Edmunds Answers questions

Anything to the mileage claims for hydrogen or HHO generators?

bob185 — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:32:48 GMT

There are a lot of people on the internet claiming to have boosted mileage with an onboard hydrogen electrolyzer in their car or truck. Some people making such claims don't appear to be selling anything.

Is there anything to this or is it all a scam?

Any risks to car's engine?

Thank you

Any recommendations for a conversion company for plug-in charging of hybrids?

feinfolk — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 10:04:58 GMT

Thanks for your other response re plug-ins.

I have an 08 Ford Escape Hybrid. In cold weather it takes 10-15 min before the car goes into EV mode. Is this normal?

dstoltze — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 08:19:28 GMT

I live in Baltimore city. Lately I have noticed that it takes quite a while before my Escape Hybrid goes into EV mode when it is cold outside, even though I am doing city driving. By the time it goes all electric I am out of the city and onto the highways. Should it really take that long for the batteries to warm up. Friends that have Prius' and Camry hybrids tell me that there is no warm up time necessary for their vehicles.

Does the Toyota rear spoiler impact the mileage of the 2008 Camry hybrid.

rlairdjr — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 13:57:47 GMT

I recently purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry Hybrid. The dealer through in the rear spoiler. It had to be ordered. I am getting 40+ mpg on the highway and averaging about 33m mpg in the city. Does the rear spoiler impact the miles per gallon on the car?

Is Subaru bringing any hybrid models to market in the near future?

mmike84 — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 17:50:08 GMT

Is Subaru bringing any hybrid models to market in the near future?

When will there be a Lexus ES350 hybrid?

lcsenn — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 22:55:32 GMT

I have heard that Lexus may introduce hybrid for the ES in 2009

When will Chevy produce a Hybrid Suburban?

jj20287 — Wed, 21 May 2008 12:53:11 GMT

Does Chevy/GMC plan on making a hybrid suburban/hybrid Yukon XL? If so, what model year? What will the premium be over a non-hybrid version? Any idea on the estimated EPA figures?

Hyundai Hybrid. What's the status? HURRY UP!

sfairchild — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 13:11:44 GMT

What is the status on a Hyundai hybrid? What, when and what is taking so long?

What is the best MPG all-wheel drive sedan?

hajh — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:41:31 GMT

What is the best MPG all-wheel drive seddan?

Can a remote start be put in a hybrid?

mcahow — Sun, 12 Oct 2008 20:32:30 GMT

Thinking about getting a hybrid but can not live without a remote start here in NE but can't seem to get an answer as to whether or not a remote start can be installed in a hybrid.

Does Toyota have a hybrid version of the Corolla?

patrick51 — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 04:23:36 GMT

I wanted to see if Toyota sells a hybrid.

How much money do hybrid batteries cost (for each model) and when do they have to be replaced?

jp45 — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 18:41:35 GMT

What's the prob.? It is a straight-forward question!! How much $ do hybrid batteries cost?

I am giving a speech against hybrid cars. Can anyone point me in the direction of good information? Thanks.

owenrg — Thu, 19 Mar 2009 14:45:29 GMT

Just wanting some sources on why hybrids are not the best choice to save the environment. the batteries, cost effectiveness and so on.

My independent service shop said the batteries in hybrids fail after 5-7 years and cost $7000 to replace. Correct?

roadgeezer — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 17:48:37 GMT

I have nothing else to add.

Is the Honda insight a plug-in?

feinfolk — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 12:09:57 GMT

Can the Honda Insight hybrid be charged by plugging-in?

How long does a new hybrid battery last?

jjewell — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:11:19 GMT

With new hybrid cars, what is the potential life span of the battery? How much is cost to replace?

Are there any 2009, 2010 4WD hybrid vehicles that seat 5-7 people and costs under $50,000? Or am I just dreaming?

birdrehaber — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 16:10:59 GMT

I have to buy a new or gently used 4WD vehicle ASAP.AWD doesn't do it in the winter where I live. Prefer a minivan or a mid-sized SUV. Has to seat 5-7 people, or at least 5 people with room for large dogs, lots of groceries, occasional farm animal crates, etc. I'd really like to buy a hybrid also. I don't need pretty with lots of bells and whistles (although having Sirius Radio and GPS would sure be nice). Is there anything out there that would work for me that's under $50,000? I've been searching the web and can't find an exact match. I love my Jeep, but don't see any 4WD hybrid big Jeeps on the market. Help!

Does Honda have a hybrid model of the Accord?

patrick51 — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 06:58:35 GMT

Am interested in a hybrid, was wondering if Honda had one for the Accord

Does anyone know how you check the transmission & power steering fluids on a 07 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

pcos — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:12:07 GMT

This is my 1st hybrid and I normally do all possible maintenance myself (I usually get over 250K on a car before it's not worth keeping up.

There does not seem to be a resevoir for the PS fluid nor a dipstick for the CVT transmission.

Anybody out their know?

