PVCC Puma Press: November 2004

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	AP Photo by Toyota
	The Toyota Prius is equipped with all of the features of a new hybrid, starting at an affordable $20,000.
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As gasoline prices continue to rise, many Americans and Arizonans are turning to hybrid vehicles to provide an environmentally responsible and economically sound alternative to standard gasoline-powered automobiles.

Currently, there are four different models available from three different manufacturers to consider when thinking of purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

The Honda Insight, the first hybrid car offered to the American commercial market, was introduced as an early 2000 model. The Insight, which is only available as a two-seater, remains the most fuel-efficient car in America. The fuel economy, as rated in miles per gallon by the Environmental Protection Agency, is reported as 57 miles per gallon during city driving and 61miles per gallon while traveling on the highway. Because of its space-aged styling and limited public interest, the Insight was never mass-produced in the United States. Initially designed for enthusiasts and environmental activists, Honda has only sold about 13,000 Insights since its inception.

The Honda Civic Hybrid, introduced for 2003, is a more traditional four door sedan that is a more attractive option for the average American. First of all, the Civic Hybrid looks like any other small sedan on the road, the only exception is the “Hybrid” tagging on the rear of the car. For about $20,000, the Civic Hybrid comes complete with an array of standard features including auto-climate control and CD audio system. Although not as fuel-efficient as the Insight, the Civic Hybrid is still a gas miser. The EPA rated the Civic Hybrid for about 48 miles per gallon in the city, and 47 miles per gallon on the highway.

Curious to experience what driving a Hybrid car was like first-hand, I went to a local Honda dealership to test drive the 2004 Civic Hybrid. First of all, most everything I had read about the car was true. The car looked, drove and felt like any other small sedan I had ever driven. The only difference was the exciting feeling I experienced knowing that I had the most current and exciting technology the auto industry has developed in decades at my fingertips.

Secondly, the interior of the car is visually dominated by a large digital gauge in the dashboard. This gauge actively displays the charge and discharge of the electric battery, and the gas mileage the vehicle is getting under the current driving conditions. Although informative and entertaining, the brightly-colored gauge is extremely distracting, and I found myself constantly watching it throughout my test drive.

Although its looks aren’t as main stream as those of the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Toyota Prius has become the chic symbol of today’s hybrid vehicles. The Prius, which was released in Japan in 1997, didn’t reach the United States until late 2000. Like the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Prius is essentially a normal passenger car which seats up to five people. However, the Prius is more attractive to upscale consumers because it can be upgraded with loads of optional equipment. The additional optional equipment includes a fully digital satellite navigation system, slide in “no turn” ignition system and DVD player among others.

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Manufacturers are taking responsibility for the environment.
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Adopted by celebrities as a Hollywood fad, the trend has led to a widespread shortage of Prius’s. In the Valley, Toyota dealerships are facing five-month waiting lists and are selling the 2005 Prius for up to $5,000 over the original manufacturer’s suggested retail price, bringing the total vehicle price to $26,000 without any optional equipment.

Ford, the first American company to offer a hybrid vehicle, added the Escape Hybrid to its lineup for 2004. This small SUV, which gets 36 miles per gallon in the city and 31 miles per gallon on the highway, is the first mass-produced hybrid SUV in the world. Ford plans to produce and sell about 20,000 Escape Hybrids per year in the United States. The only downside to the Escape Hybrid is the price, which starts at $28,595 and can run up to over $33,000 for a fully optioned vehicle.

Other than the obvious benefits hybrid vehicles offer for the environment and owner’s annual fuel expense, both state and federal governments offer consumers additional incentives to buy hybrid vehicles.

Beginning in 2003, the Federal Government has offered a tax deduction up to $2,000 for hybrid auto owners. This deduction, although effective until 2006, will then be lowered to $500 due to the large increase in hybrid car purchases that is expected in the coming years.

Due to the consumer response and extremely high demand for hybrid cars, automakers have responded by creating plans to offer additional models as hybrids in the coming years.

This fall, Honda’s Accord, Lexus’s RX 400, Dodge’s Ram Pickup, and Toyota’s Highlander will join the four existing autos in the hybrid category. In the next two years, Nissan, Chevrolet, Mercury, Saturn and GMC will also introduce hybrid cars and SUVs.

Whatever your preference may be, auto manufacturers are taking responsibility for the environment and offering an increased number of popular cars and trucks as hybrid models. This should make it easier for the average American driver to do their part in helping the environment by driving a more earth-friendly car.