2005 Hybrid Cars

2005 hybrid cars include 9 different models, from both Japanese and American car manufacturers.

Of these, 6 are from Japanese car manufacturers Honda and Toyota (also with their Lexus brand). Nissan is expected to join this duo from 2007 with their Nissan Altima Hybrid.

In addition to the Japanese car manufacturers hybrid car models, the American hybrid cars that are either already available or expected during 2005 are from Ford, GM, and DaimlerChrysler (with their Dodge brand).

Available 2005 Hybrid Cars

For 2005 hybrid cars production, there are several American-made hybrid cars already available, plus more released later in the year.

The already available American hybrid cars include the Ford Escape SUV, the world's first hybrid SUV.

Ford Escape Hybrid

The Ford Escape is a full hybrid that can run exclusively on electric mode during slower speeds and does not need to engage the internal combustion engine as long as there is enough power in the battery.

The Escape Hybrid has the same spacious interior as regular Escape, so you won't be sacrificing roominess for fuel efficiency.

In fact, the car has been manufactured to deliver great gas mileage, that you can take off-road, that's won't compromise on storage space, and that will drive like any other SUV.

In addition to the Ford Escape SUV, other American hybrid cars, pick-up trucks actually, include the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra, plus the Dodge RAM hybrid.

Initially, the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra pick-up trucks will only be available in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, Nevada and Florida in 2005. In 2006, these trucks are available in all states.

These are the first full-size pickups to utilize hybrid technology.

The Sierra hybrid incorporates the same powerful and reliable Vortec 5300 V8 engine as the conventional gasoline truck does.

However, it delivers up to 10% improvement in fuel economy over the conventional gasoline pickup, while sacrificing little in terms of performance or towing capability.

GMC Sierra Hybrid

The Dodge Ram, meanwhile, offers 15% fuel economy improvement and is not a full hybrid car.

Also, initially it is available only to Dodge's fleet customers.

Dodge Ram Hybrid

In addition to the American hybrid cars, Japanese car manufacturers have several hybrid cars already in the market.

In fact, the first hybrid cars in the U.S. of the new hybrid car generation were Japanese, with the Honda Insight introduced in late 1999.

For the 2005 hybrid cars, they include from Japanese manufacturers:

Honda Accord Hybrid

Honda Civic Hybrid

Honda Insight Hybrid

Toyota Prius Hybrid

Also, the additional hybrid cars for the production year 2005 from Japanese manufacturers include the Lexus RX 400h SUV and Toyota Highlander SUV.

You can read more about the Japanese and American hybrid cars for the 2005 production year from the official sites for each car (all links open up new windows):

From 2005 Hybrid Cars page to Hybrid Cars Guide index