Ford Hybrid & Diesel Car 2009 Survey PDF Guide

For the 2009 model year, IntelliChoice.com analyzed 39 gas-electric hybrid vehicles and 12 “clean diesel” vehicles now available in the United States. The hybrid and clean diesel vehicles cover 28 different models and a range of classes from compact cars to large trucks. Among the hybrids is the perennial champion, the midsize Toyota Prius, as well as the Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and various trucks, SUVs and crossovers. The first clean diesel entries in the U.S. include the Volkswagen Jetta TDI and the Mercedes E320 BlueTEC, among others.

• Clean diesel vehicles are the first real “green” alternative to hybrids. When it comes to alternative-fuel cars, gas-electric hybrid technology has ruled the U.S. market, with the Toyota Prius leading the way. Clean diesel technology, in its first year of wide availability in the U.S., poses the first significant challenge to hybrid dominance. Clean diesels are generally priced at a lower premium and still offer significant fuel economy.
• “Green” vehicles hold their value better than traditional cars, trucks and SUVs. Most alternative-fuel vehicles have a retained value four to five percent better than traditional vehicles, though some hybrids and clean diesels, such at the Prius and Jetta TDI, are dramatically higher.
• Tax credits matter. Of the 50 alternative-fuel vehicles in this year’s survey, 34 have a lower overall Cost of Ownership compared to traditional or gasoline-only vehicles. This number drops to 23 without the Hybrid Tax rebate, concentrated primarily among small cars and sedans.
• Alternative-fuel vehicles provide a strong hedge against a jump in fuel prices. If gas goes up to an average of $4.00 per gallon, 41 of the 50 alternative-fuel vehicles in the survey would have a lower overall Cost of Ownership compared to the gas-powered version of the same vehicle, assuming the other ownership costs stay the same. In addition, as fuel costs go up, hybrids and clean diesels tend to see an increase in retained value.

Download Ford Hybrid & Diesel Car 2009 Survey PDF Guide