| In these days of soaring gas prices, it | | | | mileage and lower emissions. |
| seems that everyone is looking to | | | | While these vehicles deliver on the |
| increase their gas mileage. In the past, | | | | promise, there are a few shortcomings as |
| those looking to drive the most | | | | well. The first and most glaring |
| fuel-efficient vehicle had just one | | | | disappointment is that many drivers find |
| option: diesel trucks and cars. Diesel | | | | that the advertised mileage and the |
| vehicles use significantly less fuel | | | | actual mileage the car achieves are |
| than cars that run on regular gas. | | | | vastly different. |
| There is an option to diesel vehicles. | | | | For instance, the Toyota Prius |
| Recently, hybrid vehicles have been | | | | advertises gas mileage of 55 miles per |
| appearing everywhere. No longer are they | | | | gallon, according to U.S. government |
| just slightly odd-looking compact cars. | | | | reports. However, when Consumer Reports |
| Hybrid technology can be found in | | | | magazine tested the car under actual |
| everything from compact cars to SUVs. | | | | driving conditions, the mileage achieved |
| Are you better off with the old, diesel | | | | was only 44 miles per gallon. While this |
| standby or do hybrid cars really offer | | | | is still excellent gas mileage, it is |
| more? | | | | far less than advertised. |
| Diesel vehicles | | | | In addition, the sheer price of hybrid |
| For years, the gas-conscious consumer | | | | vehicles can be daunting. While a diesel |
| chose the diesel vehicle. These earlier | | | | vehicle generally costs an average of |
| diesels were generally noisier, dirtier | | | | $1000 more than its gas-powered version, |
| and handled the road more poorly than | | | | a hybrid vehicle costs several thousand |
| their gas counterparts did. In fact, | | | | dollars more than a gas-powered car. The |
| five states currently do not allow the | | | | Honda Civic Hybrid base price is $4800 |
| sale of diesel vehicles due to strict | | | | more than the standard Civic with the |
| emissions standards. | | | | same options and amenities. |
| However, this image of the diesel | | | | Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid |
| vehicle is very outdated. Modern diesel | | | | is about 30% greater than on the |
| vehicles are much cleaner than their | | | | standard vehicle, it would take an |
| earlier counterparts are. Low-sulphur | | | | average driver at today's gas costs more |
| diesel fuel and new technology that | | | | than twelve years to recoup the cost |
| helps trap emissions particles are | | | | difference. However, one must consider |
| making diesel engines cleaner than ever | | | | that some of this additional cost can |
| before. In addition, modern diesel | | | | also be recouped with the one-time |
| vehicles handle nearly as well as their | | | | federal tax credit. In addition, some |
| gas-powered cousins and are less noisy | | | | states and even employers offer rebates |
| as well. | | | | to those who drive hybrid vehicles. |
| Fuel efficiency is still paramount when | | | | Given that the gas mileage on the hybrid |
| it comes to driving a diesel vehicle. | | | | is about 30% greater than on the |
| With their average nine miles per gallon | | | | standard vehicle, it would take an |
| increase over gas-powered vehicles, | | | | average driver at today's gas costs more |
| diesels are a viable option for the | | | | than twelve years to recoup the cost |
| fuel-conscious consumer. | | | | difference. However, one must consider |
| Hybrid vehicles | | | | that some of this additional cost can |
| Hybrid vehicles are the newcomer to the | | | | also be recouped with the one-time |
| mileage game. These vehicles run on a | | | | federal tax credit. In addition, some |
| combination of gas and electric power, | | | | states and even employers offer rebates |
| and they promise vastly increased gas | | | | to those who drive hybrid vehicles. |