I want a hybrid car, are there any besides the honda and the toyota?

Question

oooh a bmw one, that sounds nice, I am almost 100% positive my fiance won't let me have one lol

Answer 1

The new BMW one, thats a good one.

Answer 2

If you want a hybrid from a carmaker other than Toyota or Honda, I would consider:

- Ford Escape Hybrid.  It has a 2.5L engine for 200 horsepower combined with the electric motor.  The Escape Hybrid's drivetrain uses the same Power Split Device transmission as the Toyota hybrids, which means it is extremely tough and reliable.  The NYC Taxi & Limousine Commission has used the Escape Hybrid as a taxi cab since 2004 and they have proven to be very durable, in the face of legendary daily abuse from cab drivers.  It's working so well, NYC is moving to an all-hybrid taxi fleet by 2012.

- The Nissan Altima Hybrid.  Nissan licensed the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive for use in the Altima Hybrid, and consequently it also uses the tough and reliable Power Split Device transmission.  190hp, and it has better performance than even the Altima 3.5SL.

The Escape Hybrid 2WD starts at $26,500 and qualifies for a $3100 Federal Tax Credit rebate.

The Altima Hybrid starts at $26,650 and qualifies for a $2200 Federal Tax Credit rebate.

Personally I wouldn't buy a hybrid car without a PSD transmission--  The mild hybrids from GM uses a regular 4-speed automatic transmission gearbox, while their 2-mode  hybrids use a ridiculously complex 4-speed gearbox with 2 clutches to engage the electrical motors.  BMW, Mercedes and Chrysler will be using GM's 2-Mode transmission (they participated in the 2-mode development effort).  Honda's hybrids uses a friction-belt-driven CVT transmission.

For toughness and reliability you can't beat the PSD transmission used by the Ford, Nissan, Toyota and Lexus hybrids.

Answer 3

most major car makers have hybrids. The problem is that none are even close to as effcient and well designed as the toyota, lexus and Honda models.  The GM and ford hybrids get barely better than average gas mileage and have barely enough power to merge on the hwy. The bmw may be nice but it's brand new so there's no telling how good it is and bmws in general need constant maintenance. If you want a hybrid go japanesee you won't regret it.  

Answer 4

GM and Ford offer hybrids. Ford's are their SUVs and cross overs. Same with GM, although GM also offers a great hybrid Malibu. It's gotten great write ups and compares well to the Camary. Both companies will offer more hybrid models in the '09 model year.

I don't sell either one. I sell exotics. But if I were making a green decision, I'd wait for one more year and get the Chevy Volt. That's an all electric car that will blow the hybrids in the weeds. It's gotten so many excellent write-ups in our industry magazines that I think Toyota, Ford and Honda will be sweating it. And it's looks are amazing. Google it and see what you think.

Answer 5

Honda and Toyota make the best hybrids, but if you want an alternative, there are a few. The only bad news is that you will pay at least sticker, or higher, for any hybrid right now.

The best hybrid outside the Civic and the Prius is the Ford Escape hybrid.  It is a small SUV that will average you 32 mpg.

If you don't need an SUV, you can also consider the limited production Saturn Aura Green Line and the Chevy Malibu Hybrid.

In my opinion, however, you are better off getting the 4-cylinder version of either of these models.  The hybrid only averages 2 mpg more than the 4-cylinder overall, but has a hefty $4,000 price difference.  

The Nissan Altima hybrid is also a great choice, but it is only available in 8 states with the toughest emissions.  If you live in CA or the NE, check it out.

Answer 6

The Nissan Altima is available in a Hybrid, but it uses the Toyota Hybrid Synergy Drive.

Answer 7

BMW DOES NOT make a hybrid. At least not in the US. The best hybrids are made by Toyota. Their hybrid system is the best in the industry. Other car companies(besides Honda) use old versions of that system(GM, Nissan, etc.). I will echo what someone else said, I'd just get the 4cyl version. Everyone is going bat ****ing crazy over hybrids so that has driven the price up.