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Hybrid Vehicles Hybrid Vehicles - Archived Discussions What type of hybrid should I buy? 
453 messages, Last post on Aug 19, 2005 at 6:05 PM
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| Dodge has been testing their hybrids with the Military for a year or two now. The concept truck comes with a Generator that can be used for workmen that need the electric power once on the Job site. But for now no one can get them except the government so still your choices are Honda and Toyota. But many of the people I have been off road with add generators and air compressors to their trucks for off road repairs. If we can do it it seems strange they have taken so long to offer one as an option on a dealer truck. | |
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The Prius is just the beginning. The technology is being tested and now it will be introduced in a crossover SUV. I definitely see a truck version within five years or less. RE: European lifestyle... Boaz.. when was the last time you were in Europe? Granted we do have a wonderful lifestyle here in America, but when I visited Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Holland, France, Monaco, the people seemed to have a very nice lifestyle driving their little cars around. So nice not to see those obnoxious trucks and SUVs. But those two stroke mopeds are REALLY annoying. |
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going to be a hybrid Dodge Durango? What with Pilot, Highlander, etc coming on-line in the next 18 months, that might not be a bad place to start. I realized later today that Bill Ford was referring to the hybrid Mariner when he said there would be two hybrid SUVs next year from the Ford company. Big whoop - two IDENTICAL SMALL SUVs, the Escape and Mariner. I wonder how many they would sell if they came up with a hybrid Explorer. |
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| Hot Hybrids | |
| Nice job on the article, Edmunds! Very comprehensive without getting into micro-detail. | |
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A great article. It covers everything that was discussed here and "up to the chore" board. =P A few comments though. "Additionally, this is the first application of Honda's VTEC Controlled Cylinder Idling System, which can close the intake and exhaust valves of up to three of the gas engine's four cylinders during deceleration. This reduces engine drag..." How can closing of intake and exhaust valves reduce engine drag? There will be even more pumping loss due to power loss needed to create vacuum in the cylinders. Shouldn't they be open? "A study done by NASA's research center in Langley, Va., indicates that one way that hybrid vehicles could be refined is to use a modified Miller-cycle engine (similar to what is used in diesel-powered vehicles) that would run on ethanol." 04 Prius is already using Miller cycle with gasoline. Miller implemented Atkinson concept with a timing modification to an Otto cycle engine. Dennis |
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usbseawolf2000 "Honda Accord Hybrid vs. Toyota Camry Hybrid" Apr 17, 2004 6:08pm Dennis |
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| I just got back from Iceland and while I was there I dropped in at a Toyota dealer. They had a 2004 Prius on display but weren't selling any till May. The car comes with a lot more equipment that Toyota offers in the US, such as a height adjustable drivers seat, rear fog lights, a backup sensor that tells you when you get to close to the car behind you when you are backing into a parking space, an EV switch which allows you to drive in electric mode up to 45 KPH and the side curtain bags all as standard. They expect to sell a lot of them. Gas in Iceland is about $4.00 plus a gallon and they do drive fuel efficient cars. They think the Prius will fit into the mix very well. The price is a lot more than in the US so if you are thinking of buying a Prius it could be a good deal and possibly a good investment. Maybe Toyota will offer some of the extras in the 2005. | |
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in the U.S. standard Prius content is dictated solely by three things: price point, price point, price point. It was vitally important for them in a PR sort of way to make the car exactly $20 grand again, same as the last model. And so it is, at least before the $6000 option packages...I wonder if they will ever offer moonroofs on hybrid-equipped models...
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Replying to: nippononly (Apr 19, 2004 1:59 pm) If price point is the only criteria then it seems an economical ; decontented Prius would have been offered. When you get to the 20K range as a starting point and have 7K worth of options you have lots and lots of competiton price-wise and non of it is other economy ( high miles per gallon) cars. Toyota lost money on the classic Prius and makes very little on the current Prius. It more like one of those loss leaders in a store to bring you into the store thinking that if this one items is such a good deal( In this case environmentally conscience , high mileage and high technology, yet economy- cloth seats, no sunroof, minimally adjustable seat) then the whole Toyota line must follow the same ideals and standards. The you walk away with a Sequoia (14 city/17 highway) becauae you thought you needed the size and space. And best of all the dealership made enouugh profit to sell another loss-leader Prius. Cheers and good-day YMMV MidCow |
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