Prius
Company name: Toyota
Launch year: December 1997
Specifications:
Top speed: 106 mph
0-62 mph: 10.9 sec
Power: 76bhp Petrol and 67bhp Electrical
Torque petrol: 84lbs @ 4000rpm
Torque Electrical: 295lbs @ 0rpm
Mileage: 65.7 mpg
Celebrities impressed by this car:
Cameron Diaz embraced green and switched to the eco- friendly Toyota Prius in 2005.
Leonardo- DiCaprio bought his first Prius in 2001 and recently bought three more for his family members.
Other celebrities include Ted Danson, Jeff Goldblum and Billy Crystal.
Why is it on the list?
Toyota launched its first Prius in 1997. It kept updating its models after that with better versions of hybrid cars. Toyota Prius is one of the first modern hybrids and is still a best seller in the family of hybrids. The 2008 model of Toyota Prius is one of the best fuel-efficient cars. It is believed that the 2010 Toyota Prius will have a mileage of 50 miles per gallon; the most fuel-efficient car by 2010.
Camry Hybrid
Company Name: Toyota
Launch Year: May 2006
Specifications:
Engine: 2.4-liter inline
Torque: 147 hp @6000 rpm
Wheelbase: 109.3 in.
Economy: 43 mpg city and 37 mpg highway
Cargo volume: 13 cu.ft. (est.)
Length x Width x Height: 189.2 x 71.1 x 57.5 in.
Why is it on the list?
After the Prius, Toyota transformed one of its most popular cars “Camry” into a hybrid. It is second popular hybrid car available today, which is taking the hybrids to the mainstream. This hybrid car gets you between 630-730 miles on a full tank of fuel. The 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid ranks three in EPA ratings based on reliability and safety data. It is a nice balance of performance, comfort and fuel economy. In the year of its launch, it had estimated sales of 60,000 cars per year and was voted as the “Car of the Year” in family sedan category in 2007.
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Ford Escape Hybrid (SUV)
Company name: Ford
Launch year: 2005
Specifications:
Cargo volume (cu.ft.)
Behind 1st row: 66.1
Behind 2nd row: 27.8
Fuel capacity: 15 (gal.)
Engine type: 2.5L Atkinson-Cycle I-4 Engine
Horsepower (@rpm): 153@6000
Torque (lb.ft @rpm): 136@4500
Fuel economy: FWD- 34 mpg city and 31 mpg highway
4WD- 29 mpg city and 27 mpg highway
Battery: 330-volt Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH)
Horsepower (@rpm): 94@5000
Celebrities impressed by this car:
Barrack Obama switched to Ford Escape Hybrid from Chrysler 3000 C in august 2008 describing it as more fuel efficient and better for the country.
Paris Hilton gave up her Range Rover for an Escape Hybrid in 2007, as she was scared of what all was going on in the environment and wanted to do her bit in saving the planet.
Earlier this year in January, American idol winners were given Ford escape Hybrids.
Why is it on the list?
The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first SUV hybrid to be launched and is still one of the best fuel economy cars in the family of hybrids. It has a better fuel economy especially in city driving where it gives 34 miles per gallon. It also meets the standards set for Super Ultra Low Emission Vehicles and Advanced Technology Partial Zero Emission Vehicle. This SUV was updated in early 2009 when it got its engine changed from 2.3L to 2.5L.
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Honda Insight
Company name: Honda
Launch year: First generation Insight was launched in 2000
The upcoming model of the car awaits its launch in 2010. However, the test drive has proved to be successful.
Specifications:
Drivetrain: Front Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs): 2723
Fuel economy: 40 miles per gallon in the city
43 miles per gallon on the highway
Horsepower: 98@5800
Torque (lb-ft): 123@1000- 1500
Wheelbase (in.): 100.4
Length x Width x Height: 172.3 x 66.7 x 56.2
Celebrities impressed by this car:
Actor Edi Gathegi, who plays Laurent in the teen vampire movie “Twilight” is one of the first Hollywood celebrity to endorse this car.
Why is it on the list?
Honda Insight was the first hybrid car available in the North American market. It is still the most fuel- efficient two-seater hybrid car since its launch.
The Insight’s engine won the international engine of the year award for 2000 and continued to hold the title for six consecutive years. Honda is on the verge of its launch of an all-new Insight in 2010, with 40 mpg in the city and 43 miles per gallon on the highway and will be pricing it $19,800, which will be less than the previous model at $20,000 dollars.
Image link: Ecoautoninja
Toyota Highlander Hybrid (SUV)
Company name: Toyota
Launch year: 2005
Specifications:
3,311 cc 3.3 liters V 6 front engine with 92 mm bore, 83.1 mm stroke and 10.8 compression ratio
Fuel economy: 27 miles per gallon on the highway
31 miles per gallon in the city
Multi-point injection fuel system
Power: 175 KW, 235 HP SAE @ 4,500 rpm;
343 ft lb , 465 Nm @ 0 rpm
Secondary power: Maximum power (KW): 155,
Maximum power (hp): 208,
Maximum torque (ft-lb): 212
Maximum torque (nm): 287
Celebrities impressed by this car:
Celebrities like Wentworth Miller, Julianne Moore and Lance Armstrong are using Toyota Highlander Hybrid (SUV).
