One of the biggest complaints people have about hybrid vehicles is the cost. They want to save money at the pump, but they do not want to pay the extra money for the technology. Tony Markel thinks that he can help bring the costs down on hybrid vehicles. He has taken a 2006 Toyota Prius, revamped it, and says that if hybrids are made his way, people will get more performance for their money.

Markel, a senior engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, sites the battery that came with his prius. It came with a nickel-metal hydride pack, and Markel took that out and replaced it with lithium-ion batteries.

Markel believes this will be a more cost effective and durable measure that hybrid manufactures can take. But he did not stop there.

In an effort to get the most out of the available energy sources, Markel also set up a solar panel on top of the Prius. Right now, the solar panel gets enough solar energy to go five miles. It is currently only in the test phase, so they do not know the limitations with this as of yet.

Markel and his team are also working on vehicle to grid charging. The idea is to charge plug ins at night. The team thinks that by doing this, some of the power can be returned to the grid the next day. Automakers are not experimenting with this idea, so people are leaning to Markel and his team to understand more about this concept.

What they do know is that this plug-in Prius gets 100 mpg and can go 50 miles off of a charge. Even though it is in the experimental stage, Markel says that he expects to see this technology out on the roads before we know it. He feels that his team has made great progress in their research, and will be able to bring down the price of hybrid vehicles in the future. As hybrids become more affordable, people can finally have the opportunity to purchase one and find out what so many people are talking about.

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Those people who have a lot of extra cash in their wallets can get the SUV of their dreams that actually gets pretty good gas mileage. Luxury automakers are no longer making as many of the SUVs that only get 15 mpg. Now, they are changing with the times and putting out a product that is much more fuel efficient. With the sale of SUVs continuing to decline, it was a measure they had to take. While some people still associate SUVs with gas burners, they have finally become moderate in their fuel efficiency. To show you the changes, I have compiled a list of the ten most fuel efficient luxury SUVs, along with their prices.

10. Infiniti FX35-17.5 mpg-$38,050

9. Land Rover LR2-18mpg-$33,895

8. Lincoln MKX-18.5 mpg-$35,420

7. Acura RDX-19 mpg-$33,195

6. BMW X3-19.5 mpg-$38,000

5. Lexus RX 350-19.5 mpg-$37,400

4. Mercedes-Benz GL320CDI-21 mpg-$53,775

3. Mercedes-Benz ML320CDI-21 mpg-$44,425

2. Mercedes-Benz R320 CDI4MTIC-21 mpg-$46,175

1. Lexus RX 400h-25 mpg-$41,800

Granted, these vehicles are not cheap by any standards. You are paying for that gas mileage, and you are paying dearly. However, they are much better than many of the other SUVs that are on the market today.

However, consumers need to keep in mind that the luxury SUVs are not getting better fuel efficiency than the non luxury SUVs with the best fuel efficiency do. That makes it difficult to make the huge purchase for a luxury SUV.

However, crossover vehicles are changing things for SUV manufactures. A big part of the reason that fuel economy is getting better is because of these crossover vehicles. There are a lot of advantages to crossovers, including:

§ More comfortable ride
§ Better gas mileage
§ Multi-functional

Increased fuel economy and a growing number of crossover vehicles might be just what the SUV market needed. SUV manufacturers are seeing increased profit from crossover SUVs, which shows that it might not be time to bury the SUV after all. They might be making a comeback, only in a different package this time around. It should prove to be a much greater success than SUVs have had in the past.

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There’s good news for people who want a good car on a budget. Consumer Reports just released the most fuel efficient cars for under $10,000. While these cars are used, they have managed to stand up to the years, and continue to deliver great gas mileage, year after year. They are proof that you can go green while on a budget.

2000 Honda Insight

When this three cylinder vehicle hit the scene in 2000, it was the first electric and gas hybrid that was sold in the United States. If you are lucky enough to find one of these for sale, you can get it for less than $10,000. It delivers an average of 51 miles per gallon. Imagine getting that kind of mileage for under 10k.

