The Worst Hybrid Vehicles

With everything good, there must still come the bad. Such words are true of even hybrid cars, which still suffer from the more uneconomical models that leave consumers wondering “what was the point of that?”

Chevrolet Tahoe 2-Mode Hybrid- When alternative-fuel vehicles came onto the market they were seen as a solution to the SUV mammoth problem. Now, hybrid SUVs are bringing themselves back into the game. The 2-mode system allows the Tahoe to work in 2-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive and still makes a 40% improvement, at 20-21 miles per gallon, over the conventional models. The 2008 model has a starting price of $50,490 MSRP. Even as exciting as this change is to the Chevy Tahoe, it still does not manage to come up to a true fuel economy worth raving about for our future. When other hybrids are consistently gaining miles per gallon and are in the range of 50 or more miles per gallon at current, it’s a wonder that Chevrolet would even attempt to pass off the new 2-Mode Tahoe Hybrid as fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. Perhaps it’s time to start looking in a direction other than large-scale SUVs, especially when they are still out of the financial reach of most consumers.

Honda Accord Hybrid- In its first round, Honda Accord Hybrid consistently failed emissions tests around the nation. Honda even pulled the model off the market in order to restructure the emissions unit in an attempt to repair the problem. But alas, reports still plague the internet of the Accord Hybrid’s inability to pass emissions for hybrids in some states. Remember, if your car does not pass emissions you must pay for repairs and pay to have the test again—after three failures you may not be able to legally drive your car. Most consumers aren’t even aware whether Honda Accord Hybrid is still available. In a search of their web site, consumers can still click on the name for the hybrid, but instead are taken to a low-emissions Honda Coupe vehicle and not a standard hybrid. It is especially important to perform due diligence if you are considering purchasing a used Honda Accord Hybrid since the first edition models seemed to have the most negative reports from consumers and state safety and emissions agencies.

After a thorough search of the available hybrids on the market, it’s clear that most other hybrids fit the bill, passing emissions in most or all states with few exceptions and producing true fuel economy. Unfortunately, there are always some projects that don’t quite make the grade and these two hybrid high school drop-outs may never graduate to an esteemed level of eco-awareness. And they certainly won’t win any awards for being friendly to your wallet, either.

If you’re still considering one of the above options, do thorough research on the vehicle, its warranties, its return policies and its resell value before writing your check to the dealer and driving away. Be sure to check out the best hybrid cars and why hybrid cars are better than conventional cars.

Remember, while these may be some of the best hybrids on the market it’s up to you to decide which hybrid is best for you.