The Hybrid cars introduce us to a brave new world of trying to efficiently replace gas as the main energy source. The down fall of all previous attempts to do so was slow and very small cars that simply couldn’t replace the ‘regular’ car. But, today’s hybrids are really beautiful machines that you can proudly drive on the road at a reasonable price, as you will see later on. First things first, what are the hybrids? And why would you want one?
About Hybrid cars Hybrid cars were introduced by various automotive industries as a result of the need for more efficient and environmentally sound cars. Even though everyone has heard about hybrid cars, but there still exists confusion about how they operate and what are the components does it need to function properly.
Basically hybrid cars are operated by three main sources such as, a well performing battery, an electric motor and a gas engine. Each of the sources is very important for the performance of the car. The main benefit of using hybrid cars is that, it proves to lower the harmful emission and better the gas mileage. A lot of difference in their function exists between full hybrid cars and a mild hybrid car.
Based on the gas mileage and its performance, the top 10 best hybrid cars are taken and reviewed in detail.
2010 Honda Insight EX
2010 Honda Insight EX is considered as the best hybrid car because it offers an excellent fuel economy and is more fun to drive. Honda Insight’s styling closely resembles the Toyota Prius which adds an extra X factor in your personality. It comes with the best voice-command system equipped with Bluetooth connectivity. The user rating for this 2010 Honda Insight EX is found to beâ€excellentâ€.
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid
2009 Nissan Altima Hybrid offers a best mileage over 30 mpg and it provides an exceptional performance. The Bluetooth system that comes with this Nissan Altima is found to be very basic and it doesn’t have iPod integration which is a setback but otherwise it includes safety features such as smart airbags, stability control antilock brakes and etc and the car rocks.
2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid
2009 Mercury Mariner Hybrid, the hybrid system present with the car gives it very low emission which is considered as an added advantage. It is equipped with voice command, phone and MP3 player integration. The audio system present with the car is found to be very basic yet it’s still very stylish.
2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid
Though it seems to be a heavy vehicle, Cadillac Escalade is found to provide good in fuel economy with its hybrid power train without compromising its performance. The navigation system integrated with the car provides the traffic reporting and blind-spot detection is included with its driving aids. With very basic audio sources no facility for iPod integration Cadillac Escalade still holds its place n the race of style and economy.
2009 Ford Escape Hybrid Limited
Ford Escape comes with a best sync system and it provides an excellent fuel mileage. Sirius Travel Link offers the traffic data and other navigation options to the car. Highway driving is seems to be a difficult one with and is best suited for urban dwellers and not for freeway commuters because of its high speed.
2008 Toyota Prius
Toyota Prius offers an unbelievable fuel mileage and its emission rating is found to be very low without compromising its size. The shape of this car is mostly confused with other Priuses available at present.
2008 Lexus LS 600h
Hybrid system with the car offers a good fuel economy more than expected and its emission rating is also very low which gives a reputation for this 2008 Lexus LS 600h. Live traffic is handled by excellent navigation facility present with the car. Driving performance of the car is good and its stereo system seems to be wonderful.
2008 Lexus RX 400h
The user’s rating for Lexus RX 400h is “Good†and its smooth drive is delivered by its suspension. The car seems to be the best with its unbelievable fuel economy. The navigation system present with the car is pretty good and it lacks recognizing live traffic and iPod integration is missing.
2007 Honda Civic Hybrid
Some of the users have experienced the following with Honda Civic hybrid and it includes excellent gas mileage, very comfortable to drive, quite, exceptional voice command and climate control and etc. Trunk space is limited which seems to be the disadvantage with this car. Automatic Shut-off’s feature of the gas engine seems to be very bad and it makes difficult for stop-and-go driving.
2008 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid
Though Chevrolet Malibu uses a mild hybrid train system, it is found to provide fuel savings ability to a great level. Look and feel of this Chevrolet Malibu seems to be good. It is designed in such a way that it attracts everyone and both the driver’s and passenger’s seat offers a great comfort zone.
Good collection of car pics