2001-2002 Toyota Prius

This version of the Prius used a four cylinder engine, along with an electric motor, to get 41 mpg. This has proven to be a durable car, and it is still a great find for those who are on a budget.

2000-2005 Toyota Echo

Known for its fuel efficiency, Toyota makes the list yet again. This car gets 38 mpg, and you have several years to choose from to get the price and mileage you want.

1998-2002 Chevrolet Prizm

When this vehicle was first unveiled, it was called a Geo. Eventually it became a Chevy model, and it managed to get 32 mpg. This model is quite a bit like the Corolla.

1998 Mazda Protégé LX

Not much has been said about this model throughout the years, but it makes the list with 32 mpg. It’s affordable, it gets great mileage, and it’s a good car for those in the market for something affordable.

1998-2000 Toyota Corolla CE/LE

Toyota has managed to have an affordable, reliable product with their Corolla year after year; it has managed to impress people with its mileage and durability. It is not a surprise to see it on the list at 32 mpg.

1998-2001 Acura Integra LS

Acura’s model manages to hold its own in the competition, coming in with 32 mpg.

2004-2005 Scion xA

The last car to make our list is not as old as the others. You can buy a 2005 version of this Scion and get 31 mpg.

There are a lot of cars available for you that fit into a tight budget. If fuel economy is what you are after, you can get it, even if you do not spend much money.

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There was a time when luxury car buyers shelled out all of that extra cash for bad gas mileage. Happily, those days are gone. Now, the luxury automakers are upping the ante in the race for a greener environment by putting out some respectable models of their own. Here are the ten most fuel efficient vehicles that the luxury automakers are currently offering.

1. Mercedes-Benz Bluetec-This diesel ran version of the Mercedes has the torque of a V-8 and the best gas mileage of any other luxury vehicle. At 23 city and 32 highway mpg, it is very impressive, not only for a luxury vehicle but for a vehicle in general.

2. Audi TT 2.0TT-The Audi barely missed first place. With 22 city and 30 highway mpg, it should be very proud of its second place standing.

3. Audi A3 2.0T-This sporty four door hatchback gets 21 city and
29 highway mpg.

4. Lexus G5 450h-This is one of the two hybrids that Lexus sells. The V-6 gets 22 city and 25 highway mpg.

5. Audi A4 2.0T-The model with the continuously variable transmission gets 20 city and 28 highway mpg.

6. Volvo S40 2.4i-Volvo coasts onto the list with 20 city and 28 highway mpg.

7. Acura TSX-The for cylinder entry level model gets 19 city and 28 highway mpg.

8. Lexus IS 250-Great gas mileage isn’t the only thing this Lexus is known for, as it is also the lowest priced Lexus on the market. The vehicle gets 20 city and 27 highway mpg

9. Porsche Boxster/Cayman-The 2.7 liter, six cylinder model gets 19 city and 28 highway mpg.

10. Volvo C30-This two door hatchback just made the list by getting 19 city and 27 highway mpg.

As you can see, there is a different breed of luxury vehicles out there now. Manufacturers of all levels are beginning to appreciate what an eco-friendly car can do for their sales. There was a time when luxury automakers did not have to bother themselves with such a thing, but that has changed. Now, everyone is beginning to take part in the quest for a better environment.

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So today, as I slid behind the wheel of my car, turned the key, and heard it start, a slight tear formed in the corner of my eye. It was the tear of memories, the tear that can only come from remembering something from the not so great past. And my past memory was of my 1978 Plymouth Volare.

Now, you are probably thinking I’m sixty five years old, but sadly, this was my first car, and the car was in its twenties when I bought it. In my defense, I was a young person out on my own for the first time. Also, I drank a lot back then so the car looked much better.

Back then, you couldn’t just step in the car, turn the key and go. You had to prime it. And it ate some serious gas.

