More than ever, 2008 is a year for the production of hybrid gas and electric vehicles. Despite its higher price, consumer demand has continued to rise along with inflated gas costs.
Several other automakers have gotten in on the act (if they weren’t already). In 2008, the consumer has more hybrid cars to choose from than ever, especially SUVs.
The 2008 Chevy Tahoe Hybrid SUV seats 8 passengers. It has a 6.0L V8 engine and can come as 2WD or 4WD. Estimated mpg is in the low of 20, while the price is in the low of 50 thousand.
The 2008 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid SUV is very similar to the Dodge Durango SUV. Its 2-mode hybrid system was developed by Daimler-Chrysler, together with BMW and GM.
The 2008 Ford Escape hybrid SUV is available as either front-wheel drive or 4WD. Miles per gallon is estimated to be under 30 and has a base cost of around 20,000. Ford has had the hybrid Escape in production since 2005 and they are working on other technologies, such as the hydrogen fuel cell vehicle and add-ons.
The 2008 GMC Yukon Hybrid SUV seats 9 people and comes in either 2WD or 4WD. The base price range is in the 50 thousand.
The 2008 Honda Accord hybrid sedan and hybrid Honda Civic continue to compete for the best mileage. The civic gets an estimated mid-40s mpg range on the highway. Its base price is in the low 20 thousand. The Accord Hybrid has a V6 engine that works in conjunction with the electric motor. Its estimated mpg is 35 on the highway and it costs around 30,000. This new sedan model allows its engine to run on 3, 4 or 6 cylinders.
The available 2008 Lexus hybrid car models are the Lexus RX400h, the Lexus GS450h, and the LS600h.
The Lexus RX400h is a luxury SUV and gets an estimated mpg in the mid-20s. It seats 5 people and its base price is in the low 40,000. The Lexus GS450h is a luxury sports sedan. It also seats 5 people and its estimated mpg is in the high 20s. The base cost is around 50 thousand. Lexus’ third hybrid model, the LS600h is a luxury sedan with an estimated 20 mpg. Its base cost is in the low 100,000s. Woof.
The 2008 Nissan Altima hybrid sedan has a base cost of about $ 20,000. It is only available in California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
The 2008 Saturn hybrid car models are the Saturn Vue Green Line and the Saturn Aura Greenline hybrid. The Vue is an SUV and gets an estimated mpg of 25 in the city and 32 on the highway. Its base price is in the middle of the 20 thousand. The Aura is a sedan whose estimated mpg is close to the Views, but its base price is slightly lower, being in the low 20,000.
The 2008 Toyota hybrid car models are the ever popular Toyota Prius hybrid, Toyota Camry hybrid sedan, and Highlander hybrid SUV.
The Prius has the best mpg on the market, in the mid-40s, while its price is in the 20 thousand. The Prius remains the best-selling among hybrids. The Camry is a sedan whose estimated mpg is in the mid-1930s. Its base cost is in the mid-20,000. The Toyota Highlander is an SUV with a base price of around $ 30,000. Of all hybrid car sales in the US, Toyota gets 2/3 of those sales. They are developing a plug-in for the near future, as well as fuel cell cars.