James Bell Hybrids Quotations

Hybrids continue to refute the argument that their cost of ownership fails to justify their slightly higher sticker prices. Perhaps more importantly, this is the first time that two hybrids, the Ford Escape and the Toyota Highlander, dominate the SUV category. This is also the second year in a row that one vehicle, the Honda Odyssey, swept the minivan category.

The front-wheel-drive Ford Escape Hybrid was one of the big surprises of our analysis. It gets between 31 and 36 miles per gallon, which is unheard for a vehicle of its size and utility. It has a four-cylinder engine but gives drivers nearly the power of a six-cylinder engine without hurting their wallet. And the industry is finding that all hybrids are proving to be well engineered and therefore allow owners to maintain a very low Cost of Ownership.