Why is it on the list?
The Toyota Highlander is a crossover SUV assembled by Toyota. It is the second best selling hybrid and is best suited for anyone who wants something larger than the compact escape. Toyota launched many hybrid SUV’s from 2005. According to EPA, the 2009 Toyota Highlander ranks number one out of 28 hybrids. The ranking is based on reviews and test-drives of the cars on the analysis of reliability and safety data.
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Honda Civic Hybrid
Company name: Honda
Launch year: 2007
Specifications:
Standard Engine: 1.3L I4
Horsepower: Gas: 110@6000 rpm
Torque: Gas: 123@2500rpm
Electric: 123@0-2500 rpm
Transmissions: continuously variable transmissions
Fuel economy: 49 miles per gallon in the city
51 miles per gallon on the highway.
Why is it on the list?
The 2007 Honda Civic delivers excellent fuel economy and emissions. It doesn’t compromise too much on the performance. It offers voice controlled navigation and satellite radio at the existing price. A well-built and simply designed car proves to be very fuel-efficient and gives the driver a great sedan. This hybrid car gets you 650 miles on a full tank and starts at a base price of $23,000. Honda launched its second model of a hybrid car in 2009. The 2009 Civic sedan offers performance, technology and two new features- the DX Value package and the sporty LX-S.
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Honda Accord Hybrid
Company name: Honda
Launch year: 2005
Specifications:
Engine: 3.0-liter V6 with integrated motor assist system
Horsepower: 255 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 232 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Wheelbase: 107.9 in.
Length x Width x Height: 189.5 x 71.5x 57.1 in.
Cargo Capacity: 14.0 cu. ft.
Fuel Economy: 29 miles per gallon in the city
37 miles per gallon on the highway
Celebrities impressed by this car:
Joely Fisher and Paul Haggis own Honda civic hybrids.
Why is it on the list?
This is the best car in the Honda Hybrid series of Accord. A performance car gives you an excellent mileage. The Honda accord hybrid 2009 is a catchy and a fantastic sports sedan. It is equipped with the hybrid technology. It is the world’s first V-6 powered hybrid vehicle. With the 2009 model, Honda became the first automobile maker to make three hybrid models for the market. Honda hybrids focus on both performance as well as the fuel efficiency.
Image link: Automedia
Mercury Mariner SUV
Company name: Ford
Launch year: 2005
Specifications:
Base engine size: 2.5 liters
Horsepower: 153 hp
Horsepower: rpm 6,000
Torque: 136 lb-ft.
Torque rpm: 4,500
Payload: 920 lbs.
Drive type: front-wheel
Turning radius: 19.6 ‘
Fuel economy: 34 miles per gallon in the city and 34 miles per gallon on the highway.
Celebrities impressed by this car:
Garry Marshell, Cindy Crawford, Toby Maguire and Julia Louis Dreyfus own the hybrid Mariner SUV.
Why is it on the list?
The Mercury Mariner Hybrid combines the best electric and gas system available today. It stays in the electric mode for more time than any other hybrid car. With its mix of digital sophistication and creature comforts, the Mariner Hybrid works well. It has been as great a hit as Ford Motor Company wanted it to be.
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Lexus GS 450h
Company name: Lexus (Toyota)
Launch date: 2007
Specifications:
Drivetrain: Rear Wheel Drive
Curb Weight (lbs): 4134
City (MPG): 22
Highway (MPG): 25
Horsepower: 292 @ 6400
Torque (lb-ft):267 @ 4800
Wheelbase (in.):112.2
Length (in.):190.0
Width (in.):71.7
Height (in.):56.1
Celebrities impressed by this car:
The Wiltshire Constabulary, who will be the first police force to start using the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan.
Why is it on the list?
The Lexus 450h takes hybrid performance to a newer level combining a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine with a high output electric motor. These systems combine to provide a maximum output of 341bhp, which helps in achieving 0-62 mph acceleration in 5.9 seconds. The hybrid GS offers more features compared to GS350, like adaptive headlights, high-pressure headlight washers etc.
Image link: Instylecars
Lexus RX400h
Company name: Lexus (Toyota)
Launch date: 2008
Specifications:
Fuel economy: 31 miles per gallon on the highway
27 miles per gallon in the city.
Hybrid is V6.
Hybrid System Net Power: 268 hp
It needs to take regular unleaded gasoline.
Super Ultra No Emission Vehicle
0-60 in 7.24 seconds.
Horsepower: 270
New pollution controls.
Why is it on the list?
The Lexus Hybrid is a luxury hybrid car. It delivers an excellent fuel economy as compared to today’s standards and more than adequate power while the suspension delivers a smooth ride. The RX Hybrid uses the Lexus RX body design and a Lexus Hybrid Drivetrain, which combines a V6 gasoline engine with electrical motors. Lexus identifies the Lexus RX400h as one of the most environment-friendly vehicles.
Image link: Alternativefuels
