Mariner hybrid redeems Mercury Posted 2007-07-23 12:14:04 tags: ReviewMercury(suggest tag) With smoke from nearby forest and brush fires clouding the International Speedway here, I retreated to my hotel room to breathe filtered air and write this confession. It is a simple matter: Ford is right, and I am wrong. It apparently makes perfect sense for Ford to hold on to its Mercury Division, the elimination of which I have advocated for several years. It makes even more sense for Mercury to target women in its product development and marketing strategies. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
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Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner Hybrid Posted 2007-07-20 09:38:31 tags: ReviewFordMercury(suggest tag) The last 12 months could be described as the "Year of the Crossover." This begs the question: Why has Ford made its successful Escape and Mercury Mariner crossovers look more like SUVs? Vehicles that merge the practicality and proportions of sport-utility vehicles with sedan-like handling and fuel consumption have proven popular as car buyers hit by higher fuel costs seek out a compromise between utility and economy. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
smart Shows Fuel Efficient Hybrid and Electric Models Posted 2007-07-15 10:00:38 tags: ReviewSmart(suggest tag) The second generation smart fortwo is just about ready to go on sale as a 2008 model year product for the first time in the United States. After attempting to expand the brand with the whimsical Roadster and the subcompact-sized forfour, smart cleared its product portfolio and has returned to being a single-vehicle brand. To show how serious smart is about making its mark with the second generation car, the brand's engineers have already put together three energy efficient models that show the potential of the fortwo of the future. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Green Line is lowest-priced hybrid Posted 2007-07-14 11:12:08 tags: ReviewSaturn(suggest tag) The gasoline-electric hybrid car with the lowest starting price in America is no longer a Toyota or a Honda. It’s the Saturn Aura Green Line sedan. This newest version of the midsize, five-passenger Aura retains the handsome looks and commendable handling of a regular Aura while combining a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with electric motor assist — all for a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $22,695. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Road test: Honda Civic Hybrid Posted 2007-07-13 13:22:47 tags: ReviewHonda(suggest tag) These Japanese motoring giants seem set to be joined by more and more car-makers in producing hybrids, which are now being viewed as a viable economic alternative. Let's do the sums: The Honda Civic ES CVT Hybrid costs £16,300 and offers fuel economy of 61.4mpg. Thought that fuel figure might grab your attention. The two-tier futuristic dashboard display will be instantly familiar to drivers of the regular Honda Civic. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid: new look inside and out with performance and safety improvements Posted 2007-07-13 13:21:45 tags: ReviewFord(suggest tag) The Ford Escape Hybrid is still the cleanest and most fuel-efficient SUV in the world, combining the fuel economy and emissions benefits of a full hybrid with the go-anywhere capability, toughness and spaciousness of the Ford Escape – America’s favorite small SUV. For 2008, The Ford Escape Hybrid combines a fresh new look, inside and out, with infotainment and safety features, a choice of two hybrid-specific upgrade packages and four new exterior colors. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Test Drive: Altima hybrid offers a carload of fun, some shakes Posted 2007-07-13 13:21:16 tags: ReviewNissan(suggest tag) Nissan finally began offering a fuel-saving, low-polluting, gasoline-electric hybrid vehicle in the U.S. earlier this year, some six years after rivals Honda and Toyota pioneered the technology here. While pledging to have a Nissan-developed hybrid, as well as a plug-in hybrid or electric vehicle, in U.S. showrooms in 2010, Nissan is marking time with an Altima midsize sedan powered by rival Toyota's hybrid system. It's also used in the Toyota Camry hybrid. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid: What’s New Posted 2007-07-13 13:20:37 tags: ReviewMercury(suggest tag) Along with the similar Ford Escape/Escape Hybrid, Mercury's Mariner duo has been updated extensively for the 2008 model year. Sheetmetal changes are teamed with powertrain changes under the Hybrid model's skin to make it sleeker and more efficient than the first generation vehicle that's being retired. Changes you can see include the new sheetmetal up front. The new hood has what designers call a bigger "forehead," referring to the surface at the hood's leading edge. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Honda Civic Hybrid: the latest model Posted 2007-07-13 13:20:04 tags: ReviewHonda(suggest tag) Honda's hybrid technology has come a long way since the Insight in 2001. The two-seat Insight was an expensive, rather odd-looking thing, with performance and handling best described as interesting. The Civic Hybrid that followed in 2003 was a huge step forward and the second generation, petrol-electric Civic launched last year raises the bar again. Fuel economy has been pegged back even further, but by far and away the biggest appreciable difference is in the packaging of the car. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Review: 2008 Ford Escape hybrid Posted 2007-07-12 17:31:55 tags: ReviewFord(suggest tag) Not all hybrids are created equal -- and, thanks to a strong head start, most are associated with Toyota and Honda. But American brands have been in the market now for some time. GM offers the Saturn VUE Green Line and the Aura Green Line as "light hybrids" (meaning that, though less expensive, they don't move on battery power alone). The GMC Yukon has gone green as well, employing a heavy-duty, two-mode hybrid system similar to those now employed in GM buses worldwide. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Saturn Aura Green Line is affordable Posted 2007-07-06 08:34:13 tags: ReviewSaturn(suggest tag) The gasoline-electric hybrid car with the lowest starting price in America is no longer a Toyota or a Honda. It’s the Saturn Aura Green Line sedan. This newest version of the mid-size, five-passenger Aura retains the handsome looks and commendable handling of a regular Aura while combining a 164-horsepower, 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine with electric motor assist — all for a starting manufacturer’s suggested retail price, including destination charge, of $22,695. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
Hybrid hype rings true with Escape Posted 2007-07-04 13:17:55 tags: ReviewFord(suggest tag) At the risk of sounding like a broken record -- a very broken record -- I'm going to say it again: I have a hard time seeing the point of owning an SUV in the city of Chicago. They guzzle gas. They take up too much space. And I usually only see one person, the driver, in them at any given time. But, I believe I have finally found The One. The 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid not only is compact but also gets gas mileage that bests most sedans. ... Read the article(report dead link) :: Permalink :: View blog reactions
