetrain as the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and is rated for fuel economy at 31 mpg city and 27 mpg highway. The Lexus is available in all-wheel drive only.

The RX 400h is 100 pounds heavier than the Highlander, but equalled the Toyota's zero to 60 time at 7.2 seconds. In the quarter mile the Lexus slightly outperformed the Toyota hybrid SUV at 15.3 seconds.

Like the Highlander, the Lexus RX 400h has more power than it's gas counterpart. Even at 300 pounds heavier than the RX 300, the 400h felt considerably faster, even when easily ascending steep highway grades. The RX 400h has a tighter suspension than the Highlander Hybrid, as well as 18-inch tires, which made for better handling and an exciting drive.

The Lexus delivered a disappointing 22 mpg average, with the best tank at 24 mpg. Despite those numbers, compare it with the gas RX 300 which when tested only averaged 16 mpg.

There's a marked increase in engine noise with the RX 400h when under hard acceleration. More so than with the RX 330. There was a similar problem with the Toyota, but the difference seemed greater in the Lexus.

The Lexus RX 400h hybrid SUV has a sticker of $11,000 more than the base RX 330, but it comes with just about each possible feature. If you add all of those features to the RX 330, the difference is only about $3,000 which is comparable to the difference in the Toyota models.

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Tips for Drivers of Hybrid Cars

Maintenance Tips for Hybrid Cars

Hybrid cars tend to have long warranties. The Honda Insight comes with an 8 year/80,000 mile warranty that includes most of the powertrain, including batteries, and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on the rest of the car. The Toyota Prius has an 8 year/100,000 mile warranty on the hybrid and battery systems, and a 3 year/36,000 mile warranty on everything else.

Batteries and electric motors in these hybrid cars don't require any maintenance over the life of the vehicle. The gas engine doesn't require any more maintenance than the gas engine in a conventional vehicle. In hybrids with regenerative braking, the brake pads may last longer than those in other cars.

Battery systems in hybrid cars are pretty spendy with a several thousand dollar price tag. By the time the warranty expires though, that price may have decreased.

Gas Mileage Tips for Hybrid Cars

By using the same driving habits that result in better fuel efficiency in conventional vehicles, you will achieve better mileage in your hybrid vehicle as well.

Drive slower - The faster you drive, the greater the aerodynamic drag on the car. Drag force at 70 mph is nearly double that of drag at 50 mph. Going easy on the accelerator will increase your fuel economy significantly.

Maintain a constant speed - Accelerating uses energy. Some of this energy is wasted when you slow back down. Maintaining a constant speed makes the most efficient use of fuel.

Avoid stopping abruptly - The electric motor in hybrid cars acts like a generator, and uses some of the energy while slowing the vehicle. By giving the electric motor more time to slow the vehicle, it is able to recover more of the energy. By stopping abruptly, the brakes do most of the work in slowing the vehicle and that energy is wasted.

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Connecticut - Sales Tax Exemption:
Prior to July 1, 2008, new hybrid automobiles with a U.S. Environmental Protection Bureau (EPA) fuel economy rating of at least 40 mpg are exempt from sales tax. For more information see http://www.ct.gov/drs/

Florida - High Occupancy Automobile (HOV) Decal:
An Inherently Low Emissions Car (ILEV) or a hybrid automobile certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency may be driven in a High Occupancy Car (HOV) lane at any time regardless of its occupancy as long as a decal is obtained. For more information see http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/html/titlinf.html

Kentucky - CMAQ Rebates:
Organizations or individuals located in non-attainment areas are eligible for Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement Program (CMAQ) automobile rebates for hybrid vehicles operating within a fleet. For more information see http://revenue.ky.gov/

Maine - Partial Sales Tax Credit:
A partial sales tax credit of approximately $500 is available for hybrid automobiles that do not have a comparable car model, such as the Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. A credit of approximately $300 is available for vehicles that do have a comparable gasoline-powered model, such as the hybrid Honda Civic. For more information see http://www.say.me.us/revenue/

New Jersey - Substitute Fuel Car Rebate Program:
New Jersey's Alternative Fuel Car (AFV) Rebate Program offers rebates to local governments for hybrid vehicles. The rebate amounts vary according to the car weight and class. For more information see http://www.say.nj.us/treasury/taxation/index.html

New York - Substitute Fuel (Clean Fuel) Car Tax Incentive Program:
New York's Alternative Fuel (Clean Fuel) Car Tax Incentive Program offers a sales tax exemption for qualified hybrid cars equal to $3,000 unless the automobile manufacturer certifies a higher incremental cost. For more information see http://www.tax.say.ny.us

Oregon - Business Energy Tax Credit:
A Business Energy Tax Credit is available for the incremental cost of purchasing hybrid automobiles. The tax credit is 35% of the incremental cost of the system or equipment and is take over five years. For more information see http://egov.oregon.gov/DOR/

Oregon - Residential Tax Credit:
A Residential Tax Credit of up to $1,500 is available for the incremental cost of a hybrid automobile. For more information see http://egov.oregon.gov/DOR/

Pennsylvania - Alternative Fuels Incentive Allow Program (AFIG):
The purchase of a hybrid automobile is eligible for funding under the Alternative Fuels Incentive Program; funding amounts vary. For more information see http://www.dep.say.pa.us/dep/deputate/pollprev/AFIG/afvafig1.htm

Utah - Incremental Cost Credit:
Utah grants a credit for 50% of the incremental cost ($3,000 maximum) of a Honda Civic Hybrid.

Vermont - HOV Lane Usage:
Alternative Fuel Cars displaying the Virginia "Clean Special Fuels" license plate can use the Virginia HOV lanes, regardlesss of the number of occupants, until July 1, 2006. The Toyota Prius, and Honda Insight and Civic hybrid automobiles qualify. For more information see http://www.dmv.say.va.us/webdoc/citizen/vehicles/cleanspecialfuel.asp

Washington - Emissions Control Inspection Exemption:
Effective June 13, 2002, hybrid automobiles that obtain a rating by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of at least 50 miles per gallon of gas during city driving are exempt from emissions control inspections.

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Hybrid vehicles are powered primarily by an internal combustion engine, just like conventional vehicles. However, they also convert energy normally wasted during braking and coasting into electricity. This energy is stored in a battery until it is needed by the electric motor. Internal combustion engines are least efficient in low-speed driving conditions, and when hill climbing or accelerating. This is where the electric motor kicks in, by assisting the gasoline engine in these low-efficiency situations. Some hybrids also shut the engine off automatically when the car comes to a stop, and restart it when the driver steps on the accelerator. This prevents further waste of energy by idling the engine when stopped. Unlike cars that are solely electric powered, hybrid vehicles do not have to be recharged by plugging them into an external electrical source. All the energy the vehicle needs is provided by conventional gasoline and regenerative braking.

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