Toyota Prius

[delcecchi]

As an example, a Honda Civic gets 36 mpg (I just picked that as an example)

Over the life of the car, 200,000 miles, you would burn about 5600 gallons of gas or 20,000 dollars worth.

If you got 50 miles per gallon in some different car, you would use 4,000 gallons or 14,000 dollars worth. (at 3.50 per gallon).

The 6,000 dollars over what, 10 years?, is only worth about 3,600 today using a 5% interest rate.

So to get a car that gets 50 mpg rather than 36 is probably worth, depending on what you think gas and interest rates will do, somewhere around 3600 dollars all else being equal.

[deadeye]

If you want fuel mileage just buy a VW diesel. Overall it will get much better fuel mileage than the prius.

Ever watch Top Gear? They did a test on the Prius and found the M3 around the track got better fuel mileage.

I agree with this. I also saw that Top Gear and it cracked me up. That goes to show that how you drive really makes a difference.

Personally I really dislike VWs in general but the TDI Golf would be a highway mpg winner. They are pretty nice inside and would be a good commuter.

The new Fiesta looks terrific. Its got to be the meanest looking little car out there. Cant wait till there is a AWD RS version of it Look on YOUtube at Ken Block Gymkhanna and you will see why I say that.

The Corolla and Civic are both great proven cars.

I drove one of those new Chevy Cruzes' and it was surprisingly nice. I will never again own a GM vehicle myself but for what its worth I was pretty impressed with it.

The problem I have with the Prius is that they are supposed to be more environmentally responsible but the mines they get the battery ingredients from are terrible. Also if you look in the news lately China (the main source for those ingredients) is getting touchy about exporting that stuff (prices can only go up cause of this). I am more that willing say that oil drilling isn't any better but why add another evil to the situation if you don't have too? MPGs can be found in other places.

Anyway, there is a lot of options out there. I would get out and see what fits best.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Chevy volt fast facts. I can't find anything from GM that says there is a mechanical link between the engine and the drive train.

"The Chevrolet Volt operates differently from all other propulsion systems. An electric drive unit (electric motor) powers the car at all times and at all speeds. The Volt’s engine serves only to create electricity to power the vehicle when the battery runs low."

[delcecchi]

Chevy volt fast facts. I can't find anything from GM that says there is a mechanical link between the engine and the drive train.

"The Chevrolet Volt operates differently from all other propulsion systems. An electric drive unit (electric motor) powers the car at all times and at all speeds. The Volt’s engine serves only to create electricity to power the vehicle when the battery runs low."

That is what GM said. I believe that the press took a closer look and discovered otherwise. It should be obvious if you get to look at one. Is the gas engine somehow bolted to the drive train? Or are there just wires?

[Scott K]

That wont tell for sure. The Ford Escape is not directly linked, and they are bolted together. There is no Torque converter.

[Palerider77]

100 mile commute? Lincoln Town Car? Anybody?

[delcecchi]

That wont tell for sure. The Ford Escape is not directly linked, and they are bolted together. There is no Torque converter.

There was a patent application, and this motor trend article.

http://www.motortrend.com/features/edito...icks/index.html

To summarize, there is a planetary gear system which is connected to the wheels, the motor generator, the gas engine, and the big electric motor. So under some circumstances the gas motor is connected to the wheels mechanically although not most of the time.

I thought this was a good explanation.