Relevant to this discussion is the fact that for the past 14 years I've driven a 1992 Toyota Corolla, which we still own and love (so reliable and with great "pep"/acceleration.)
A huge reason I chose the Ford Escape Hybrid is I really wanted a larger vehicle -- easier to haul camping gear and some additional perceived safety from being higher/seeing further ahead in traffic -- but I didn't want to sacrifice the fuel economy I've been enjoying for those 14 years.
I didn't obsess about my fuel economy in the Corolla -- I didn't have to, it was just consistently good and inexpensive to fuel-up (an adjustment I have now that I drive the Escape, with a gas tank that's 3 gallons larger than the Corolla's, and hence costs more to fuel-up when empty.)
From Justin, my husband, who's now using our 1992 Toyota Corolla as his commuter vehicle (instead of the Ford F-150 4x4, which we both love but is obviously less fuel efficient.)
Quote:
---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Moore, Justin W.
Date: Apr 13, 2006 3:03 PM
Subject: Latest Corolla mileage
To: Shannon
Just ran the numbers after filling up the tank at Exxon this morning.
Drum Roll…
27.67 miles per gallon!
Whipee!
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Not bad for a 14 year old vehicle, indeed. She's long been paid off, and I can only pray my Ford Escape Hybrid has such a long and successful life. If I have any fears at all, they have more to do with Ford in general than hybrid technology. My Toyota experience has just been stellar. I'm just giving Ford a chance, given that Justin (F-150 Supercrew 4x4), his brother (F-150 Reg. Cab) and father (F-150 Extended Cab) as well as my brother ('05 Mustang) and father ('05 Mustang GT) are having good experiences with their various Fords.
Still, the hybrid sedans out now? 27.67 mpg is a fraction of what they can do. There will always be something more fuel efficient than the next guy on the roadways. No one's single-handedly saving oil, the environment or the air. But if you're already looking for a new car, and have any geeky tendencies, check out a hybrid -- they're pretty amazing technologically. I always hoped we'd have flying cars by "2010"... well, I guess we'll have to settle for hybrids, eh? :cool: