VALUE
Hybrids are required to do more with less fuel – and while a typical hybrid gets a break on drivability, that’s changing – and fast.
Figure out a universal definition of “value” and take your place among the world’s great thinkers. Or get yourself committed for trying.
And though value means something different to everyone, there are a few qualities that serve as a baseline for all things of value. In the automotive world, value starts with a well-built car, priced right and capable of doing the things it is supposed to do. If it’s a convertible, the top should go up and down quickly and the seals should keep water out of the cabin. If it’s an SUV, it should offer command seating and lots of cargo/passenger space, on a sliding scale with fuel economy. All cars should drive decently, and provide a comfortable interior. Then there’s the hybrid factor. Hybrids are required to do more with less fuel –- and while in the old days a typical hybrid would get a break on drivability, that’s changing –- and fast. According to Autobytel Reader Polls, car buyers want to buy hybrids, and don’t feel they should sacrifice much –- if anything. The long and the short of it is, when evaluating the three primary hybrid vehicles available for sale, the test was based first on commonly applied standards of value that consumers should expect from all cars in their respective segments. A second criteria was added, gauging how these vehicles fulfilled their promise as hybrid vehicles in delivering less fuel expense, lower pollutants and requiring fewer gas station trips -- all the while maintaining a threshold of performance and convenience. As a result of these two standards, the Toyota Prius continues to provide the most value – this time, against two of it’s own, the Ford Escape Hybrid and the Honda Accord Hybrid were no match for the value offered by the Toyota Prius.
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