A Peek Into 2007 Hybrid Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles have become more popular in the past few years, as drivers are constantly trying to find ways to save on gas costs. Pump prices have rocketed especially after the Iraq war in 2003, as the flow of oil supplies was disrupted. Ever since that year, gas remains expensive and continues to rise due to market turbulence, high demand and conflicts in the Middle East.

Is 2007 the year to jump on the bandwagon for hybrid vehicles? Consider that using hybrid technology will be more expensive compared to purchasing a standard vehicle. Some of the top vehicle makers have already released an impressive line of hybrid vehicles for 2007 that will likely make car buyers scamper to showrooms similar to bored wives going to a mall sale.

The 2007 Toyota (buy, sell) Camry Hybrid

Updated for 2007, the Toyota (buy, sell) Camry Hybrid is a 4-door sedan that can carry 5 passengers. This hybrid vehicle is powered by a standard I4, 2.4-liter hybrid engine boasting of 192-horspeower. This hybrid vehicle achieves 43-mpg in city driving and 37-mpg on highway drives. The Camry has automatic transmission and overdrive is standard.

Initial Impressions

The 2007 Toyota (buy, sell) Camry Hybrid has been lauded for its impressive interior and consumption. However, many users have complained that consumption struggles to achieve as what is advertised by the company. Some even say that this vehicle only achieves 34mpg maximum.

Toyota (buy, sell) has pulled out all the stops for this hybrid vehicle but it comes with a price, and expensive at that. Sold at an average of $29,000 in showrooms across the US. This vehicle is a nice option for those that do not want to scrimp on luxury but save on gas.

2007 Ford Escape Hybrid

A hit vehicle in 2006 that just got better for 2007. The 2007 Ford Escape is a 4-door sport-utility vehicle that can carry a maximum of five passengers. This hybrid vehicle comes in two trims, the 4WD and FWD.

This SUV hybrid is powered by a I4, 2.3-liter, 155-horsepower engine. Can achieve 36-mpg in city driving and 31-mpg in highway driving. Both trims come with transmission is variable speed automatic.

Initial impressions

A favorite among vehicle critics, the 2007 Ford Escape Hybrid for its Interior Space, Fuel Economy, GPS, and Comfort. Fuel Economy is outstanding and most consumers supposedly achieve 35 mpg, which is just below the advertised 36 mpg. However, attaining this type of performance will rely on the skills and behavior of the driver. 2007 might be the year Ford reclaims its dominance in the SUV market with the new Ford Escape.

2007 Mercury Mariner Hybrid

Looking to extend its great run in 2006, Mercury has updated the Mariner Hybrid for 2007. This vehicle only comes in one trim, the 4WD. This hybrid vehicle is powered by an I4, 2.3-liter, 133-horsepower hybrid engine. This vehicle can achieve 33-mpg in city driving and 29-mpg if cruising on the highway.

2007 Lexus GS 450h

All-new for 2007, the Lexus GS 450h is the hybrid that will propel the company in the new year. This hybrid vehicle is a 4-door luxury sedan and comes only in one trim, the Sedan.

The 450h is powered by a standard V6, 3.5-liter, V6, 339-horsepower hybrid engine. This hybrid vehicle can achieve 28-mpg in city driving and 28-mpg when cruising on the highway.

Initial impressions

The 2007 Lexus GS 450h has been lauded for having the best interiors around. Gas mileage is supposedly revolutionary and performance is comparable to the BMW M3.

Toyota (buy, sell) has commanded the heavyweight end of the people carrier market with the Previa since the early Nineties, but the Picnic midi-MPV only arrived in 1997. It's a competent car whose six- or seven-seater layouts provide a practical solution for the family that's too big for a medium estate car or a Megane Scenic. It was discontinued in 2001, and now looks dated against current models.

There are two engines, a 2.0 litre petrol and a 2.2 litre turbo-diesel and are both ideally suited to the Picnic. They are lively, although the petrol needs to be revved hard. 60 mph arrives in just over 11 seconds in the 2.0 litre and takes more than two seconds longer for the diesel. Both are quite refined though.
The soft ride means that the Picnic can quickly reach its limits on a very windy road. However it is difficult to upset because of its low centre of gravity and very car-like behaviour. The handy size of the Picnic means that it is less of a worry to park, or manoeuvre in built up areas.

One of the few cars which seats six in some comfort. That is because all the seats recline and are two abreast. The centre seats slide up and down and even fold into a table, but only the rearmost pair can be removed. Good head- and legroom; plastic trim looks rather cheap.

Adaptable seating layout, but load space is restricted when all six seats are in use; rear seats are removable, but not the centre row. A number of interior cubby and door bins.

All models are well specified: the GS has two tone paintwork, tinted glass, RDS radio/cassette audio system and moquette seat trim; the GL adds roof rails and integral fog lamps, and the GX has alloy wheels and twin sunroofs. The range was revised in August 98, when GS models became seven-seaters, and the higher-spec versions were rebadged GLS, with optional seven-seater layout and dual sunroofs.

Centre console is easy to use, with everything falling easily to hand. However, you may need to hunt around for some of the other switches. Good driving position, although visibility (especially rearward) can be restricted when all six seats are in use. 

Driver and passenger airbags are standard and the GL also has ABS brakes. In the back everyone gets a three-point seatbelts. It was tested in 2004 and awarded a four-star rating by Euro NCAP. Remote locking, plus engine immobilisers and an alarm amounts to a comprehensive security system.
It's an ageing design, but owners still report few problems, so long as it's correctly serviced. Very good build quality; petrol engine is proven in RAV-4.

Car check problem points
Body: No faults reported as yet

Engine/Gearbox: No faults reported as yet

Other: Damage to interior from load-carrying, children or animals.

The Picnic is not a cheap used buy and as befits a vehicle which is part car and part MPV, the pricing falls somewhere in between. Reasonable levels of equipment and the fact that this is unique type of six-seat vehicle help justify the price.
People carier market remains buoyant. Six seats are more useful than five and less bulky than seven, which attracts buyers. Toyota (buy, sell) reliability is always a bonus.

Similar service and parts costs to the 1994-2000 RAV-4. Insurance group is a reasonable 10, while fuel consumption is 31 mpg for the petrol rising to over 36 mpg for the diesel. Despite its age, Picnic continues to command quite high resale values, because it's roomy, reliable and well equipped.

Servicing: Every 9,000 miles

Warranty: Mechanical 3 years, bodywork 6 years