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| outdated.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