Honda to Make Cheaper Hybrid by 2009
A frequent complaint from hybrid critics is the price increase over gas-only models. With more hybrids now being sold than ever before, it’s certain that customers are feeling that pinch. Honda announced earlier this week that its new hybrid models will be closing the gap with estimated differences falling under $2000.
Honda President, Takeo Fukui, said Honda’s new line up of hybrids will debut in 2009, with a five-seater hatchback similar to the FCX Clarity. Also in the works, a Honda Fit, and a sporty CR-Z.
All of that is great, of course, but when will we get a hybrid minivan? Come on, Fukui. I thought you might be the man to put the plan in motion. For a company seemingly in a race to catch up with Toyota, and having a very successful minivan currently in production, I think ignoring this market is a mistake.
MLive.com also has a list of “hybrid premiums” and how many years it typically takes to get your investment back (based on specific factors, including an average gas price that will soon be surpassed, shrinking these estimates some):
2008 Toyota Highlander
2008 Toyota Highlander hybrid $7,495 11.4
2008 Ford Escape
2008 Ford Escape hybrid $4,161 6.9
2008 Lexus RX350
2008 Lexus RX400h $4,407 6.1
2008 Mercury Mariner
2008 Mercury Mariner hybrid $4,904 6.0
2008 Honda Civic
2008 Honda Civic hybrid $2,803 4.6
2008 Chevrolet Malibu
2008 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid $438 2.6
2008 Toyota Camry
2008 Toyota Camry hybrid $889 1.5
Their Source: Edmunds.com
My Sources? MLive.com and Forbes.com
Photo: Honda.com
That’s great they’ll be making cheaper cars – but I don’t much like the design (of this white one). It’s a little too sporty.
There are no environmental solutions to environmental problems, only social, economic and political ones.
@Jennifer – Did you like the FCX? That’s (supposedly) what their first model should resemble.
I do understand that this is a US site. But please understand in Canada we are past 5$
as a 1 liter (1.35) = US Gallons 3.78 os that make it $ 5.10 Gallons so have fun with your summer :( I may come down there lol
You’d be more than welcome to visit :p but I think by the end of the summer we’ll both be paying significantly more for gas.
Another small car I can’t fit in. (sigh)
I gave the Scion xB a shoot finally, and the dash was fixed in such a way I had to force my foot to press the gas and break pedal. (Translation, leg fatigue and cramps.) Otherwise plenty of room.
Why can’t they make the seat rail just two inces longer!!!!
The Camary had plently of leg room, but the steering wheel forced my leg to the side at an odd angle.
That stinks! Even the Camry was too small? I’m very small (5′2″) so I’ve always kind of envied taller people, but not now. (((Mamoru))) Thank you for coming back with your opinions of the cars though. That’ll help someone else out.
Thanks Hil
Yep, because of the steering wheel pushing my leg to the side, it was not suitable for the occasional long drive.
The Honda Fit might be a possibility with a lead I got on ecomodder.com, but I would have to wait several years before I could get one. Resale value has not dropped below 10k yet.
Mamoru
6′8″ 320