Let’s face it, most of the people who review cars for a living aren’t going to get overly excited about a Ford Escape or a Saturn Vue, even if they are hybrids.  These professional drivers and writers have been behind the wheels of many of the fastest and most expensive vehicles ever built.  So, how can the cars, trucks, and suv’s that most of us drive to work each day compare to the greatest cars in the world?  Reality is, they can’t.  Read more...

It is possible this could end up being the most popular hybrid SUV yet.  Saturn is preparing to begin production of a totally redesigned Vue Green Line, and this time they are using GM’s two-mode hybrid system.  Unlike the mild hybrid Vue that has been around for the past couple of years, the all new Vue will feature the same technology found in the hybrid Tahoe and Yukon.  The difference should be worth the wait.  Read more...

At last year’s Frankfurt Auto Show (2007), BMW debuted a concept vehicle known as the X6 (photos).  Half crossover – half sports car, the X6 ActiveHybrid (BMW dubs it the world’s first Sports Activity Coupe) gave us our first look at how BMW might use the hybrid knowledge they gained via their collaboration with DiamlerChrysler and General Motors (details here).  Fast forward to the 2008 Geneva Auto Show, and BMW’s EfficientDynamics initiative appears to be in full swing with the introduction of the concept X5 Hybrid-Diesel SUV.  Read more...

Used hybrid SUV’s are in high demand as an increasing number of buyers are looking for an affordable way to get into their first hybrid vehicle.  There are several likely reasons why more people are now shopping for a used hybrid, beginning with the obvious fact that consumers are really starting to feel the pinch of higher gas prices at the pump.  Even as the demand for gasoline is falling and oil inventories are at historic highs, crude oil sits at a record $104.52 a barrel today.  Across the nation, drivers are now paying an average $3.18 a gallon, up from $2.97 a month ago and $2.49 this time last year (according to AAA).  Read more...

The Chrysler Aspen has been around since 2007 and is essentially an upscale version of the more popular Dodge Durango. And as Dodge prepares to debut a hybrid Durango, Chrysler has announced that they will roll out a hybrid Aspen around the same time (late 2008).  Also like Dodge, this will be Chrysler’s first hybrid vehicle - with both companies attempting to grab their slice of the hybrid suv pie. Since both of the trucks have Hemi’s, it’s only a matter of time before we’ll see a television commercial where someone rolls down their window and asks, “Hey, does that thing have a hybrid?”.  Read more...