Fuel-efficient cars are becoming increasingly attractive to American consumers, so it’s no surprise that more and more car shoppers are looking at hybrids. If you’re thinking of buying a hybrid, you’re looking at a range of high-tech cars that get great gas mileage, cut polluting emissions and earn you a tax break. What’s not to like?

Hybrids Save Gas (and Money)

Hybrids get terrific gas mileage by harnessing cutting-edge technologies and designs. For example, the Toyota Prius, a mid-size sedan, is rated by the Environmental Protection Agency at 60 miles per gallon in city driving, and 51 on the highway (actual mileage may vary due to changing driving conditions and different driving styles).

That’s better than twice the mileage you can expect from a standard mid-size car – and that means big savings at the pump.

Hybrids Are Easy on the Environment

Hybrid technologies reduce polluting emissions, including greenhouse gases. So choosing to drive a hybrid helps curb global warming and cuts air pollution, as well as helping break America’s dependence on foreign oil.

Hybrid Owners Get a Tax Break

Even the government is catching on that hybrids are good for the country. If you bought a hybrid during the 2006 tax year, you can get a deduction on your federal tax return - the amount varies according to your hybrid’s level of fuel efficiency. If you pay state taxes, you could have a deduction or tax credit coming on your state return, too.

For more information, visit http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-article_118/

Hybrids Come in Many Shapes and Sizes – and More Are on the Way

Honda introduced the first hybrid to America in 1999 – the Honda Insight, a two-door hatchback with a 60 miles-per-gallon rating. Today, American consumers can choose from among hybrids in several major classes, and by 2008, nearly 25 hybrid models from a dozen carmakers will be on the market.

The models listed below are available in 2006 – click on the links for manufacturers specifications.

For detailed comparisons of hybrids, visit http://autos.yahoo.com/green_center-fuel_hybrid_cars-cars/

Sedans

• Honda Accord Hybrid (4-door), estimated 30 mpg city/37 mpg highway
• Honda Civic Hybrid (4-door), estimated 47/48 mpg
• Honda Insight Hybrid (2-door hatchback), estimated 61/66 mpg
• Lexus GS 450h Hybrid (4-door), estimated 25/28 mpg
• Nissan Altima Hybrid (4-door), estimated 42/36 mpg
• Toyota Prius Hybrid (4-door hatchback), estimated 60/51 mpg

SUVs

• Ford Escape Hybrid, estimated 36/31 mpg http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_ford_escape_hybrid/
• Mercury Mariner Hybrid, estimated 33/29 mpg
• Lexus RX 400h Hybrid, estimated 30/26 mpg http://autos.yahoo.com/2007_lexus_rx_400h/
• Saturn Vue Green Line Hybrid, estimated 27/32 mpg
• Toyota Highlander Hybrid, estimated 32/27 mpg

Trucks

• Chevrolet Silverado/GMC Sierra Hybrid Pickup, estimated 18/20 mpg

Under the Hybrid Hood

Not all hybrids work the same way, but all hybrids now on American roads have these characteristics in common:

1. Dual power sources – Hybrids use the combined power of gasoline engines and battery-powered motors to run the vehicle. The battery lacks the full power of the engine, but it can provide a significant boost, particularly at low speeds.

   Some hybrids are capable of running solely on the battery for a period, but most require the engine to operate.

2. Engine off during idle – Pull up to a stoplight in a hybrid, and the gas-powered engine shuts off. The battery-powered motors handle the minimal chores required when the car’s not moving, saving fuel.

3. Regenerative braking – Hybrids capture the energy from the spinning wheel during braking, and use it to recharge the battery. Hybrids don’t need to be plugged in.

   Several hybrids, and even some conventional cars, also use a more efficient transmission.

4. Continuously variable transmission – CVT replaces the standard 5 or 6 fixed gears with a larger array of very closely spaced gears to maximize fuel efficiency.

For a more information on how hybrids work, visit the Yahoo! Autos Green Center