With all the high gas prices out there, hybrid vehicles are continuing to become more popular among drivers. There are a few luxury hybrid choices out there, and the Lexus GS 450h hybrid seems to be the most popular of those choices. Check out some of the features of the Lexus GS 450h hybrid.

The first thing to realize about Lexus’s GS 450h hybrid is that the vehicle wasn’t solely designed to be a fuel-efficient hybrid. The fact of the matter is that as a Lexus, this line is expected to consistently develop more impressive and sophisticated vehicles, be it gas-powered or hybrid. This is no exception, as the GS 450h is still a high-performance vehicle, able to keep up with any other luxury sports car or sedan. As a result, car enthusiasts will always continue to enjoy and be comforted by driving such a smooth and valuable vehicle.

Considering that Lexus is a name under Toyota, the technology in the GS 450h is just as up to date as is to be expected. The Hybrid Synergy Drive from Toyota is the technology that makes the acceleration much easier to achieve. Since the Drive technology can generate combined horsepower of 340, the GS 450h can rev and blaze down the road like any other sports sedan.

The GS 450h handles like any other sports car, with being able to reach 60 mph in 5.2 seconds and then can come to a full stop from 60 mph in only 123 feet. At its top speed, the Lexus GS 450h has been recorded at 131 mph. Part of what makes that so possible is the Mark Levinson system and the CVT technology utilized in this Lexus vehicle.

This hybrid runs quietly, smoothly, and with the top speeds for hybrid vehicles today. The Lexus GS 450h set out to bring together high-end performance vehicles with the eco-friendly necessities of the environment. And Lexus has succeeded in creating an elegant, chic, playful, smooth and luxurious vehicle has wins over other Hybrid Cars.

The handling itself of the vehicle is extremely precise, with a suspension system to match. A speed-sensing steering wheel and the double-wishbone suspension in the GS 450h create the precise handling you’ve come to expect from a Lexus.

Fuel Efficiency and the Green Factor

In 2007, Consumer Reports reviewed the GS 450h and it was determined that this vehicle was an overall success, ultimately quite reliable. Thanks to that report, people took note of Lexus’s hybrid sedan, looking at the environmental factors of the car.

The EPA rated the gas mileage for the GS 450h at 22 mpg in the city, and 25 mpg on the highway. While not quite as good as Toyota’s Prius, the GS 450h is still better than its conventional counterpart. The difference really shines through in city driving, where the hybrid gets 22 mpg and the conventional only gets a paltry 19 mpg.

The fuel-efficiency factor of the Lexus is easily accessible and obvious in the car’s design, inside and out. Most notably it is in the two electric motors that operate during specific situations in tandem or separately from the gas engine. This way, the ride you experience is a seamless transition from one form of energy to another, while silently reducing harmful emissions and lowering gasoline consumption.

Additional Features

The safety feature of the GS 450h are high-tech and near pre-cognitive when you need them. This hybrid utilizes a Pre-Collision radar system to detect oncoming vehicles. This way, even your vehicle can help you prevent collisions or incidences and in the event it can’t, prepare for oncoming trauma. In fact, the safety features are prominent from the moment you step into the vehicle. You may not notice at first, but the moment your foot is on the brakes, decelerating, you can feel the seatbelt retract and the brake assist is instantly activated. As far as active, not passive, safety systems, you would be hard-powered to find one as extensive as in the GS 450h.

In the event of a crash, the hybrid is standard with dual-stage airbags in every location that would be able to protect you and your passengers in the event of a crash. The vehicle has airbags placed so that in the event of frontal impact, or other major collision incidences, everyone is protected on all fronts.

The next question is the one of price, and be very aware that it is a hefty. At the base cost, expect to pay about $54,655. That cost is already $10,000 higher than a conventional gas-powered Lexus GS, but considering the car’s quality and brand, the price is nearly to be expected. After all, it is a Lexus, and the brand is known for expense, luxury and high-end quality.

So, if you find yourself in a position that you can spend the money to purchase a Lexus GS 450h, the vehicle will last you quite a while and will be well worth every penny spent.

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The Ford Escape Hybrid together with the Mercury Mariner Hybrid are the only hybrid vehicles that have been able to meet the current New York City taxi requirements not to mention the proposed new fuel economy policy.

