Comments on: Next Wave of Japanese Hybrids Heading to US

By: Denny Melton

Denny Melton — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 02:05:58 +0000

I would like to find out abaot the new 2011 toyota avaalon2011 car

By: Paul H Behrens

Paul H Behrens — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:07:18 +0000

I have had an Insight for years.

I Love It,

Howard Hughes said to us that all cars should be built out of aluminum, Use electric power and use a Hughes Controller so you generate power when slowing down.

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=59710976

By: Fern

Fern — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 06:47:39 +0000

Vinnie ballgame, I think the comment about web site being a front for Toyota was referring to the site in sean t’s comment. . . . someone correct me if I am wrong:

sean t says: 4 days agoMr Bear, read this:
http://www.autoevolution.com/news/toyota-corolla-hybrid-made-in-thailand…

By: LC

LC — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 21:13:09 +0000

I have been waiting for a hybrid minivan for the last 3 years. We were hoping the hybrid Sienna was coming out in 2006 but when it didn’t, we got the Odyssey. We seriously looked into the hybrid Highlander as an alternative, but for a family of 5, going on week-long vacations, a van is much roomier and convenient. We’ve driven from NJ to FL with 7 people very comfortably; can’t do that with an SUV unless it’s a monster one like a Suburban. But that’s at a cost to the gas mileage. And the GM ‘hybrids’ on their big SUVs were a joke; the Odyssey gave almost as good mileage and is much cheaper.
We love Honda and Acura; never liked Toyota until the Gen3 Prius came out. We recently got it and love it. I don’t think we can ever go back to conventional gas cars. It just feels too good to get the great gas mileage. So…Honda …. listen up … if you can get a hybrid Odyssey out in the market, I’ll come back to you.

By: vinnie ballgame

vinnie ballgame — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 02:12:59 +0000

Frannck, the guy who runs this site isn’t getting any more from Toyota than you are. As I type this, I see a banner ad for the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, and a margin ad for the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid. If Toyota indeed owns this site, they need to work on the ROI side. Or charge GM enough so that it goes away. A couple years back, he was among the first people to rip the Lexus GS hybrids. In the same month, I believe, he wrote glowingly about how far one could drive the Mercury Mariner/Ford Escape hybrids in full EV mode, and wondered why the Prius couldn’t do the same. Next time, firmly grasp the fact before swinging it, please.

By: qqRockyBeans

qqRockyBeans — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 18:49:09 +0000

I agree with the people that want qa Mazda 5 hybrid
and I'd also like the manual transmission with it, as well as a sunroof

Wasn't Chrysler working on a Caravan hybrid?

By: Dave K.

Dave K. — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 16:07:37 +0000

Frannk: The truth is Toyota is the world leader in hybrid tech, by a lot, so of course a lot is said on this site about Toyota. I also agree with John K. Honda has made some mistakes. But let’s be fair, they at least are playing in the big leagues, #2 in total sales of hybrids and probably #3 in technology (I think Ford is #2). But I have to say I was a Honda guy (owned several of them) until the Gen2 Prius, nothing else came close. I too would like to see a hybrid minivan for families, and whoever builds a small hybrid coupe gets my next new car purachase, are you listening?

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 23:52:40 +0000

Speaking of Honda, what about the next gen Civic Hybrid?

By: John K.

John K. — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:41:29 +0000

First hybrid mistake Honda made was using hybrid tech as "an electric supercharger" in their Accord. Not only that, but they only offered this "sporty" option in the 4-door, not the 2-door version of the Accord. Strike one, Honda.

Honda could have offered a hybrid Odyssey years ago when they last offered a hybrid Accord -- they both used the same engine and transaxle. What fit in the Accord could fit in the Odyssey, and the minivan would have had more than enough room for the battery pack. Honda could have had a monopoly in that niche market. Strike two, Honda.

Similarly, rather than waiting to release an expensive 4-seat hybrid sports car (the CR-Z), Honda could have released years ago a hybrid version of their beautiful yet affordable Civic Coupe. Strike three, Honda.

I'm being polite by ignoring the original Insight that C&D described as being slower than a riding mower and as that very rare car that both understeers and oversteers at the same time . . . LOL!

Perhaps Honda should have a new motto: "We do hybrids wrong."

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:14:53 +0000

Japan has had the Toyota Estima hybrid for almost a decade.

Agreed with other posters that the Mazda5 would be the perfect vehicle in this class (and have long wished for that). My ultimate version would be electric, with a real-world 100-mile range and Level-3 charge capability.

Also on the wish list, since it's possible: make the unibody from carbon fiber, and thermally insulate the cabin. I'd pay 50% more for a car that lasts forever! Oh.. and with the minivan-layout, a solar roof might actually generate a few hundred watts.