Mercury 2010

The Mercury Milan is a midsize vehicle that has been around since the 2006 model year, but the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid is all new. The Milan, as a line, has a new look for 2010 and the hybrid is based on that new body style. And for what it's worth, it a nice style. There are several hybrids out now and more than a few are in direct competition with the Milan Hybrid in the midsize class. These include both foreign and domestic makes such as the Nissan Altima Hybrid, Honda Civic Hybrid, Toyota Camry Hybrid, Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Ford Fusion Hybrid and Saturn Aura Hybrid. The gasoline engine for the Milan Hybrid is a 2.5 liter, 155 horsepower I4. Like many hybrids, the engine is matched with a continuously variable transmission (CVT). It comes only as a sedan. Unlike some other hybrids, the Milan has only one electric motor, but it can run the car up to 47 miles per hour for up to 8 minutes without use of the gasoline engine. It can also run the air conditioner without the gasoline engine. The electric motor is smaller than on previous Ford products and can be cooled without use of the air conditioner. Like most hybrids, the Milan gets better mileage in town, where the electric motor is used more frequently due to slower speeds and stop and go traffic, than on the highway. In city driving the Milan gets 41 miles per gallon, while on the highway it gets 36. That's actually better than class average for hybrids. The Milan also has better front legroom than class average but headroom and torque lag behind. It is worth noting that when matched against the general midsize car population instead of the hybrid population, the headroom is about average. There are no NHTSA or IIHS numbers for the Milan Hybrid, but there are IIHS numbers for the 2010 Milan line in general. It gets a G, Good (the best rating) in all categories but two. It gets an A, Acceptable (the second best rating out of four possible) for the likelihood of head and neck or right leg and foot injuries. The Milan Hybrid has a number of the more common safety features including child safety locks, antilock brakes with traction control and vehicle stabilization system, remote keyless ignition and start, electronic parking aid and inside trunk release. However, some common safety features are missing, such as electronic braking assistance and a first aid kit. Whether considered as a midsize or a hybrid, the 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid beats class average on price, starting at $27,500. Sooner or later they're going to make these things pay, and the Milan Hybrid may be a step in the right direction.

Toyota 2010

Sensible and cost-effective, the 2010 Toyota Camry hybrid has a lot to offer you starting at only $26,150. This hybrid is actually faster than the base 4-cylinder Camry. And, besides being far better for fuel savings, it is only slightly more expensive than non-hybrid models - a rarity for any brand of automobile today. The most impressive aspects concerning the 2010 Camry Hybrid are its excellent fuel economy, its outstanding near-zero emissions, a large and comfortable interior, spunky speed gains and stellar safety ratings. The very limited down side would be that the trunk is rather small. New frontal styling graces the exterior of the 2010 Toyota Hybrid Camry. There's also a new panel of instruments and innovative upholstery comprised of silk proteins and synthetic fibers. The 2-mode gas-electric technology that drives these cars is what enables Toyota to offer them at such a modest price point. Most hybrid vehicles cost so much more than non-hybrid versions, for example the Honda Civic Hybrid, the saving in fuel costs is barely worth considering. Not true for the Camry Hybrid. You save big on these cars, at the pumps - and at the dealers. Fuel economy ratings measure a combined 34 mpg (33/34 mpg city/highway). That's excellent considering that the combined power output rates at 187 horses from 2.4L engine and 40hp electric motor. The Camry Hybrid's powertrain is able to operate solely with its electric motor at low speeds and while coasting along at higher speeds. It also acts to make a noticeable difference when you stomp the accelerator to pass at higher speeds. The CVT transmission powers the front wheels. You'll feel pleasantly isolated from all external stimuli as you cruise comfortably in the spacious cabin of your new 2010 Toyota Camry. It's quiet inside and surprisingly luxurious as well. The overall driving experience is engaging and instills confidence. When at the helm, you will certainly not feel limited in knowing that you are driving a machine designed to love the environment. 0 to 60 times are measured at 8.4 seconds - not bad at all considering this is not meant to be a race car. There's plenty of pep to excite you while simultaneously appeasing your sense of Green responsibility. Perfect 5-star safety ratings for all frontal and side-based crash tests were earned from the NHTSA, and the IIHS, by the 2010 Camry Hybrid from Toyota. Standard safety features are numerous and include loads of airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock disc brakes and tire pressure monitoring. Overall, the 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid is an excellent choice for any environmentally responsible new car purchaser. Hybrid technology is being seriously integrated throughout all sectors of the automotive industry - and this new dual-mode hybrid powertrain offered by the Camry is leading the way to lower prices across the board. Enjoy a test drive in what very well may become your next vehicle.