2007 Hybrid Vehicle Guide

Buyers of hybrid vehicles are still eligible for tax credits from the federal government, ranging from $650 to $2,600 (depending on model). Because the favorable treatment diminishes for popular makes with high sales totals, tax credits for Toyota and Lexus models will be cut in half as of April 1, 2007 and disappear completely after September 30, 2007.


For several years, critics have claimed that fuel-economy estimates for hybrids, as issued by the Environmental Protection Agency, are exaggerated and unrealistic. The EPA is responding in 2007 by issuing new, lower mpg estimates that are supposed to reflect real-world driving more accurately. Estimates for hybrids will drop by as much as 20 percent. Note: EPA figures stated below are the earlier measurements.


Hybrids have recently been criticized from another quarter. The National Federation for the Blind would like them to emit a little noise, claiming that nearly silent hybrids running on battery power cannot be heard by sightless pedestrians.


Unlike pure-electric vehicles, hybrids never need to be plugged into an electrical outlet. Their batteries charge while driving. Gasoline engines typically shut off when the vehicle is stopped, to conserve fuel. Some early hybrids made the gasoline engine dominant and could never run on battery power alone. Many current models can be electric-only for short distances at low speed, under light-load conditions. Hybrid powertrains switch automatically, and usually seamlessly, to the most efficient power source. Here is a brief shopping guide:

Chevrolet Silverado Classic Hybrid

Chevrolet's Silverado Hybrid pickup truck, and its GMC Sierra Hybrid cousin, debuted in 2004 and are available through 2007 in Classic (previous design) styling. Considered a "passive" hybrid, the Silverado Classic's electric motor does not provide propulsion, but assistance to the gasoline engine. A 5.3-liter V8 makes 295 hp and 335 lb.-ft. of torque while delivering 16/21 mpg city/highway mileage in 2WD and 15/19 city/highway mileage in 4WD trim.