Hybrid Vehicles      

Excerpted from SayUncle.Org article on 10 Hybrids that will get you a tax credit: Mazda Tribute, Honda Civic and more.

Given the fact that the standard hybrid costs anywhere than $6K to $10K more than a comparable non-hybrid model, what kind of incentive is there for us to fork over the extra cash (aside from the bonus of getting 40+ miles per gallon)?

Well, you asked, the IRS answered. There is a wonderful little write-off called the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, which can reduce your tax liability by up to $4,000 (for certain models). Now, this credit does have a time limit on it, fortunately it's a time limit that takes into effect how long it takes car manufacturers to meet a certain quota of sold hybrid vehicles. So for all you early adopters out there, you may be able to ride this credit wave for a while. (Although if you're in the market for a hybrid, you should know that Toyota has already hit the quota of 60,000 vehicles sold.) Needless to say, investing in a hybrid car can save you money, although it would take a while to make up the extra $5-10K in gas savings alone, so this credit could give you a much quicker return on that investment.

Currently there are 10 car lines with qualified hybrid vehicles. Here's a list of makes and models that qualify for the Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit (AMVC) from the IRS Newsroom. This reflects a decrease in the credit amount as of Oct. 1, 2006, due to the manufacturers meeting quarterly sales of 60,000 qualified hybrid cars. This credit amount does not phase out. The full amount of the altenative fuel vehicle credit would be available for vehicles purchased on or before December 31, 2010. Model Year 2008

  • Ford Escape 2WD Hybrid - $3,000
  • Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid - $2,200
  • Mazda Tribute 2WD Hybrid - $3,000
  • Mazda Tribute 4WD Hybrd - $2,200
  • Mercury Mariner 2WD Hybrid - $3,000
  • Mercury Mariner 4WD Hybrid - $2,200 Model Year 2007
  • Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $250
  • Chevrolet Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $650
  • Ford Escape Hybrid 2WD - $2,600
  • Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD - $1,950
  • GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $250
  • GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $650
  • Honda Accord Hybrid AT - $1,300
  • Honda Accord Hybrid Navi AT - $1,300
  • Honda Civic GX - $4,000
  • Honda Civic Hybrid CVT - $2,100
  • Lexus GS 450h - $775
  • Lexus RX 400h 2WD and 4WD - $1,100
  • Mercury Mariner 4WD Hybrid - $1,950
  • Nissan Altima Hybrid - $2,350
  • Saturn Aura Hybrid - $1,300
  • Saturn Vue Green Line - $650
  • Toyota Camry Hybrid - $1,300
  • Toyota Prius - $1,575
  • Toyota Highlander Hybrid 2WD and 4WD - $1,300 Model Year 2006
  • Chevrolet Silverado 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $250
  • Chevrolet Silverado 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $650
  • Ford Escape Hybrid (Front) 2WD - $2,600
  • Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD - $1,950
  • GMC Sierra 2WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $250
  • GMC Sierra 4WD Hybrid Pickup Truck - $650
  • Honda Accord Hybrid AT w/updated calibration and Navi AT w/updated calibration - $1,300*
  • Honda Civic GX - $4,000
  • Honda Civic Hybrid CVT - $2,100
  • Honda Insight CVT - $1,450
  • Lexus RX400h 2WD - $1,100
  • Lexus RX400h 4WD - $1,100
  • Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD - $1,950
  • Toyota Highlander 2WD Hybrid - $1,300
  • Toyota Highlander 4WD Hybrid - $1,300
  • Toyota Prius - $1,575 * 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid AT and Navi AT without updated calibration qualify for a credit of $650. Model Year 2005
  • Ford Escape 2 WD Hybrid - $2,600
  • Ford Escape 4 WD Hybrid - $1,950
  • Honda Accord Hybrid AT and Navi AT - $650
  • Honda Civic GX - $4,000
  • Honda Civic Hybrid MT and CVT - $1,700
  • Honda Insight CVT - $1,450
  • Toyota Prius - $1,575