Getting real with the Hybrids

Don`t go ditching your Hybrid vehicles so easily though.

IntelliChoice.com, an online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis (and part of the package of companies for sale by Primedia), says that the EPA`s new gas mileage ratings should not be a primary concern for auto buyers considering hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

According to James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com in a report from The AutoChannel, “The EPA`s new gas mileage ratings update a 24-year-old model for measuring fuel economy and have been anticipated for some time. We strongly support the new ratings, which will help consumers by estimating miles-per-gallon based on real-world driving conditions. The bottom line is that hybrids still provide the highest fuel economy when measured against respective vehicles in their class. According to the EPA, on average, there will be a 10 percent decrease on most vehicles.”

IntelliChoice.com`s recently announced Best Overall Value of the Year awards for model-year 2007 recognized several hybrid vehicles for their overall value, including the Toyota Prius, which was ranked as the best car value under $23,000, and the Ford Escape Hybrid, which was ranked as the best SUV under $28,000.

“We have been saying for some time that fuel economy is just one of the many appealing factors for hybrids” said Bell. “Our value rankings take into account their many other strengths, such as resale value and high levels of quality.”