On top of that, I had further fuel difficulties. I had a little problem with the choke of the Big V, and a friend of mine fixed it. After this, I made a personal promise to never pay people with beer to fix mechanical things. It seems that they start drinking while they’re still working. So two hours and a twelve pack later, my friend, who we will call D, had my car “fixed.” After his adjustments, it went thirty miles an hour without touching the gas and got about seven miles to the gallon.

Believe it or not, I am going somewhere with this story. I just needed to lay out the background first. So let’s see…1978 Volare, seven miles a gallon, and I can no longer drive through school zones because I can’t slow my car down to the 25mph speed limit without riding the brake.

And that made me think about this:

Has anyone noticed how much even the non hybrid cars have evolved through the years?

Right now, we are in the middle of a movement toward greater fuel efficiency, but when you look at how the cars used to be, it is amazing. Consider this: the average car in 1975 got 13.5 miles per gallon. I think that my Volare was right on schedule with that mess.

We might not be moving as fast as we want people to move, but we are moving. While at times I do miss the Volare with her burnt orange interior that was so roomy multiple children were probably conceived in it (I’m still paying the child support on some of them), at least now I can make it around the block without refueling.

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With the increase of gas prices, it is now more important than ever to make sure that you get the most fuel economy out of your vehicle. Even if you do not have a hybrid or a vehicle that is known for great fuel efficiency, there are still things you can do in order to get the most out of what you have. These tips are all either free or routine maintenance, and they will save you money.

SLOW DOWN!

It turns out that your nervous mother’s advice can actually help you. Slow it down, and see your gas mileage improve. Sure, we all want to act like speed racer out there, but that means that we have to race to the gas pump much more often.

Avoid Braking

Disclaimer: Do not avoid braking if you are presented with any of the following situations:

1. A small child has walked out in front of your car
2. There is a stopped vehicle in front of you
3. It could cause the death of you or others

However, stop doing that annoying thing where you tap the brakes. How do I know it is annoying? I do it, and it drives everyone crazy. Apparently, people get car sick when they ride with me. So today, on June 23rd, I have made a resolution to stop riding the brake when I drive.

Get Tune Ups

You can increase your fuel economy by 4-40% by doing this. You have to do it anyway for the health of your car. Do it often enough to see these benefits as well.

Avoid Idling

When you are sitting at a stop light for what seems like ages, cut the engine. It actually takes less gas to cut the engine and restart it than it does to idle for ten seconds.

Inflate Those Tires

When your tires are not properly inflated, your gas mileage decreases by 3%. Not to mention the fact that the ride is so much rougher.

Overdrive

Many people do not realize that using overdrive increases fuel efficiency when driving at higher speeds. A large number of vehicles come equipped with overdrive, and people should take advantage of it.

Change Your Air Filter

It’s amazing how dirty those things get. The last time I got mine changed, it looked like I had rolled through a hay stack. I don’t recall that happening, but I do have a problem staying on the road, so who knows. But anyway, a dirty air filter can decrease your fuel efficiency by as much as 10%.

Minimize Drag

Do you have that bad habit of driving around with the windows down so the ladies can admire you in your cool car? The ladies will not be impressed when you run out of gas in the middle of the road. When you drive with the windows down, it increases drag, which lowers fuel efficiency. Roll them up and just let the ladies see you for who you really are. You’re a cool guy that also cares about fuel efficiency. Can you say sexy?

These are some of the most inexpensive ways to increase your fuel economy. Your car will drive better, you’ll get better mileage, and life will be good. Give them a try and see how much money you save.

Another option for saving on gas
Even though gas prices are declining, there is little doubt that they will eventually start to climb back up. A great way to save money on all of your gas purchases is with gas credit cards. A gas credit card gives you up to 5% cash back on all of the gasoline you buy. Although this may not sound like much initially over time it can really add up, saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run. You can find a list of the best gas rewards credit cards here.

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Do you love the roominess of an SUV but you hate the way that it guzzles gas? There are SUVs out there that are incredibly reasonable when it comes to fuel efficiency. Some are hybrids, while the majority of the list is made up of standard vehicles that just get good gas mileage. It is an exciting trend that will hopefully catch on so even more SUVs become fuel efficient. Here are twenty SUVs that are not going to kill you on gas.

