New Cars Offer Lower Maintenance and Extended Mileage

By: John Lester
Staff Writer
Published: May 21, 2009

New Cars, Including Toyota Prius and Ford Fusion, Offer Lower Maintenance and Repairs

When it comes to Hybrid Cars, the real big three are probably Ford, Toyota, and Honda. The truth is, the new Toyota Prius, Ford Fusion, and Honda Insight are vehicles, which are about to change the way we think about automobiles. The benefits of owning one of these hybrids are endless as they offer electric vehicle solutions.

They are belt-less, which means fewer repairs and maintenance. You will also save money on oil changes, as the automobiles use electric power at slower speeds and for traffic stops. Hybrid owners also get an IRS tax credit.

Most hybrids are electric vehicles, although they offer different solutions. Consumers are often confused with the difference between a hybrid and an electric car. There isn't much of a difference, but the way the automobiles recharge their batteries are different.

For example, the new Prius, Ford Fusion, and Honda Insight usually recharge from its combustion engine while driving. Therefore, a car which can plug-in and recharge from a standard 110 home outlet would be an electric vehicle. General Motors is doing this with the Chevy Volt.

Hybrids today use electricity as a way to provide alternative fuel at slower speeds, and nearly all of them can operate without using a single drop of gasoline for up to 40 miles or so. The mileage differs depending on the make and model of the hybrid vehicle. Most hybrid owners prefer to drive only on battery-powered electricity for short distances.

Shorter distances would mean a trip to the grocery store or to the post office. About 47 percent of Americans actually commute less than 40 miles round-trip to work. This means you could actually use electricity to power your daily commute.