Thks
pcos

Fuel ratings for Saturn Vue Hybrid?

toolenalong — Wed, 18 Jun 2008 21:54:32 GMT

Want to compare the mileage between the 2006, 2007, and 2008 4 cyl and the Hybrid Saturn Vue

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be set up to run on natural gas?

ascjv — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 22:36:39 GMT

Can a Ford Escape Hybrid be setup to run on natural gas?

I want to tow my 06 Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down. You can with the Vue and Explorer. why not the Toyota?

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 13:37:45 GMT

I have been told that the vue & explorer use the old toyota technology whats up

I want to tow my 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with all 4 wheels down.

144 — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 14:50:43 GMT

Toyota states that the highlander hybrid cannot be towed with all wheels down. I have the 2wd version so luckily I can use a tow dolly,but what a pain compared to using a tow bar. I understand that the ford explorer as well as the saturn vue use toyotas old hybrid technology;in fact I've been told that their systems are in fact toyotas products. Ford as well as saturn approve of their hybrids being towed with all wheels down. Do I dare attempt to tow my hybid in such a manner? Could toyota just be trying to avoid consumer dissatification in case of possible failures or is it truly a different system than the other two? Thank-You Very Much

Strong gas odor coming from my Toyota Camry Hybrid.

sarag — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 14:01:22 GMT

I bought my 2009 TCH 6 months ago. It has been a great car so far, until last Saturday. After another refueling in the morning I parked the car in my garage and went out for the day. I came home around 7 at night, went into the garage and could not breathe. The garage smelled like a gas chamber. I found out that the smell of raw gasoline was coming from the Toyota’s gas cap. I turned the cap on and off several times thinking that the problem will go away. But, no, the smell did not go away. I took the car to a dealer, they found nothing wrong either with the car or the gas cap. However the smell is still there. I do not know what to do. Please HELP!

Concerned about hybrid battery in my Nissan Altima Hybrid.

johnwu — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 02:13:22 GMT

If I have not driven my hybrid for about a year and have only periodically started it, will my hybrid's battery be affected or the life span be reduced?

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car, flat towable?

lynda4 — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 15:38:28 GMT

Is the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid, automatic car flat towable?

Should I buy a 2005 Ford Escape Hybrid with 64K miles and 4x4? Any known problems? Looks maintained.

djasinsky — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 17:53:29 GMT

Used car in good shape body wise, first time buying a hybrid and want to be aware of any issues. Asking $16,000 thinking about offering $12,500/12,000.

Thanks,

I own a 2007 Toyota Prius. What is hypermiling?

adoram — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:02:32 GMT

I own a 2007 Toyota Prius. My co-worker asked me if I was going to start hypermiling, but I really didn't know what to tell him.

What does the "B" gear do in the Toyota Prius? When should I use it?

adoram — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:06:24 GMT

Me again - when should I use the B gear in my Toyota Prius? Is it just for going down steep mountains? Thanks!

How long can a Toyota Prius sit before the battery drains?

adoram — Thu, 27 Dec 2007 11:09:37 GMT

How long can my Toyota Prius sit before the battery drains? I'm going out of town for 3 1/2 weeks and the car won't be used. Is this too long for the car to sit? The manual says it should be driven 10 miles or operate for at least 30 minutes once every several months.

Is there a current hybrid model of the Honda Accord or Civic?

patrick51 — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 05:37:21 GMT

As you well may know, the gas prices are not doing good things for my wallet and I wanted to know if there are hybrid models available for either the Honda Civic or Accord.

2006 Honda Accord Hybrid check gas cap warning. Now the motor does not shut off as it was doing, any ideas why?

jamiteff — Sun, 23 Mar 2008 20:45:00 GMT

2006 Accord Hybrid, 48700 miles, drove 638 miles shut it off now it says check gas cap on display when car is restarted. Car engine no longer shuts off when you come to a complete stop with the foot on the brake and the warning stays on. I just purchased the car and this happened the next morning after my initial trip which had no problems until this morning.

I checked the gas cap to make sure I heard 3 clicks.

Help PLEASE with leaving A/C on in locked '07 Toyota Prius.

lagolf — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:49:26 GMT

I need to leave AC on in locked Prius (2007 pgk # 6) for dogs when running inside 4 short time.It is way too hot when traveling with our dogs in summer. Is there anyway to lock this car while running,to go in store etc for few minutes??? I cannot get it to lock while running.Even aftermarket etc as I am willing to try anything, it is much too dangerous even for 5 minutes in south La heat.Thanks so much!!!

If I idle in my Honda Civic hybrid for 10 or 20 minutes, will the battery die?

cardom — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 18:36:00 GMT

I am planning on buying a Civic Hybrid. I know that when the car is stopped, the gas engine is off. That makes me wonder, if I am waiting in my car with the heat or AC on for a number of minutes - perhaps up to 20 - will the battery die?