1. Ford Escape Hybrid-30 city and 34 highway mpg

2. Mazda Tribute Hybrid-30 city and 34 highway mpg

3. Mercury Mariner Hybrid-30 city and 34 highway mpg

4. Saturn Vue Hybrid-25 city and 32 highway mpg

5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid-25 city and 27 highway mpg

6. Lexus RX 400h-24 city and 27 highway mpg

7. Jeep Compass-23 city and 28 highway mpg

8. Jeep Patriot-23 city and 28 highway mpg

9. Chevrolet HHR-21 city and 30 highway mpg

10. Ford Escape-22 city and 28 highway mpg

11. Mazda Tribute-22 city and 28 highway mpg

12. Nissan Rogue-22 city and 27 highway mpg

13. Toyota RAV4-21 city and 27 highway mpg

14. Honda CRV-20 city and 27 highway mpg

15. Subaru Forester-20 city and 26 highway mpg

16. Mitsubishi Endeavor-18 city and 27 highway mpg

17. Kia Sportage-19 city and 25 highway mpg

18. Hyundai Tucson-19 city and 25 highway mpg

19. Hyundai Sante Fe-17 city and 24 highway mpg

20. Mitsubishi Outlander-17 city and 25 highway mpg

Automakers are trying to show a friendlier side to consumers. They are beginning to understand that people not only care about the environment, but they also care about how much they are paying at the pump for gas. These trends that are popping up with SUV manufactures show that things are changing. It is interesting that only a few of the SUVs that made the list were hybrids. As hybrid vehicles are catching on, it is as if SUV manufactures stood back and really paid attention. They noticed what consumers want, and they then started to produce a more fuel efficient vehicle. That should help SUV sales, even as the price of gas continues to rise.

Stay tuned for the 20 least fuel efficient SUVs.

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These days, hybrids are getting all of the attention. They’re in the news, and seem to be the hottest topic for environmentalists. While the hybrids have been getting all of the attention, other vehicles have been sneaking by many consumers. These non hybrid vehicles are affordable and offer great gas mileage. For those drivers that want fuel efficiency but have less that $15,000 to spend, you will be happy to know that you have a lot of choices to consider. Some of the vehicles that made the list might really surprise you.

1. Kia Rio-This vehicle gets 35 hwy and 25 city mpg, while only costing $10,890.

2. Chevrolet Avea-With a mileage of 34 hwy and 24 city mpg, the Avea only comes in five dollars above the Rio, at $10,895.

3. Toyota Yaris-The vehicle that has three doors gets 36 hwy and 29 city mpg for a measly $11,350.

4. Hyundai Accent-This vehicle gets 33 hwy, 24 city, and only costs $11,775.

5. Smart 4Two-While it can be difficult to find one available, if you do you will get 40 hwy and 33 city mpg for the sum of $12,000.

6. Nissan Versa-While you might be surprised to see Nissan make this list, the Versa gets 31 hwy and 26 city mpg while only costing $12,710.

7. Hyundai Elantra-Having already made the list at number four, the Elantra puts Hyundai back again at number seven by getting 33 hwy and 24 city mpg with the price of $13,500.

8. Kia Spectra-The Spectra coasts in with 32 hwy and 24 city mpg with a price tag of $13,895.

9. Honda Fit-The Fit made headlines when it first came out, with its 34 hwy and 28 city mpg while costing only $13,950.

10. Chevrolet Cobalt-A surprise addition to this list, the Cobalt boasts 36 hwy and 25 city mpg while costing buyers $14,000.

11. Ford Focus-Ford managed to make the list with the Focus, which gets 35 hwy and 24 city mpg while costing $14,300.

12. Scion xD Sedan-Rounding out the list is the Scion xD, which gets 33 hwy and 27 city mpg for $14,550.

As you can see, a hybrid is not the only vehicle that provides fuel efficiency. Even gas powered vehicles are beginning to go green by burning less fuel. The great thing about these vehicles is that most people can afford them while helping to protect the environment.