It can be noted that it was in the year 2005 when San Francisco became the first city to feature gas-electric hybrid-powered taxi cabs. San Francisco at that time chose Ford Escape Hybrid and later that year, New York City has also added a small fleet of Escape Hybrid taxis based on the decision approved by the New York City Council in connection wit the Clean Air Taxis Act. Then in June 2006, Ford embarked again on a nationwide tour promoting the benefits of the use of Escape Hybrids as a taxi service and since then both Chicago and Austin have introduced Escape Hybrids into their taxi fleets.

The fleet of 18 Escape Hybrid taxis in New York City has been able to accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles over the past two years and has been able to record an estimated fuel savings of $250,000. Today there are already 288 Escape Hybrids in taxi service throughout the city, and drivers are reporting that the hybrids are amazingly durable and their fuel-saving advantages are simply outstanding which makes them a great choice for taxis.

Facts on Ford Escape Hybrid

* Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the world: Its EPA rating is 34 miles per gallon for city driving. The front-wheel drive Escape Hybrid is the most fuel efficient SUV presently on earth and can provide drivers with 500 miles per tank of gas.

* A savings of $30 per shift: According to Paul Gillespie, a San Francisco cab driver, driving an Escape Hybrid has helped him save up to $30 per shift. He is working four shifts a week which saves him $120 and for a year more than $6,000 on gasoline.

* Partial Zero Emission Vehicle (PZEV) Certified: The Escape Hybrid has significantly reduced smog-forming emissions as it meets the cleanest emissions standard available for a vehicle that make use of fossil fuels—particularly the California’s AT-PZEV standard. The Escape Hybrid driving over 100,000 miles can conserve approximately 1,666 gallons of gas compared to a traditional cab and at the same time preventing 32,000 pounds of carbon emissions.

* Durability and Reliability: In terms of these qualities, the Escape Hybrid has proven its strength by surviving a round-the-clock durability test in one of the most severe driving conditions that any vehicle can possibly endure. This durability of the Escape Hybrid is backed by a standard 8-year/100,000-mile limited warranty for unique hybrid components that includes the battery pack.

* Ford Escape, Mercury Mariner Hybrid were given high tax credits: The real world fuel economy of the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrids will increased for the 2008 model year and because of this the Federal income tax credits available now are $3,000 for FWD models which rose by $400 and $2,200 on 4WD models up by $250. Both Ford and Mercury Hybrids at present have the highest tax credit given to a hybrid vehicle. The tax credits given to Ford and Mercury have increased by $900 more than their closest competitor. For both vehicles the EPA-certified fuel economy for FWD models is 34 mpg for vcity and 30 mpg for highway while 29 mpg for city and 27 mpg highway for AWD models.

* Insurance discounts for Mercury Mariner Hybrids and Ford Escape Hybrids: Travelers which is one of the largest providers of personal insurance products in the US has offered hybrid drivers in the states of California, New Jersey, Texas, New York, Maryland, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, and Washington discounts of up to 10 percent ion certain coverage. The company has estimated that their hybrid policy business has grown by up to 200 percent last 2006.

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We’ve become an SUV fun loving country. After all what could be better than a vehicle that’s got plenty of room, goes just about anywhere, and makes you feel safe when you’re driving. The trouble is SUVs are fuel guzzlers and they also aren’t great for our environment. But wait! Not to worry! Hybrid SUVs are the answer and here are a few of the choices already on the market.

The Ford Escape – It is available as a FWD or 4WD unit. The 2WD gets 31 mpg in town and 36 mpg on the highway; while the 4WD gets 29 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway with a cruising range of 400 to 600 miles. Base price is $26,900 US.

A stock 2.3 liter, four cylinder engine is combined with a 65 kilowatt electric motor for a total of 155 HP. It has an electronically controlled automatic variable transmission; rack and pinion steering with electric power assist; and power assisted ABS 4 wheel disk brakes. Fuel capacity is 15 gallons/60 liters and it comes with 16″ aluminum wheels.

Standard equipment includes air conditioning; ABS; roof rack; power windows, doors, and mirrors; AM/FM stereo with 6 disk CD; keyless entry; driver and front passenger air bag; intermittent wipers; and perimeter alarm.

