Last year, honda sold about 50,000 of its hybrid vehicles. Best sellers are the Civic and Accord models. The move of the Japanese owned car manufacturing to expand production was partly, due to the overwhelming acceptance of honda hybrid vehicles in the US market.

The fully redesigned 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid for instance, was awarded the World Car of the Year Award for greenest car. A 46-man jury composed of international automotive journalists paved the way for the award. The 2006 Civic Hybrid, which achieves an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 49/51 miles per gallon, was chosen t be the holder of the 2006 World Green Car Award.

The Civic Hybrid 2006 edition is now equipped with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The equipment allows the honda hybrid vehicle to deactivate all its four cylinders, and now can operate using only the electric motor in several steady-state driving situations.

This character of the civic hybrid is manifested more when compared to the 2006 Civic Sedan with automatic transmission. The civic hybrid provides a city fuel saving of approximately 63 percent increase and a highway fuel saving of approximately 27 percent increase.

By the looks of it, Honda hybrid vehicles shows no abating in receiving awards. In February of this year, the all-new Civic Hybrid Sedan won the MotorWeek Drivers’ Choice Award, clinching both Best of the Year and Best Small Car awards. The said honda hybrid vehicle was chosen from among 150 cars and trucks by 15 judges. Some factors used in evaluating the winner include technology, performance, technology, practicality and value.

Back with honda civic hybrid, the problem with honda hybrid vehicles designs were finally resolved with the 2006 edition.

According to journalist of the Los Angeles Time, “the Civic Hybrid’s defining characteristic as its sloping windshield.” The writer explained that the slicked-back windshield look is frequently used on concept cars but is eventually discarded in production proper for it creates uncontrollable flat space behind the steering wheel.

Honda hybrid vehicles designers transformed this space into an advantage, and in the process, created a handsome two-tier instrument panel limned in organic shapes.

But there’s more to Honda hybrid vehicles than its design. The 2006 model is more efficient in terms of combustion. It uses eight spark plugs that operate in two modes. This is done with the intake valve firing first and later, the exhaust plug. This allows for a more complete combustion of fuel, therefore a cleaner smoke.

Aside from added and more powerful batteries, the new hybrid offers an improved regenerative braking. It is less dependent on traditional braking. This was made workable with a brake pedal sensor that sends signal to the car’s computer, activating systems that balance braking power between the hydraulic brakes and the electric motor. And because the all the cylinders can be deactivated during deceleration, pumping losses are immensely reduced.

This made possible the production of 170 percent more energy for the batteries. The new civic hybrid also uses multiple “load paths” to limit penetration of the car’s structure by absorbing more of the crash energy, in case of accident. The Honda hybrid vehicle has also eight standard air bags, earning for it top safety rankings from NHTSA and IIHS.

The 2006 hybrid model contains also an optional navigation system with voice control. This include input jack for MP3 player and telescopic steering wheel. Turn signals were also integrated into the sideview mirrors. The model is available in two exclusive paint colors of opal silver blue and magnetic pearl.

The new and improved 2006 honda hybrid vehicle, though, fetches a slightly higher price at $21,850. Or $23,350 when equipped with optional satellite linked navigation system exclusive to the car edition. But in today’s standard, its still a very affordable hybrid vehicle, ad it’s a honda.

According to company officials, Honda is targeting 28,000 sales for this 2006 model before the end of the year. Perhaps, with fuel efficiency above 50, a full-hybrid system, a smooth new design, and price tag thousands below the Toyota Prius-honda hybrid vehicles might finally challenge Toyota in the area of sales.

One simplest way is through consumer reports on hybrid cars.

There are many hybrid cars information available, especially on their features, engine specifications, designs, colors and much other dizzying information.  Information from the manufacturer’s website are also good source of needed preliminary knowledge on hybrid cars. But one of the most interesting array of information, and one that honest opinion or feelings about hybrid vehicles may be glimpsed is a consumer reports on hybrid cars.

