Consumerist
death of the suv
Posts Tagged “
Hybrids
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death of the suv
A Consumer Reports study finds that 79% of consumers surveyed say they plan on buying a car with better fuel economy. [Consumer Reports]
green cars
Honda Rolls Out Hydrogen-Powered Fuel Cell Car
Honda's FCX Clarity rolled off their Japanese assembly line last week and arrived in California where some Hollywood big shots were eager to get their hands on the new "zero-emission" car that runs on hydrogen and electricity. According to CNN Money, the car emits only water and none of the gases which are thought to contribute to global warming. A few dozen cars will be leased to certain individuals this year and some will be available to the general public on a very limited scale in early 2009. Details, inside... More »
cars
Hybrids Better Values than Other Car Options
The conventional wisdom around hybrid cars has been that they will save a significant amount on gas costs during their lifetimes and are better for the environment, but that those benefits come at a cost — a higher initial price that makes a hybrid an overall more expensive option for transportation. But Yahoo Green has an analysis showing this is not the case when all of the various economic factors surrounding a car purchase are considered. In fact, it turns out that buying a hybrid is a better financial move than purchasing a comparable non-hybrid car because of the following reasons: More »
fuel sippers
Sixteen Sweet Fuel-Sipping Cars
To help you fight the battle against high gasoline prices, Consumer Reports has put together a list of the 16 best used fuel-sipping cars. The list only contains cars under 10 years old and the criteria is based on fuel economy and reliability. It does not take into account driver comfort or fancy options. Check out CNN's full article for more detailed information on each car. The list, inside... More »
hybrid dangers
Hidden Hybrid Automobile Dangers, What You Should Know About EMFs
Of course, you've heard of hybrid automobiles but most people haven't heard of their possible health risk compared to traditional vehicles. According to the New York Times, strong electromagnetic fields (EMFs) emanating from high voltage power cables located near the driver might be hazardous to your health, yet the government doesn't even test for EMF's in vehicles. Details, inside... More »
lawsuits
Hybrid Mileage Claims Spur Lawsuit
A California man shocked that his Honda Civic Hybrid's gas efficiency didn't match EPA estimates has decided to file a class action suit against Honda for false advertising. John True spent an extra $7,000 on the hybrid model after seeing advertisements that claimed average city fuel efficiency of 49 mpg. True was horrified to discover that after 6,000 miles of driving, he only averaged 32 mpg.The lawsuit claims American Honda Motor Co. has misled consumers in its advertisements and on its Web site. The suit notes that while the Environmental Protection Agency and automobile window stickers say "mileage will vary," some Honda advertisements read "mileage may vary." That implies that it's possible to get the mileage advertised, said William H. Anderson, a Washington, D.C., attorney for True.More »
news from the swamp
Want To Drive In The HOV Lane Without Passengers? The EPA Has A Rule For You
The EPA has proposed a rule that would allow drivers of fuel-efficient vehicles to use the high occupancy vehicle lanes without bringing along those pesky carpoolers. Most states require at least two occupants for a vehicle to travel in the HOV lane. More »
hybrids
Beware The Vanishing Hybrid Tax Credit
Consumer Reports cautions that buyers of popular hybrid vehicles may soon be ineligible to claim the Alternative Motor Vehicle tax credit. The credit sunsets when a manufacturer sells more than 60,000 qualifying vehicles, a figure Toyota has already reached.The credit has already begun to phase out for Toyota and Lexus hybrids purchased after September 30, 2006, and others will follow suit as they reach the sales volume target. The 2006 Prius' tax break, for instance, dropped in half to $1,575 if it was purchased after that date, and it will split again to $788 between April and the end of September, 2007. After that, the Prius rebate disappears altogether.The IRS provides a list of models certified for credit. Available only to those not subject to the alternative minimum tax, the credit can be worth up to $3,150 for vehicles purchased after 2005. — CAREY GREENBERG-BERGER More »
nissan
2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid Qualifies for Tax Credit
Need a car? The 2007 Nissan Altima Hybrid vehicle meets the requirements of the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit as a qualified hybrid motor vehicle. If you want to get in on this tax credit, it's best to buy early. From IRS.gov: More »
hertz
Hertz's Green Collecion Isn't
Our buddy Better Miles over at Upgrade Travel takes Hertz's "Green Collection" of rental cars to the mat. Then rolls them up in the mat. Then feeds the mat through a Fargo-like wood chipper. Then urinates on the steaming slurry. More »
shopping
