Honda will try to out-hybrid Toyota

[macphanatic]

Diesel is a more attractive solution for another reason, it's easier to produce "synthetic" or alternate source diesel that has similar energy content to the fossil fuel. The other benefit is from a safety perspective. Diesel is less volatile than gasoline or ethanol.

[Drakesgirl]

I can't imagine Honda will be able to top Toyota's Prius. I just got one, and it is by far the best car I've ever owned. I love it to bits, and it routinely gets 50 mpg without my having to drive really carefully. When challenging myself to drive in a particularly fuel-efficient manner, I've seen it get up past 60 mpg. No joke. I loooove my car.

[jdc]

title says "Honda hybrids could cut into Detroit's market share"

cant we just cut out the words "hybrids could" and replace with "for the last 20 years"

this really isnt news is it?

[Anthony]

Check out the CR-Z

[SteveO]

Honda will also be coming out with a slew of new clean diesels in the next year or two for the US market. This is an interesting time in autos.

[AllGold]

jdc, that's why I changed the title to what I thought was actual news.

Drakesgirl, no doubt Toyota will improve mileage in the Prius in the future so it's a moving target. Rumors are they want to hit 100mpg eventually.

It's hard to say what will happen with their hybrid-only model, but in the near term Honda might beat the Prius with their Fit hybrid since the Fit already gets great mileage. The Prius has a 1.5L engine which would get pretty good mileage even without the hybrid system but the Fit has the same size engine and is a smaller and lighter car. I'd still rather have the larger, nicer Prius though.

[davester]

This is all well and good, but I have to ask, when are they going to make a sporty convertible? The Prius is very efficient and practical, but it is designed to be a car for people who hate cars. Toyota makes the MR2. Honda makes the S2000. I would happily buy a hybrid or electric version of one of those. The Prius leaves me cold.

[Drakesgirl]

I dunno that I "hate cars," I think I'd just rather spend less on gas and be slightly better for the environment than drive a sports car. I had a convertible (albeit a Toyota Celica, so not exactly awesome) before my Prius and I must say I vastly prefer driving the Prius.

That said, if they DID come out with decent hybrid convertibles... I'm not so sure I wouldn't be tempted.

[davester]

Perhaps "hate" was a bit strong...more like "are not car enthusiasts".