Rivalries are everywhere in the automotive world, and that's even true for eco-friendly hybrid cars. It appears Ford is looking to build a new one in the hybrid crossover segment, as the company's press release for its new C-Max people hauler was filled with references to the Toyota Prius V.

"The C-Max Hybrid builds on Ford's 20 years of hybrid innovation and fuel-efficient offerings to take on Prius V with better city fuel economy at 47 mpg and at better value - a great chance for us to shake up the hybrid market," said Raj Nair, group vice president. "C-MAX Hybrid delivers 3 mpg more than Prius V with 50 more horsepower and exclusive technologies such as our hands-free liftgate - and the $1,300-lower base price means the payback period will be the smallest in the segment."

Ford says it hopes for half of the C-Max buyers to be "conquests," or buyers switching from another hybrid. The other 50 percent will presumably be people who are buying a hybrid for the first time.

A hybrid can help buyers raise their MPGs, but even gas-powered cars can be fuel-efficient with a little auto maintenance. A quick car tune up and fuel injection cleaning can help buyers save at the pump.