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The love affair that drivers have with trucks is never going to go away, even with the increased price of gas. Because of that, it is important for truck buyers to know about the gas mileage of different trucks so they can buy something that is sensible for their budgets. There are several 2008 model trucks available that offer good gas mileage, and consumers might want to consider them when looking for that new pickup truck.

1.  Ford Ranger-The four cylinder gets 26 hwy mpg and 21 city mpg

2.  Mazda 2 Wheel Drive Truck-This four cylinder, five speed truck get 26 hwy mpg and 21 city mpg

3.  Toyota Tacoma-The four cylinder, five speed truck gets 25 hwy mpg and 20 city mpg

4.  Isuzu i-290 Extended Cab-This four wheel drive, five cylinder truck gets 24 hwy mpg and 18 city mpg

5.  Chevy Colorado Two Wheel Drive-This automatic is a four speed, four cylinder that gets 24 hwy mpg and 18 mpg in the city

6.  GMC Canyon-The five cylinder, five speed truck offers 24 hwy and 18 city mpg

7.  Nissan Frontier- The four cylinder, five speed truck comes in with an impressive 23 hwy and 19 mpg

8.  Chevy Silverado 1500 2 Wheel Drive-The six cylinder gets a respectable 20 hwy and 15 city mph

9.  Dodge Ram 1500 2Wheel Drive-With six cylinders, this six speed still gets an average of 19 hwy and 16 city mpg

10.  Ford F-150 2 Wheel Drive-The five speed manual has six cylinders and still averages 20 hwy and 14 city mpg

As you can see, you can drive a truck and still save money on gas. While there certainly are gas guzzlers out there, there are also a lot of models that offer great mileage and still look and feel great. Trucks have often been demonized for their gas burning qualities, but in these cases that is unfair. Hybrids are not the only way to save money on gas. Smart shopping can get some great results for the people who love trucks. Automakers are moving toward better fuel economy, for hybrids and traditional vehicles.

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Some people get them because they’re good for the environment. Other people drive them because they are cool. The fact of the matter is there is a lot that we can all still learn when it comes to hybrids.

1. Cameron Diaz and Leonardo DiCaprio were two of the first celebrites to drive a hybrid and get the public’s attention. Diaz went onto date Justin Timberlake. Rumor has it that DiCaprio is still stranded on the Titanic, awaiting the resuscitation of his film career.

2. Hybrids reduce smog released into the environment by almost 90%.

3. Chevy Tahoe won the Green Car of the Year, a title that would have been unheard of for an SUV not too long ago.

4. Earlier hybrid cars were called “Semper Vivus,” which means “always alive.”

5. The United States is expected to hit somewhere between 600,000-1,000,000 in hybrid sales by 2010.

6. Most insurance companies offer lower premiums for hybrid owners.

7. Hybrids have lower depreciate rates than their gas guzzling counterparts.

8. The movie “An Inconvenient Truth” is credited with helping Toyota sell 300,000 hybrids upon its release, along with giving the Nobel Peace price to the unlikely Al Gore.

9. Braking systems in hybrid vehicles do not have to be replaced as often as the brake pads in traditional vehicles because of the regenerative braking.

10. Hybrid batteries are made to last for the life of the vehicle.

11. Barack Obama owns a hybrid, which was one of the few things Hilary Clinton did not attempt to strip from him during the long primary season.

12. Hybrid vehicles have been around in some shape or form LONG before any of us were alive.

13. Hybrid vehicles have the ability to take off faster than traditional cars because of the electric boost.

14. Hybrid vehicles can drive just as quickly as their counterparts.

15. Paris Hilton says that hybrids are, and I do quote, “AWESOME.”

If Paris Hilton’s endorsement does not sway you into purchasing a hybrid, then I do not know what will. If you can’t do it for Paris, MAYBE consider the environment, or what it did for Leonardo DiCaprio’s career. Okay, maybe that would not be a good idea, but think Al Gore. Hybrid cars win Nobel Prizes.

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