I want to know if a Honda Civic Hybrid would be able to carry a hitch mounted cargo carrier haul 2-300 lbs?

pinenut01 — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:04:26 GMT

Want to put a class 1 hitch on Honda so able to mount a cargo carrier(50lbs). In order to haul items that would not go on a roof rack.

Would I be better off with a Toyota Corolla?

Which is the optimum speed to obtain the best highway MPG on a Honda Civic Hybrid?

canuto — Sat, 03 May 2008 11:29:28 GMT

My civic Hybrid is doing 44 in city but in HWY at the LOCO Miami 95 I barely get 40 while it should be 45 MPG

In response to gas prices, has Edmunds considered reviewing scooters and motorcycles?

scooter27 — Thu, 08 May 2008 01:59:59 GMT

Vespa's, etc...

Is it possible to get a Honda Insight ... either new or used NOW?

mbonny — Tue, 27 May 2008 17:08:38 GMT

I am in the market to buy a car at this time, but I'd like to get a Honda Insight, either used or new (the latter preferred). However, I have not been able to find a dealer that has one to sell me! I imagine with the gasoline prices as they are, this probably applies to a lot of people right now. How about some help? ... recommendations, suggestions, comments that would help me achieve this goal as soon as possible.

What is the cost per gallon of fuel used for the True Cost to Own calculation? Does it reflect $4/gallon fuel?

markrhickman — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 12:51:06 GMT

The price of fuel has skyrocketed over this past year, and in order to be relevant, end users of the True Cost To Own figures need to know what price per gallon is factored into that calculation. As fuel is now over $4 gallon this is a pertinent question to help figure out which model provides the best bang for the buck overall.

When will 2009 Ford Taurus come out? Any news on specs? Possible hybrid version?

wendys — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 23:40:19 GMT

When will 2009 Taurus come out? Any news on specs? Possible hybrid version?

Our 04 Toyota Prius doesn't do well on snow. Is this true for all hybrids? Any suggestions for a larger hybrid in winter?

pjb — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:35:04 GMT

Our Prius has little or no traction in snow and ice conditions. We like to cross country ski and would prefer to replace our old van with a SUV-size hybrid big enough to go on winter ski trips and for traveling across mountain highways. Are all hybrids inherently bad in winter weather driving conditions? If not, which mid-size SUV hybrid is best for winter driving and for storing gear? Or, do we have to settle for the traditional gas engine with the least air emissions -- which SUV would that be? Thanks.

South Central Washington State

Is there a hybrid retrofit kit or retrofit company for Subarus? I have a 93 Legacy Wagon.

jimsack — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 21:35:21 GMT

I am in Indiana, it has 156k and going strong. Four cylinder. Auto transmission.

Anyone have experience with '05 Honda Accord hybrids with 90k miles?

mrmiles — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 17:43:35 GMT

My '05 Accord Hybrid is nearing 90k miles. I haven't had any real problems, but I'm looking at the cost of replacing it vs. potential big ticket problems. The battery warranty is 100k, but I'd imagine the charging system and starter undergo a lot of wear and tear and could be less long-lived than typical Hondas. Any experience or insight would be appreciated.

Date that the 400S hybrid Mercedes will be available in the USA?

acucuzzella — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 13:45:35 GMT

Mercedes hybrid gasoline/electric with lithium battery pack was introduced at several auto shows.
I would like to know if it will be available in the USA as a 2009 model this Fall or as a 2010 model in mid or late 2009.

Battery replacement cost for a Lexus RX 400h?

ajs122 — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:13:38 GMT

Does anyone know what the cost is to replace a battery for the 400h. My dealership doesn't have a clue.

Does Honda have a hybrid version of the Civic?

patrick51 — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:34:35 GMT

I wanted to see if Honda had a 2008 hybrid version of the Civic

'98 Ford Windstar hybrid conversion

rondavison — Sat, 11 Oct 2008 01:16:39 GMT

Where would I find a rear axel/differential to mount on my '98 Windstar? I want to use a 15 - 20 horsepower 3-phase motor to assist my front axle to save on fuel costs.

Does anyone have cabin heat problems in the winter? My 06 Honda Civic hybrid will not heat up to temperature when below freezing.

Arakan — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 12:40:27 GMT

Id anyone having trouble with the heating system in the 2006-2008 civic hybrids. My car will not heat up to running temperature when outside temperature is below freezing. Had the car checked and had a new thermostat put in to no avail.

Looking at a 2008 hybrid GMC Yukon with 17,000 miles. Original invoice was $51,000; dealer wants $36,000. Fair price?

mrenier — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 13:57:22 GMT

is there negotiation room on hybrids?

Any new rumors or information about the upcoming "Lexus Prius"?

argelius — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:43:46 GMT

Any new rumors/information about the upcoming "Lexus Prius" supposedly coming at the Detroit auto show?

http://www.autocar.co.uk/News/NewsArticl...

Wondering if they are still going to move forward with it given the dismal economy (although at this point it might be too late to stop it).

Hoping it will be AWD or FWD (for snow handling!), although I know the latter is anathema to "driving enthusiasts...