The Lexus RX 400H 2WD – It gets 27 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the highway with a cruising range of 450 to 530 miles. Base price is $48,500 US.

The Lexus RX 400H comes with a stock 3.3 liter four cylinder engine, which is combined with permanent magnet electric drive motors for a total of 268 HP. It has electronically controlled automatic variable transmission; rack and pinion steering with electric power assist; and power assisted ABS 4 wheel disk brakes. Fuel capacity is 17.2 gallons/65 liters and it comes with 18″ aluminum wheels.

Standard equipment includes dual zone automatic climate control, ABS, 8 speaker sound system with 6 disk CD, slide moon roof, power tilt, garage door transceiver, part time all wheel drive, voice activated navigation system, memory system, remote entry system, and accessory power outlet.

The Toyota Highlander – It is available as a FWD or 4WD unit. The 2WD gets 28 mpg in town and 33 mpg on the highway, while the 4WD gets 27 mpg in town and 31 mpg on the highway. Base price is $33,000 US.

It comes with a stock 3.3 liter double overhead cam V6 gas motor with 4500 rpm electric drive motors for a total of 268 HP. It has electronically controlled automatic variable transmission; electronic power steering; and ABS 4 wheel disk brakes. Fuel capacity is 17.2 gallons/65 liters and it comes with 17 1/2″ five spoke aluminum wheels.

Standard equipment includes dual power tilt, moon roof with sunshade, roof rack, intermittent wipers, remote keyless entry, advanced airbag system, digital climate control system, power heated outside mirrors, and optional 4WD.

There’s quite a range in pricing between these hybrid SUVs; so you’ll want to do your research and find out which unit best meets your needs and provides the best value.

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According to Honda, the Civic gets 40 mpg on the highway, while the Hybrid Civic gets an amazing 51 mpg. This is where the salesman gets you. “It will help protect the environment while saving you tons of money on your gas bill every month”, a salesman might say. This is very convincing, as it appeals to both our emotional side in protecting the environment, as well as our wallet. But let’s take a closer look at the two:

* Civic Sedan: Starting MSRP – $15,010

* Civic Sedan: Highway MPG – 40

* Civic Hybrid Sedan: Starting MSRP -$22,600

* Civic Hybrid Sedan: Highway MPG – 51

Now, I have compiled a spreadsheet that will aid you in your financial evaluation of the hybrid vs regular car purchase. As always, I have run an initial estimation only, you will need to download the spreadsheet at the bottom of the post, and update the numbers per your circumstances. Let’s look at the findings:

Buy a Hybrid Car Financial Comparison

Make/Model Price MPG Hwy Miles Per Yr Price/Gal Gas $/Month

Honda Civic Sedan $15,010.00 40 15,000 $2.75 $85.94

Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan $22,600.00 51 15,000 $2.75 $67.40

Monthly Savings with Hybrid $18.54

Yearly Savings with Hybrid $222.43

Price Difference $7,590.00

Months to Recoup Price Difference 409

Years to Recoup Price Difference 34.1

The results are staggering! Look at how long it will take for the gas savings to pay you back for the difference in price of the car. 34 YEARS!!! Clearly not a wise investment. However, if you still are considering buying a hybrid car, the government does offer some tax advantages. The Energy Policy Act of 2005 allows a tax credit to be applied to an owner of a new hybrid car, as long as it meets the programs requirements (at least until 2009).

The tax credit is derived from statistics run on the particular make/model hybrid car you purchase, but usually will fall somewhere around $1,500-$3,000. This is a deduction however, not a check. Depending on your tax bracket, the actual dollars of tax savings will vary. The nice thing though, is the deduction can be applied on top of the standard deduction!

Having said that, if you are in the 20% tax bracket and got a credit of $2,000, your tax savings would be $400. Not bad, but you will still need to drive that Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan for about 30 years to get the payback. The bottom line is, if you want to buy a hybrid car for the cost savings, forget it. If you have a green thumb and want to help the environment, then it is still an option. Be warned though, the life cycle to obtain and use the additional batteries for the hybrid car puts extra pressure on the environment, not found in regular gasoline cars.

I hope that I did not shun everyone from buying a hybrid car, I still believe in the concept myself. However with the current technology, it just doesn’t make sense financially. I look for the day of the fuel cell car, or other concept car, that takes away the need for gasoline…

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