Reliability of hybrid cars according to consumer reports

“These hybrid systems have been very reliable,” declares David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ auto test center. Mr. Champion noted that about 94 percent of Toyota Prius owners, who would buy another Prius, are very happy and satisfied, asserted by the influential consumer survey. This center, collects individual consumer reports on hybrid cars, and uses the statistics to come up with a talk paper.

Mr. Champion also refers to hybrids as “mainstream technology“, particularly with the introduction of the Honda Accord hybrid. The Honda hybrid clinched the honor of bagging the title of Consumer Reports Best Family Sedan. The Honda Accord hybrid, bested some 32 other models for the prestigious award.

Critics, however, are not wanting. Some automobile experts and analysts have criticized the hybrid car powertrain, as flamboyant in that two engines are being used for one purpose.  Consumer Reports on the other hand, disagreed. Champion explained that the electric motor adds the power, to the engine, says Champion.

Prior to the award proper, Consumer Report conducts a testing, by applying some actual expectations of consumers to hybrid cars. The Accord hybrid for instance, achieved superior fuel efficiency unsurpassed by its conventional counterparts.

But as in other endeavor, consumer reports on hybrid cars have its other side. An alternative consumer view from the same center posited the question: “Considering a hybrid car? Don’t rush out to the dealership just yet.”

The individuals went on to explain that they are not against the protection of environment. The center also asserts that they are supportive for burning less fossil fuel. Their concerns, accordingly, emanates from Financial experts arguments that hybrid drivers are paying too high for an automobile that offers only marginally better fuel efficiency than the other economy cars already on the road.

Gabriel Shenhar, senior auto test engineer for Consumer Reports, said that if someone is “looking at your pocket, you’re not gaining anything there anytime soon,” Shenhar asserted that it is wiser, to wait until auto makers improve hybrids’ powertrains and bring prices more agreeable with regular models.

The same Consumer Reports compared the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid car, which consumes 36 miles per gallon and worth $21,000, with the 2003 Honda Civic EX, which consumes 29 miles per gallon and worth $18,500 a unit on the average. Interested to know the results? The tax break excluded, it would take a consumer 21 years in fuel savings to cover the earlier expense for buying hybrid.

And consumer reports hybrid cars has another bad news. The people behind Edmunds.com expect that hybrids will depreciate faster than other counterpart traditional vehicles. They are also noting that the attempts of the carmakers on improving the hybrid powertrain so fast will fail to convince consumer in buying relatively new technology.

The consumer reports on hybrid cars, however, particularly that of Edmunds.com, are waiting for the for the new hybrid SUVs, the Ford Escape and the Lexus RX Hybrid, will  after entering the market for a particular period of time. If these new hybrids will eventually reach the price level, of other lightweight trucks, and will offer far better fuel savings, the better. If both are achieved, says  Edmunds.com’s automotive expert Ed Hellwig, there’s no reason why people will not rush to their dealer and buy one.

These are only few of the literature that deals with consumer reports on hybrid cars. It is, ultimately, depends on the consumer, to peruse on many information regarding hybrid cars.

By: Shavennah

Hybrids are the in thing these days. A hybrid car operates with 2 engines — one using traditional fuel, and the other energy from a rechargeable battery. With the influx of hybrid cars in the market, one cannot simply take advertisement and supplier claims for their word. After all, it is every hybrid car manufacturer’s duty to sell. So, how do we sift through the multitude of brands, then?

There are lots of information available about hybrid cars. Data from the manufacturer’s website are good sources of needed preliminary knowledge on hybrid cars. However, we may be able to glean a much more honest report on the ins and outs of this new revolutionary vehicle by consulting consumer reports.

What consumer reports say about the reliability of hybrid cars

“These hybrid systems have been very reliable,” according to Consumer Reports’ senior director for auto test centers David Champion. Mr. Champion said that around 94% of Toyota Prius owners would definitely buy another Prius and are very happy and satisfied.

Findings like this one can prove valuable to a consumer, because aside from taking individual consumer reports on certain hybrid car models, it also provides comparison on certain features.

