But is it reliable?

Consumer Reports annual reliability results are in…

According to the survey, nine hybrid models for which we have sufficient data earned above-average predicted-reliability Ratings. Most of those hybrids are from Japanese automakers.

…

TOYOTA BOUNCES BACK

Last year we called out three Toyota models that had slipped to below average: the Camry V6, Tundra V8 4WD, and the Lexus GS AWD. Toyota seems to have rectified some of the problems-all 42 of the Toyota, Lexus, and Scion models in our survey scored average or better. While the three models noted above scored merely average, most models got above-average Ratings.

Prius pricing

Edmunds reports (or speculates depending on your point of view) that Toyota may keep sale pricing on the current 2009 Prius even after the 2010 Prius makes it debut to better compete with the soon to be showrooms Honda Insight.

A gift for GM and sort of a gift for you (maybe)

From consumerreports.org…

$750 billion bailout contains a gift to GM

A little noticed part of the giant $750 billion economic bailout package passed recently to shore up banks by allowing taxpayers to buy up bad loans and bank stock is a provision promoting electric cars. Make that plug-in hybrid vehicles, specifically, the Chevrolet Volt.

Under the provision, buyers of the Volt would receive a tax credit of $7,504, the highest available on a car. The new law gives higher tax credits for cars with bigger batteries. In effect, these batteries would be too large to be charged just by an onboard engine in a traditional hybrid and would have to be plugged in to recharge. So far General Motors and Toyota are the only automakers that have announced plans to produce plug-in hybrid vehicles in the near future. For now, the larger credits really only apply to the Volt, because hybrid tax credits have phased out for Toyota products. (After any automaker builds 60,000 hybrids, their products are no longer eligible for the hybrid tax credits. After January 1, Hondas will not be eligible either.)

General Motors had been lobbying Congress for higher tax credits on the Volt, claiming that its large, advanced battery pack would push the price of the car beyond the reach of average consumers.

In June, General Motors Vice Chairman of Global Product Development Bob Lutz said the Volt would have to cost $40,000 for GM to break even on the car.
Earlier, the company indicated a target price for the Volt of around $30,000 to make it competitive with other high-priced small sedans. The $7,500 tax credit could go a long way toward making the Volt affordable for consumers. However, we have found that many consumers subject to the Alternative Minimum Tax don’t qualify for hybrid tax credits. So make sure you qualify before putting down a deposit.

– Eric Evarts

Prius beats Lamborghini

2009 Toyota Prius Crowned Overall Fuel Economy Leader; Lamborghini Murcielago Is Last

WASHINGTON — The 2009 Toyota Prius, rated at 48 mpg city and 45 highway, is the overall fuel economy leader for the third year in a row, according to the recently published U.S. government’s 2009 Fuel Economy Guide. The 2009 Lamborghini Murciélago, rated at 8 city and 14 highway, is at the bottom of the heap.

The federal government says that the Murciélago has an annual fuel cost of $6,450.

The EPA has yet to rate the electric Tesla Roadster or the Toyota FCHV and the Honda FCX Clarity, two of the first fuel-cell vehicles on the road here, noting in the guide that mileage ratings are “TBD.” The guide is available at www.fueleconomy.gov.

Hybrids and the newcomer Smart Fortwo dominated the upper rankings of the list. The top five most fuel-efficient vehicles in the 2009 Fuel Economy Guide are:

Toyota Prius: 48/45
Honda Civic Hybrid: 40/45
Nissan Altima Hybrid: 35/33
Two-Wheel-Drive Versions of the Ford Escape Hybrid, Mercury Mariner Hybrid, Mazda Tribute Hybrid : 34/31
Smart Fortwo: 33/41

Volkswagen’s 2009 Jetta diesels also made a strong showing, ending up in the top 10. The Jetta diesel sedan and wagon with manual transmission rank seventh at 30 city/41 highway. The diesel sedan and wagon with automatic are eighth at 29 city/40 highway.

It comes as little surprise that many exotic cars received sub-par rankings. The 2009 Bentley Azure gets 9 mpg in city driving and 15 mpg on the highway and has an annual fuel cost of $5,863. The 2009 Ferrari 612 Scaglietti gets 10 mpg in city driving and 15 mpg on the highway, with an annual fuel cost of $5,373. The 2009 Roush Performance Stage 3 Mustang gets 14 mpg in city driving and 20 mpg on the highway, with an annual fuel cost of $4,031.

The EPA notes that consumers may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400 for hybrids and diesels or $4,000 for alternative fuel vehicles (AFVs). “Compressed natural gas vehicles are the only AFVs commercially available as of publication of this guide,” it said. The 2009 Honda Civic CNG is ranked at 24 mpg city and 36 mpg highway, with an annual fuel cost of $1,366.

For consumers who are weary of high prices at the pump, the guide notes: “You could save $300 to $2,000 in fuel costs each year by choosing the most fuel efficient vehicle in a particular class.”

Inside Line says: A must-read if you’re shopping for a new 2009 car or truck. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

Non-profit car share in Minnesota

Clean-fuel car-sharing option unveiled in Twin Cities

Solar-powered recharging stations for plug-in hybrid HOURCARs were announced in St. Paul.

Features of the cars include a car-sharing computer and a solar-powered recharging system.

HOURCARs are available at hourly rates that include the costs of gasoline, maintenance and insurance.

Members reserve HOURCARs online for any time up to three months ahead of their trip.

HOURCARs are part of a program of the nonprofit Neighborhood Energy Connection, whose mission is to “reduce pollution, conserve resources and improve quality of life by offering tools for energy-efficient living.”

PAUL WALSH