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Hybrid vehicles have exploded in the Western market today. The rising cost of gasoline has made it a necessity. The environmental issue has also paved the way for the popularity of the hybrid vehicles. Governments are also doing their part to encourage the use of hybrid vehicles. Driving a hybrid automobile can mean tax benefits in the form of tax incentives and tax credits.

The Japanese have been the leaders in the hybrid vehicle race and have already been producing some of the world's most fuel-efficient cars at very affordable rates. American car manufacturers decided to join the race releasing their own lines of hybrid cars.

Hybrid vehicles use an electric battery that powers it and is accompanied by a combustion engine. Depending on the type of engine used and the automobile model, the electric engine and combustion engine model can either work independently and dependently of each other. Here are the popular hybrid engines in the market today:

* Toyota Civic Hybrid

Introduced in 2005, the Honda Civic Hybrid has increased fuel economy and has to date, the cleanest emissions on the planet today. It increased fuel efficiency to more than five percent. The 2006 Toyota Civic Hybrid is comparably better than the 2005 hybrid model increasing power and torque by twenty percent making it fuel efficient, fast and affordable. The car gives a smooth ride to the driver with little effort when stepping on the gas pedal.

The new 2008 Honda Civic hybrid is a little shy in MPG or miles per gallon on the highway compared to the 50 miles per gallon of the 2006 Civic hybrid. However, fuel consumption has been drastically improved on the 2008 version.

* Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD

The American manufacturer of sensible pick-ups has launched its own line of hybrid vehicles, specifically in the SUV department. The Escape hybrid takes its cue from the Toyota Prius. The system runs on the Atkinson cycle having greater expansion ration by taking in less air-fuel mixture. The results is a more efficient and economic car in terms of fuel consumption.

The disadvantage of the Ford Escape however is its relatively decreased torque and power. The Atkinson system is the reason for the reduced power since the car inhales more air than fuel. The Escape hybrid has a maximum of 133 horse power from the original 153. The difference, aside from the decreased horse power, is negligible and is rated at 29 miles to the gallon on a 400-mile highway.

* General Motors Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid

SUVs are considered to be the most fuel thirsty vehicles in the market today. General Motors, makers of the country's most popular SUVs have decided to shift their focus towards a greener car that still delivers the power, size and style that makes them very popular with people from all walks of life.

The 2008 Chevrolet Tahoe hybrid was named Green Car of the Year because of its drastically improved fuel efficiency in the V8 engine division. The Tahoe hybrid boasts of 21 miles to the gallon efficiency and is higher than that of the Toyota Camry sedan which also sports a v8 engine. Power and torque are not compromised and the fact that this is large-sized vehicle, its high fuel efficiency makes it a good choice without sacrificing its big size advantage.