Why it matters:

Because if you’re in the market for a new car, you need to be looking at more than just hybrids (no, I don’t mean Yukons and Hummers).

Recap:

“The Insight is the most disappointing Honda Consumer Reports has tested in a long time.” This according to David Champion, Senior Director of CR’s Auto Test Center. Despite an impressive 38 miles per gallon, out of 22 small wagons and hatchbacks reviewed in the August issue of Consumer Reports, the new Insight ranked a disappointing 21st.

The Insight made its first appearance in 1999 as a three-door hybrid wagon. By some accounts the original model was capable of achieving a mind-blowing 70 MPG. But the company pulled the car in 2006 for a serious make-over, with apparently disappointing results.

Commentary:

“Say it ain’t so!”

Not to worry, dear reader. Honda’s reputation as an eco-friendly choice in the automotive marker is well earned and remains strong. Consumer Reports, the same magazine that had some not-so-nice things to say about the new Insight, called the Honda Fit best car under $20,000 in this year’s April issue, and at 30 MPG the Fit also made CR’s top ten list of overall fuel economy. Now this is gonna bake your noodle. Now here’s the part that’s gonna melt your brain. The Fit is… (Drum-roll)… Not a Hybrid.

Hyrbids have received a lot of press over the last few years as eco-friendly automotive messiahs. But six of the ten cars on CR’s fuel-economy list aren’t hybrids. And don’t confuse fuel economy with emissions, the Fit and many of it’s fuel-sipping, non-hybrid peers are certified Low Emissions Vehicles (or better) by the California Air Resources Board.

What’s the lesson here? If you’re in the market for a new car, do your research. Because “Hybrid” does not necessarily equal eco-friendly (see: Cadillac Escalade Hyrbid).

Creative Solutions:

• Take the Train
• Ride Your Bike
• Or Yes, Buy a More Fuel Efficient Car (Hybrid or Otherwise)

Tagged as: cars, emissions, fuel efficiency, hybrid, transportation