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As gas prices soar, so do sales of Hybrid autos
By Matthew French
Staff Writer
When Toyota first debuted the Prius hybrid gas/electric automobile in 2000, it was hailed by a few environmentalists as the wave of the future. The rest of the country drove along its merry way in ever-larger sport utility vehicles.
Those who invested in the ultra-fuel efficient vehicles, which can get up to
60 miles to the gallon, are getting the last laugh now. With regional gas prices surpassing $2.50 per gallon, and national prices even worse, hybrid car owners are feeling considerably less pinch at the pump.
Add to that the $2,000 federal tax credit hybrid owners can claim each year and the popularity of hybrid vehicles becomes that much easier to understand.
Below is a chart of available hybrids, their manufacturer’s suggested retail price and manufacturer mileage specifications.
SUVs and MINIVANS
Ford Escape
MSRP: $27,400
Highway Mileage: 31 mpg
City Mileage: 36 mpg
Lexus RS 400h
MSRP: $49,060
Highway Mileage: 27 mpg
City Mileage: 31 mpg
Toyota Highlander
MSRP: $33,030
Highway Mileage: 28 mpg
City Mileage: 33 mpg
Mercury Mariner
MSRP: $29,840
Highway Mileage: 29 mpg
City Mileage: 33 mpg
Toyota Prius
MSRP: $20,975
Mileage highway: 51 mpg
Mileage city: 60 mpg
Honda Accord
MSRP: $30,140
Mileage highway: 37 mpg
Mileage city: 29 mpg
Honda Accord
MSRP: $30,140
Mileage highway: 37 mpg
Mileage city: 29 mpg
Honda Insight
MSRP: $21,530
Mileage highway: 56 mpg
Mileage city: 57 mpg
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