This book is about a year old, but if you have been thinking about upgrading your vehicle, it will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision about which new car to buy, and why.
The author, Jack Nerad (executive editorial director of the Kelley Blue Book) doesn't have an axe to grind. He seems genuinely interested in getting reliable information to his readers, providing both the benefits and disadvantages of the systems he describes. The only real complaint I have with the book is that it tries too hard to be fair, couching every mention of climate change in words like "some say" instead of just taking a stand. This is understandable given when the book was actually written—with a 2007 publication date, I'd place the actual writing in 2006—and that it is intended to appeal to the broadest possible audience. You would have to try hard to be offended by this book.
Otherwise, Nerad offers very clear explanations of 6 alternatives to reducing emissions: Hybrids, Flex Fuel/E85 vehicles, Natural Gas vehicles, Clean Diesel and Biodiesel vehicles, New Tech Gasoline vehicles, and Electric cars, with a final chapter devoted to possible future alternatives. In each main section he clearly explains how the technology works, examines common considerations such as safety, reliability, cost to operate, and repair costs, and provides a little formula for figuring out what the actual cost/savings for each vehicle would be based on your own driving habits.
It's a terrific, very thorough introduction to the subject—one I'll be referring to again when it's time to buy a new car.
This book was provided for review from the publisher.
