Honda and Toyota hybrids do very well. Honda hybrids tend to have more battery problems, but may achieve higher highway fuel economy and can often be driven without the battery, whereas a Prius cannot. I've seen as high as ~70mpg in good weather with the Civic hybrid in my garage, and it's nearly 3000lbs and, by my standards, a pretty big car. My Insight delivers about 100mpg cruising at 50-60 once it's fully warmed up and in good weather. I haven't owned a Prius, but I have the perception that they do relatively better in stop and go conditions due to the difference in the way the hybrid system works. At this point, 2nd gen Prii, 1st gen Insights and Civic hybrids have all just about depreciated as far as they'll go, and can be picked up for similar prices to gasoline-only cars a decade older.
I think if I were to get any other vehicle, I'd be interested in trying either an EV, a Chevy Volt, or perhaps the 2nd generation Accord hybrid. These are all far more expensive options though.
|