Cars Bikes and Autos

With the price of gas rising to astronomical proportions, is it any wonder people are turning to other modes of transportation? More people are riding bikes than ever before. While this definitely saves on the expense of gas and provides exercise to those that would otherwise not take the time to exercise, this option is impossible to many Americans due to the distance they would have to travel. Many are carpooling or using public transportation.

The latest innovation seen in the latest car articles involves a hybrid vehicle. A hybrid vehicle is one that combines both gasoline and electricity to power the engine. Because it shares its power with a set of batteries, a hybrid car uses less gas and, in turn, gets better gas mileage. A hybrid car puts out fewer emissions than a completely gasoline powered vehicle. A hybrid or electric vehicle, however, requires frequent recharging of the battery. Because they emit fewer emissions, hybrid cars are environmentally friendly. They produce less air pollution and release less carbon dioxide, which is the largest contributor to global warming.
In addition to saving money on gas and helping the environment, hybrid cars offer a huge tax incentive.

Since 2005, people have been given a tax break when they purchase a hybrid vehicle. The tax incentive is based on how fuel efficient the hybrid vehicle is and how much gas it can save over the vehicle’s lifetime. Each of these factors is compared with conventional cars that are equivalent to the hybrid version. It also varies depending on the model of car.

As technology advances, the auto industry will likely develop more and more ways to help the environment and save the consumer money by reducing the necessity of fuel to operate a vehicle. The number and model of hybrid vehicles are continually increasing. Below is a list of available hybrid vehicles and the manufacturer suggested retail price for the 2008 model of each according to recent articles on cars.

•Chevrolet Malibu – MSRP: $23,640
•Chevrolet Tahoe – MSRP: $49,590 - $52,395
•Ford Escape 4WD – MSRP: $26,640 - $28,390
•GMC Yukon – MSRP: $50,045 - $52,855
•Honda Civic – MSRP: $22,600
•Lexus GS 450h – MSRP: $54,900
•Lexus LS 600h – MSRP: $104,000
•Lexus RX 400h – MSRP: $41,280 - $42,680
•Mazda Tribute – MSRP: $25,310 – 29,570
•Mercury Mariner FWD – MSRP: $27,340 – $29,090
•Nissan Altima – MSRP: $25,480
•Saturn Aura Green Line – MSRP: $23,640
•Saturn VUE Green Line – MSRP: $25,370
•Toyota Camry – MSRP: $25,200
•Toyota Highlander – MSRP: $33,700 – $39,950
•Toyota Prius – MSRP: $21,100 – $23,370

If you are concerned about the environment or you want to save gas, hybrid vehicles are an excellent choice. But don’t take my word for it. Do your own research and read your favorite car article and draw your own conclusions. You may decide that a hybrid is not for you and you would rather stay with the more familiar conventional vehicle.