Thursday, November 26, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
The Hybrid Cars of Toyota, Amazingly Unique!
Toyota, the famous Japanese car brand, is one of the very few car makers that had initially taken the heed to develop and market hybrid cars in the market.
It is in this dedication to excellence and customer satisfaction that sets Toyota above the rest. Now, it enjoys being the top car seller worldwide, beating the long-time leaders and giants like the United States-based General Motors and Germany’s Ford and Volkswagen.
Toyota has been on top for valid and practical reasons. It is determined to snap away leadership from threats and competition.
The strategy adopted by the company in unveiling and marketing hybrid cars is immensely amazing. Today, there are two top hybrid car models originating from Toyota that would surely be on top of your list when you shop around for hybrid cars.
The Toyota Prius hybrid
The Toyota Prius definitely is Toyota’s middle-sized gasoline-electric or otherwise known as hybrid car. This hybrid car, according to earlier buyers are really a joy to drive.
The Toyota Prius relies on an effective combination of the gas engine, the electric motor and a set of battery pack that move and run the hybrid car going along the road.
Prices range from $20,875 for the basic model, going up to about $25,940. Demand for this hybrid car model has outpaced its own production; thus, some buyers are already waiting weeks or even months just so they could own a Prius.
Consequently, Toyota has abruptly increased the production of this hybrid car. As most of the car’s early buyers and owners would tell you, it is definitely worth all the wait.
Prius’ technology
When you are driving a Prius, it would be hard not be amazed by the hybrid car’s technology. Engine starting this hybrid car is not done simply by turning a key the traditional way, spurring ignition.
Initiating this hybrid car is done by pressing the round “Power” push button on the dash. You will also find an interactive, a touch sensitive, a multi-information display monitor or screen that is mounted within in the center console.
This display has a number of modes and can indicate things like energy flow between power and train components, the consumption of fuel, the radio settings, the sensitive climate control, or the many other function of this hybrid vehicle.
But the car’s technology, just like its ultra and unique futuristic styling and exterior design, could be seen either positively or negatively, that would depend on an observer’s point of view.
Overall, the Toyota Prius hybrid car delivers smoother ride and definitely has ample amounts of rooms for a number of passengers. The interior volume is also very versatile. Similarly, the lift-back hatch in the rear and the fold down seats in the rear will make make carrying heavier and larger items so easy.
The Toyota Camry
Definitely, no one will be accused of committing reckless driving for purchasing a Toyota Camry hybrid.
This hybrid car model is so safe, dependable, comfortable and attractive, not to mention predictable. Based on the sales volume—about 430,000 units sold in the United States alone in 2005—most Americans are so happy with the reliability and affordability of this set of wheels that are fit for the family.
The Toyota Camry hybrid has been America's top-selling passenger hybrid vehicle for the past couple of years.
Being practical, why not invest a premium or more for the Toyota Camry hybrid drive, which offers an Environmental Protection Agency high-rating of about 40 miles to a gallon, giving you about 700 miles between breaks or next visit to the nearest gas station?
The Toyota Camry hybrid car is not the industry’s first attempt to offer a hybrid vehicle in an upbeat, vogue and ultra-popular model. In late 2004, rival firm Honda launched the hybrid version of its top seller Accord—the United States’ second most popular model of car behind the Camry.
But, Honda run short on its effort for hybrids because it used hybrid technology for supposedly better performance rather than for fuel economy, which is deemed more important these times due to the soaring gasoline prices.
Overall, whichever Toyota hybrid car model you choose, for sure you will always be a winner. Toyota really has come up with the best and high-quality cars, hybrid or not, surpassing all the competitors.
Like this article? The Hybrid Cars of Toyota, Amazingly Unique!
Buying A Fuel-Efficient Car
Whether you buy a new or used vehicle, fuel efficiency--good gas mileage--is high on the list of most buyers' concerns. The difference between choosing a fuel-efficient car or one that guzzles gas, will either save or cost you money over the life of the vehicle, which could be substantial. Fuel efficiency varies widely from one car to the next. Obviously you can check the EPA rating for city/highway MPG on the window sticker, although most of us know the average car never reaches those numbers.
You can also check consumer guides, car magazines and Web sites, Web site forums or ask friends, relatives and co-workers which vehicles they recommend as fuel-efficient cars. Don't buy more car than you need, as larger vehicles generally have bigger engines that are less fuel-efficient. Find the most fuel-efficient car in the size group you're interested in, whether a two-seater, compact, mid-sized, SUV or pickup truck. There are several online sites where you can compare fuel consumption ratings of any car.
Your choice of transmission can also affect the fuel efficiency of the vehicle. Generally, a car with manual transmission is a more fuel-efficient car than one with automatic-assuming you shift properly. And a manual with overdrive, tachometer or shift indicator is the biggest fuel saver, saving up to 10% on fuel costs. If you do buy an automatic, which makes more sense for larger cars, the more gears the better.
Under normal driving conditions, smaller engines offer better fuel efficiency and economy than larger ones. All other things being equal, the larger engine and the more cylinders it has, the more fuel it consumes. Additionally, cars with smaller engines usually cost less and gas costs are lower because you don't need higher octane gas. That doesn't mean a bigger engine is never a good choice. In some cases, a larger, more powerful engine may provide the greater fuel efficiency. If you use your vehicle for work or often tow heavy loads, a smaller engine could burn more fuel if it has to work too hard and function beyond its most fuel-efficient range.
Depending on the type and size of motor vehicle you purchase, you may have the choice of front-wheel, rear-wheel, four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The majority of passenger cars and minivans have front-wheel drive, a design that supplies better traction and more interior room than rear-wheel drive. Although front-wheel drive was originally adopted to improve fuel economy over rear-wheel drive by reducing the weight and size of cars without giving up driving performance or interior space, there's really not much difference in fuel efficiency between the two.
And although four-wheel and all-wheel drive provide better traction and braking in certain driving conditions, the weight and friction of the additional drivetrain parts may increase fuel consumption by up to 10% over a two-wheel drive vehicle. Most often in SUVs and pickup trucks, four-wheel drive is enabled at will by the driver when additional traction is necessary. All-wheel drive is an option on some SUVs and a minority of passenger cars. Full-time all-wheel drive, however, makes for the least fuel-efficient car, because all four wheels are always being driven, drawing power from the engine and thus using more gas.
Another way to be a fuel saver, is by limiting the options you select for your car. You may not have realized that many conveniences from power windows, seats and mirrors to air conditioning and seat warmers decrease fuel efficiency and cost you more in fuel consumption. They add either weight, increase aerodynamic drag or pull extra power from the engine or through the alternator. Aluminium wheels are one of the few options that actually reduce weight and thereby increase fuel efficiency.
Obviously, considering other fuel options such as a hybrid electric car, is another choice for a fuel-efficient car.
About the Author
Andrea Susan Glass, founder of WritersWay and All About Hybrid Cars, helps clients reach their writing and marketing goals with effective articles, press releases, newsletters, Web site copy, eBooks and books. An award-winning author for "Street Smart Secrets to Auto Care You Can Trust," she has written books, eBooks and articles on subjects ranging from animals and auto repair to singles and spirituality.
Written by: Andrea Susan Glass
