2011 Ford Escape

The 2011 Ford Escape is the best selling compact SUV in America.  It earns that high rated badge due to its great fuel efficiency, comfort, reliability, durability and styling.  The new Escape design is made to look very edge and fresh compared to the 2005 model year.  The fuel economy of the SUV is 23/28 city/highway mpg which is best in class, but the only way you are going to be able to get those mpgs is by getting the 4 cylinder 2.5 liter engine that delivers 171 horsepower.  This vehicle goes from 0-60 in just under 10 seconds which makes it a slow vehicle but what can you expect from a 4 cylinder engine in a SUV even if it is a small one.  A recent survey went out and found that Americans are beginning to understand that we don't need to drive the biggest gas guzzlers there are.  The American automakers are coming up with great fuel saving ideas like supercharging and Variable Valve Timing to squeeze as many mpgs as possible.  There is one other engine that is optional in the 2011 Ford Escape and it is the 6 cylinder 3.0 liter with 240 horsepower and goes from 0-60 in about 8 seconds which is alright for a SUV.  If you are looking for an SUV that gets great mpgs and has 4 wheel drive than this may be the right vehicle for you.  Safety for this car more than what you would expect with a 5 star crash test rating on every level.

          What I think:  This vehicle shows the world automakers that we can make really great vehicles here in America.  Made in America is so important to our country and to the world showing everyone that we have what it takes to be #1 for the next 200 years.  Now that the US has been downgraded from AAA to AA we need to start investing more in America and keep our nation moving in the right direction.

2011 Toyota Prius

The Toyota Prius has been America's favorite hybrid for many years and most people think it was the only hybrid at the time but there were a few others.  The 2011 Toyota Prius has a new more futuristic design and powertrain.  The vehicle has more horsepower than the 2010 model year and also is more aerodynamic which means better fuel economy.  Don't ask me who Toyota does it but it definitely has some great engineering placed into the new car.  The new Prius gets and EPA estimated 51/48 city/highway mpg with a 1.8 liter inline 4 cylinder engine cranking out 134 horsepower.  For city driving the battery can work alone at speeds under 25 mph unless it is cold and the battery needs to be kept warm but the thermal compartments covering the battery.  The Prius is popular because of the outrageous fuel economy and this also makes people more fuel conscious giving them a challenge to save gas and drive efficiently.  The Prius has a starting price of $22,108 - $26,801.  You can also get the Prius Five package which gives you all the gadgets you would expect in a fully loaded Prius and it also comes with a solar panel on the roof to keep the cab of the vehicle cool on hot days saving the AC from kicking in as much.   

Competitors with the 2011 Toyota Prius

• 2011 Ford Fusion Hybrid    41/36 city/highway
• Honda Civic Hybrid   40/43 city/highway
• Honda CR-Z Hybrid     35/39 city/highway