However, this doesn’t really show that consumer reports agree with other opinions, as some automobile experts and analysts have criticized the hybrid car as flamboyant because of the fact that two engines are being used for one purpose. Several consumer reports argue explaining that the electric motor adds power to the engine.

Consumer reports often say that they are for the protection of environment, asserting that they are supportive in the burning of less fossil fuel. This is in lieu of opinion from experts that hybrid drivers are paying too high for an automobile that offers only marginally better fuel efficiency than the other economy cars already on the road.

At one point, consumer reports compared the 2003 Honda Civic Hybrid car, which consumes 36 miles per gallon and worth $21,000, with the 2003 Honda Civic EX, which consumes 29 miles per gallon and worth $18,500 a unit on the average. Interested to know the results? The tax break excluded, it would take a consumer 21 years in fuel savings to cover the earlier expense for buying hybrid.

So many information, right? The fact of the matter is, consumer reports only serve as a healthy guide for people planning on buying hybrid cars. It takes rigorous tests on the products itself, using the expertise of its well-appointed staff and crew, and hopes that the consumer will be able to discern for himself if the product is worth buying or not.

In the end, after all the consumer reports that have been released and published about hybrid cars, it is still the buyer’s decision that will prevail.

Some consumer reports say hybrid cars are practical; some don’t. Some say only specific models are recommendable; others argue against them and sing praises about others. The bottomline is, consumer reports are exactly what they are: consumer reports. Their findings are based on their experience and opinions of the their own set of experts. How you respond to them, however, is a different story.

By: Shavennah

The demand and availability for hybrid cars has been growing steadily over the years because of the increasing concerns of motorists regarding the price increases of gas. Major automobile manufacturers have come up with their respective versions of hybrid vehicles, and consumers have lots of considerations when purchasing these cars. Of course, price ranks among the most important of those concerns.

To help them decide on which cars to choose, here is a list of some of the best hybrid cars flooding the market today.

1. Toyota Prius

Considered by many as the top-rated hybrid among them all, because of the presence of a gasoline engine that provides assistance to the electric motor when operating. For slower speeds, it is the electric motor that runs the car, and when the speed acts up, the gas engine takes over the reins.

The mileage for the Prius is estimated at 60 mpg for city-driving speeds and 51 for the highway performance.

Reportedly, the Prius has more spacious interiors compared to its closest competitor, the Honda Civic hybrid, and they say that the Prius is also better mileage-wise. This bestseller from Toyota comes with a distinctive exterior that sets it apart from its fellow hybrids belonging to the economy-class.

2. Honda Civic Hybrid

This hybrid vehicle does not look different from its past models, and it does not stand apart from its competitors. Even though it is always the bridesmaid compared to the illustrious Prius, it has a reputation for higher speed operation, especially on highways.

The Civic also maintains the runner-up status with the Prius when it comes to fuel efficiency, with the Civic chalking up 26 mpg for driving within city range.

3. Ford Escape Hybrid

It is the first Hybrid SUV in the market, another first for Ford Motors. Its success heralded the launching of the Mercury Mariner a year earlier than was intended. This hybrid vehicle produces 28 mpg in combination driving. This gem from Ford is known for its spacious cargo room, its easy maneuverability and its visibility.

Its add-ons include anti-lock brakes and outlet for 110-volts located in the control panel. The Escape Hybrid still reigns supreme above its closest SUV rivals, such as Lexus.

4. Honda Insight

This hybrid from Honda may not be as award-winning as its competitors, but the Insight is proving itself as the best one when it comes to fuel economy. It runs on an impressive 60 mpg on city driving, and an awesome 66 mpg on the highway.

Although the Insight is not as comfortable and impressive as the popular sister Civic or the famed Toyota Prius, it will do best as a second-car, or a commuter vehicle.

Other choices include:

2006 Lexus RX 400h – it is the firs SUV in the luxury level, it is known for its indefatigable power, its cool technology and its fuel efficiency.

2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid – it is said to drive better than the common SUV, and gives off great power, but the downside is its lack of gadgets on the dashboard.

By Shavennah