Hybrid Cars For 2008

2008 Lexus LS600h

The all-new LS 600h L is powered by the ultra-quiet Lexus Hybrid Drive system, the automotive industry's most advanced gas-electric hybrid system developed to date that features the world's first full V8, all-wheel-drive (AWD) hybrid drivetrain. The system combines a new 5.0-liter V8 gasoline engine with two powerful electric motors and a newly designed large-capacity battery pack that is lighter and extremely quiet. Together, this advanced combination provides the LS 600h L with an unmatched balance of environmental efficiency and performance.

2008 Saturn Aura

The 2008 AURA is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in two trims, the XE Sedan and the XR Sedan. The XE Sedan is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4, 169-horsepower engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 30-mpg on the highway. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard. The XR Sedan is equipped with a standard 3.6-liter, V6, 252-horsepower engine that achieves 17-mpg in the city and 26-mpg on the highway. A 6-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2008 Chevrolet Malibu

The redesigned 2008 Chevrolet Malibu is offered in three trim levels, LS, LT and LTZ, powered by either a 169-horsepower 2.4-liter Ecotec DOHC four-cylinder engine or a 252-horsepower 3.6-liter DOHC V6 with variable valve timing. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard with the V6 and will be available later in the model year with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder on the LTZ. Side-curtain airbags and front seat-mounted thorax protection air bags are standard. A gasoline-electric hybrid Malibu will be available in the fourth quarter of 2007, powered by a single-mode hybrid system similar to the current Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid which saves gasoline by shutting off the engine when stopped.

2008 Toyota Prius

The 2008 Toyota Prius adds a new lower-priced Standard model but is otherwise unchanged. This gas/electric hybrid car is a five-passenger, 4-door hatchback that teams a 4-cylinder engine with a battery-powered electric motor for 110 hp. Toyota's hybrid system automatically runs on one or both of its power sources to balance acceleration and fuel economy. No plug-in charging is required. Prius has a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). In addition to the Standard, Base and sport-themed Touring trim levels are offered. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags.

2008 Honda Civic

The Civic Hybrid with its advanced IMA hybrid technology achieves the highest fuel economy of any 2008 Honda automobile with an EPA-estimated city/highway fuel economy of 40/45 miles per gallon . The Civic Hybrid is equipped with Advanced-Technology Partial Zero Emissions Vehicle (AT-PZEV) equipment and a standard continuously variable transmission (CVT). The Civic Hybrid can deactivate up to all four of its cylinders and operate using only the electric motor in certain low-speed cruising situations. Power is provided by a 1.3-liter i-VTEC 4-cylinder engine and a 20 horsepower electric motor, producing a combined 110-horsepower @ 6000 rpm and combined 123 lb-ft. torque @ 1000-2500 rpm.

2008 Lexus GS450H

The 2008 GS 450h is a 4-door, 5-passenger luxury sedan, available in one trim only, the Sedan. The GS 450h is equipped with a standard 3.5-liter, V6, 340-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 22-mpg in the city and 25-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2008 Mercury Mariner

The hybrid system in the Mariner uses a 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine, with a 133 horsepower output, mated to a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The gas engine is augmented by a 70 kilowatt electric motor. A control module monitors the battery level, driver throttle input, and other car data to determine whether to run the car off the electric motor, or both the motor and the engine. It also decides when to use the engine to charge up the battery.

2008 Toyota Camry

The 2008 Camry Hybrid is a 4-door, 5-passenger family sedan, available in one trim only, the 4-Door Sedan. The Camry Hybrid is equipped with a standard 2.4-liter, I4 , 192-horsepower, hybrid engine that achieves 33-mpg in the city and 34-mpg on the highway. A variable speed automatic transmission with overdrive is standard.

2008 Ford Escape

All trim levels of the Ford Escape can be had with either front- or all-wheel drive. A 2.3-liter inline-4 (153 hp, 152 pound-feet of torque) powers all trims except the Limited, which comes with a 3.0-liter V6 (200 hp and 193 lb-ft). The V6 is optional on the XLT. The 2.3 can be fitted with either a five-speed manual transmission (XLS only) or a four-speed automatic. The V6 comes only with the automatic transmission. Properly equipped, the V6 Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds.

2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

All Highlander hybrids are powered by a second-generation version of the Hybrid Synergy Drive technology found in the Toyota Prius. The Highlander Hybrid offers a 3.3-liter V6 while achieving a gas-sipping combined fuel economy rating of 27.6 miles to the gallon.

2008 Lexus RX400h

The RX 400h delivers a rare combination of sport utility performance and Lexus luxury in an environmentally conscious hybrid. If you're in the market for a luxury midsize SUV and are willing to sacrifice hybrid fuel efficiency, consider the Lexus RX 350 for a near-identical SUV at a lower sticker price, or the closely competitive Infiniti FX and Acura MDX.