Ford and Mercury hybrid vehicles are still eligible for the full amount of the hybrid tax credit, the Internal Revenue Service announced. The hybrid credit is phased-out, or reduced, once a manufacturer sells 60,000 qualifying hybrid vehicles. So far, only Toyota and Lexus models have entered the phase-out period for the tax credit.

The IRS also certified four new hybrid vehicles for the tax credit:

• 2008 Ford Escape 2WD Hybrid: $3,000
• 2008 Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid: $2,200
• 2008 Mercury Mariner 2WD Hybrid: $3,000
• 2008 Mercury Mariner 4WD Hybrid: $2,200

More information: Hybrid Tax Credit | Limitations | Eligible Vehicles | Phase-outs
From the IRS: Purchasers of Ford Hybrids Still Qualify for Tax Credit (IR-2007-22)
From About.com: Mercury Mariner Test Drive | Ford Escape Review
Photo courtesy of Ford Motor Company.