10 Reasons You Don't Need a Hybrid

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The article is incomplete. Consider the 2010 VW Sportwagen in diesel also gets 42 mpg on the highway. We have the older 2002 version that has now averaged 48 mpg over the first 200,000 miles without a problem. In our area, they command a premium for resale value and have depreciated very little. Who cares about hybrids like Toyota when our current vehicle gets better mileage and can start at -40 without a problem?

tom of ND 9:08AM June 22, 2010

I would add the clean turbo Diesel version of BMW's X5 SUV (the xDrive 35D) to your list, for someone who wants a large SUV with good towing capacity, yet good mileage. It's rated at 19/26 mpg, though we've consistently gotten 28 mpg on highway cruises. This is nearly twice the mpg of the V8 version, and with its large fuel tank, the diesel can go over 600 miles between fill-ups. It's great for road trips, where you can refuel once a day and time your stops for bio needs rather than fuel. It has tons of torque and great passing power, though it's a tad slow off the line due to minor turbo lag.

Jim K of VA 11:41PM June 21, 2010

Among the vehicles that Rick Newman has singled out to mention, the Chevrolet Equinox and its twin, the GMC Terrain, most especially do NOT belong on this list.
The mileage figures quoted are for the 4-cylinder 2-wheel drive models which make up a very small proportion of total sales. Most Equinox models are equipped with all-wheel-drive.
On numerous auto fan websites Equinox owners of the 4-cylinder 2-wheel drive models report highway gas mileage of between 26 and 28 mpg. It is widely assumed that GM has tailored their vehicles to perform to the test and in the case of the Equinox and GMC Terrain the test results do not translate into accurate real world gas mileage results.
Moreover, the gas mileage figures for the Equinox and GMC Terrain are NOT in reality better than those of competing vehicles offered by other manufacturers.
Rick Newman hasn't done his homework for this article and the people who hire reporters for U.S. News and World Report haven't done theirs either.

John Cosmo of CO 11:31PM June 21, 2010

The authors comments in the Mercedes road test are a typical American's view of what you need to tow a boat or other trailer (ie: a large V8 engine) in any vehicle.
I have used 3 different small Toyota trucks with the 4 cylinder engine and manual transmission to tow loads up to 6800 pounds (I have weigh station receipts to prove this). My current 2005 Tacoma 4 cylinder has towed this amount of weight from Virginia to Colorado, and other trips for a total of over 4,000 miles of towing with zero mechanical problems. I now have over 60,000 miles on it, and it runs fine. I get 19 MPG city and 24 MPG highway (without trailer) by driving reasonably. Same with the other trucks I owned which went over 140,000 miles before I sold them and bought new ones (again: no problems). The problem with buying a large V8 powered truck is that you get bad fuel economy every day, towing or not. My neighbor has a huge Dodge pickup with a V8, and he says he averages around 12 MPG city and 17 highway. The only thing the family carries is a few grocery bags. I drive a little 2007 Toyota Corolla for everyday stuff, and get an honest 32 city/39 highway. Sorry, but I am convinced that Americans feel they NEED a huge engine to tow anything. I don't believe it.

Mark of CO 6:22PM June 21, 2010

This August will mark our Ford Escort's 10th anniversary. It cost us about $10,000 in 2000, and since purchase we have paid for gas, oil, an air filter, fuel filter, one set of tires, and last week, a new battery. Its performance has hardly been "wheezy", either. And you recommend a Fiesta? LOL!

Brian of NM 5:21PM June 21, 2010

I own a 2001 super charged Buick Regal. Bought it used before knowing that it used premium fuel. However, BECAUSE OF CAREFUL DRIVING HABITS, I average 21 mpg city and almost 3o mpg highway. The key here is careful driving. No jack rabbit starts, no sudden stops. Keep a safe distance and use cruise control whenever possible. Good driving habits equal good gas mileage.

David Litke of MA 5:17PM June 21, 2010

I just made a round trip from Meriden, CT to Albany, NY and back in my '08 Prius. I got 50.0 mpg. For my usual day-to-day driving, I average 46.5 to 48.5 mpg depending on the time of year.
If you're getting anything less, you're just playing into the hands of mega-rich oil dictators who would be happy to do harm to you and your nation. You're also encouraging corporations like BP to drill as quickly and haphazardly as possible to feed your addiction.
I can't wait until a practical, affordable electric vehicle is produced. I'll buy one as soon as possible.

Joe of CT 4:41PM June 21, 2010

you are so right, $4? No, $10 - that will wake up everybody when they purchase a new car

DS of AZ 3:55PM June 21, 2010

It handles well, has plenty of performance, and gets great mileage. I have had one for four years and have averaged 46.4 mpg during that period of all-around driving. Stop trying to sell 35 mpg as great mileage. What we really need to stimulate the production of gas-efficient cars is a gasoline tax. We need $4.00 per gallon gas. Charge the tax and then give the money back to the people.

Gene Mosca of PA 3:28PM June 21, 2010

My wife and I just returned from a round trip from Mechanicsburg, PA to Detroit, MI. We did not stop once enroute for a fill up. Trip was 500 miles each way. We got 33 5+. mpg in our 2005 Buick LeSabre V6. We averaged the speed limit of 65mph. With this performance, I am with a keeper.

Walter C. Daniels of PA 3:12PM June 21, 2010