Best Rated Hybrid cars

With no end in sight in terms of gas price increases, many consumers are searching for vehicles that deliver more bang for the buck, especially when it comes to getting a lot of miles out of a little bit of fuel.  Today’s hybrids are stylish, functional, well designed, and well executed.  What’s more, as carmakers compete for the consumer dollar, the price of technologically advance hybrids is becoming more affordable than ever before.

Key Features Of Hybrid Cars

The best-rated hybrid cars are competent, dependable, and affordable vehicles sporting the latest innovations that carmakers have to offer.  Many hybrid vehicles have battery powered engines coupled with an electric motor. The combination results in the reduced use of fossil fuels when the vehicle is in operation.  The motors in hybrids are often smaller and lighter than those found in regular gas operated vehicles too, thereby lending to the greater fuel efficiency derived from the vehicle when it is in use.

The best rated hybrid cars are equipped with periodic engine power on/off features.  Whenever the driver stops at a stop sign, a red light, or during other driving maneuvers, the vehicle will automatically shut down to save on gas.  A tap on the accelerator forces the vehicle to start up when the driver wants to propel the vehicle forward

Hybrid cars are commonly equipped with regenerative braking systems. This system allows for the energy created when braking to be recycled and stored.  The electric motor in the vehicle can later be powered by the stored energy.

The exterior body of the best rated hybrids often has lightweight materials and superior aerodynamics.  Since the body is light, and there is less drag when the vehicle is in operation, the hybrid will use less fuel, and deliver a superior full efficiency rating.  Many hybrids also have low rolling resistant tires, another feature that reduces the drag of the vehicle.

There are some clear differences between hybrids made in America and those offered abroad.  The hybrids found abroad often have better fuel efficiency ratings than those found in America. This is primarily due to the fact that American car makers lack the technologies needed in the various American located plants to create the same kind of cars that are offered aboard.

Best Rated Hybrid Cars In America

2010-2012 Ford Fusion Hybrids

As one of the best rated hybrid cars in America, the Ford Fusion actually ranks better in terms of feature and function when compared to a vehicle like the Toyota Prius.  While the Prius proves more fuel efficient that the Fusion, the Fusion still delivers well when it comes to fuel efficiency; the vehicle gets 36 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city.  This five passenger vehicle is spacious inside and is great for a small to midsized family.  The 2010 lacks the programmable garage door opener found as a standard feature on the 2011 and 2012 models, but the 2010 is equipped with a DVD player, which is not available as an option in newer Fusions.  For more information visit http://www.edmunds.com/ford/fusion/.

2011 Mercury Milan Hybrid

The Mercury Milan gets better mileage than the Mercury Mariner SUV; while the Mariner offers 32 MPG combined, the five passenger Mercury Milan offers 36 mpg on the highway and 41 mpg in the city.  The Milan is actually the twin of the Fusion by Ford as both are manufactured by the same company.  This vehicle cost about $1450.00 to operate per year in terms of fuel costs, and it has reduced emissions; the vehicle releases about 228 grams per mile of CO2 emissions.  For more information visit http://www.mercuryvehicles.com/cars/milan/.

2009 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

The 2009 Malibu Hybrid is one of the best rated hybrid cars, having much in common with the Saturn Aura.  The 2009 Malibu Hybrid was found to have better driving dynamics than the 2010 model, and Chevrolet dropped the Malibu Hybrid line in 2010 because of it.  The most attractive thing about the Malibu hybrid is its MSRP set at $25555.00.  The vehicle is fitted with a BAS system that assists the gas operated engine in order to reduce the amount of fuel the vehicle uses.  This five passenger vehicle gets about 34 mpg on the highway and 26 mpg in the city.  For more information visit http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/chevrolet_malibu_2009.

Best Rated Hybrid Cars Abroad

2012 Toyota Auris

As one of the first hybrid electric cars to be mass produced in Europe, it’s no surprise that the Toyota Auris, a three door compact or 5 door hatchback vehicle, is among the best rated hybrid cars abroad.  This vehicle shared the E150 platform with the Corolla and the compact vehicle actually proved a replacement for the Corolla vehicle in Europe.  If you opt for the hatchback vehicle, you will find that this vehicle still maintains the Corolla label.  The first time this show was publicly presented it appeared at the Geneva Motor Show in 2010. The car became available to the public in the summer of the same year.  It has a starting price of £18,950, and it is presently less than the Prius by Toyota.  In terms of fuel efficiency, this vehicle gets 74 mpg combined.  For more information visit http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=CC-AurisHSD-landing.

Ford Fiesta ECOnetic

The Ford Fiesta ECOnetic was first released in 2009. The vehicle is appreciated for its reduced emissions and fuel efficient ratings.  This vehicle is not offered in the United States because it would cost Ford some $350 million to make necessary plant upgrades so the vehicle can be manufactured in America.  In terms of fuel efficiency, the Fiesta ECOnetic delivers 64 mpg combined, and its emissions rating exempts the vehicle from United Kingdom excise duty, and test drive results have revealed that the Econetic can outperform the Prius by Toyota.  For more information visit http://www.gizmag.com/ford-fiesta-econetic-technology/21943/.