Hybrids Lag in Resale Value

Insight cheaper, simpler than Toyota's hybrid king

(NEWSER) - Honda is rolling out a fresh—and worthy—competitor to Toyota’s Prius, king of the hybrid market, writes Joseph P. White in the Wall Street Journal. The 2010 Insight will sell for just under $20,000, some $2,000 less than the most popular Prius model, and gets “minicar mileage” while offering enough room for a bike in the back seat. "Honda has already rattled the champ," writes White, "and the first round hasn't really begun." More»

Demand rising for electric alternatives, so makers, legislators must seize moment

(NEWSER) - Sky-high gas prices are finally pushing top US auto-makers to turn out fuel-efficient vehicles, and both Detroit and Washington should keep the pedal down to make a permanent change in how, and what, Americans drive, the US top car salesman tells the Wall Street Journal. "You have to tell the American people the truth," the CEO of AutoNation says. "Energy costs will be higher." More»

San Francisco garage first devoted to hybrids-only service

(NEWSER) - While auto mechanics nationwide now service hybrid vehicles, San Francisco's Luscious Garage is the country's first shop to work exclusively on environment-friendly cars. "There's a critical mass of hybrids in the Bay Area," owner Carolyn Coquilette told Wired, which reports that nearly 10% of new hybrids registered in 2006 were to owners in and around San Francisco. More»

CNNMoney puts the rubber to the road and finds the best cars in 10 categories

(NEWSER) - Whether you want something small and hip or capacious and safe, you can find it in CNNMoney's guide to the best cars of 2007 as determined by Consumer Reports.

1. Budget car, subcompact: Honda Fit
2. Sedan, less then $20,000: Honda Civic
3. Sedan, $20,000 to $30,000: Honda Accord
4. Sedan, $30,000 to $40,000: Infiniti G35
5. Luxury Sedan: Infiniti M35

DaimlerChrysler subsidiary's pocket-size Fortwo revs up to enter US market

(NEWSER) - Smart USA will venture into the American auto market early next year, but not in a big way: The Smart Fortwo is very, very small. LA Times auto columnist Dan Neil takes it for a spin and reports that it's a chick magnet and a lot of fun to drive, but relatively expensive. Also, what if someone steps on it? More»