In considering the purchase of a hybrid car, you are joining a growing national trend. Consumers are looking for ways to stretch their dollars, and with current gas prices, a hybrid is a smart choice. In surveying options in the hybrid field, you will want to consider:
- Size
- Price
- Gas Mileage
- Appearance
The Honda Insight, Honda Civic Hybrid, Honda Accord Hybrid, and Toyota Prius are the four hybrid cars available to purchase from dealers today. The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first hybrid SUV available, but additional choices now available are the Lexus RX 400h, Toyota Highlander and Mariner Hybrid. Additional 2007 models discussed in this article are are the Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan, Toyota Camry Hybrid . The Nissan Altima Hybrid is not discussed. Be warned, though; some models, like the Prius may have a waiting period of two to nine months, as manufacturers strive to fill orders.
Size
It used to be that hybrid cars only came in two sizes: small and smaller. But times are changing, and manufacturers are responding to consumer interest in hybrid cars. When thinking about size, be sure to consider the number of passengers and typical loads you may be transporting.
At the space-saving end of the spectrum is the sporty, two-passenger Honda Insight. This hybrid car may not be the answer as the only vehicle for a family of five, but as a commuter car, it is ideal. See my review of the Honda Insight for more details. Storage room is ample for this size vehicle; however don’t expect to be able to haul a 4x8 piece of plywood.
The Honda Civic Hybrid is a compact sedan that seats five and is outwardly the same size as the non-hybrid Civic. The interior is the same size as well, but the trunk of the hybrid is slightly smaller because of the battery.It was redisigned in 2006 and now has a sleeker, sportier design.
Although model years 2000-2003 of the Prius were 5 passenger compact cars, it was redesigned in 2004 and now fits in the mid-size category. This roomier version also includes a versatile hatch back.
The Honda Accord also offers a hybrid version in the mid-size category. It's a snazzy 255hp version of the ever-popular Accord.
The Toyota Camry Hybrid became available in in May 2006 about the same time that Lexus added a sporty GS 450h hybrid sedan.
If a 5- passenger Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) is what you are looking for, then you will want to check out the Ford Escape, Mariner Hybrid, or Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid. The first two are available in two and four wheel-drive models. If ultimate luxury is what you have in mind you can also check out the Lexus RX 400h.
Currently no manufacturer offers a hybrid minivan, so Toyota's Highlander Hybrid is the only hybrid that seats 7 passengers.
Price
Hybrid cars and SUV’s are priced from around $19,000 to nearly $55,000 for the base models. Expect the hybrid to be three to five thousand dollars more than their non-hybrid siblings.
The lowest entry point into the hybrid car market is the the manual transmission 2006 Insight at an MSRP of $19,330, and the Lexus hybrid sport sedan, the GS 450h is the highest at $54,900.
For cars the 2006/2007 list goes like this:
- 2006 Honda Insight, $19,330 manual transmission ($21,530 for automatic)
- 2006 Toyota Prius, $21,2745,
- 2006 Honda Civic Hybrid, $21,850
- 2007 Toyota Camry Hybrid, $25,900
- 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid, $30,140
- 2007 Lexus GS 450h, $54,900
For SUVs the 2006 list goes like this,
- Saturn VUE Green Line Hybrid SUV (summer 2006) $23,995.
- 2006 Ford Escape hybrid begins at $27,515 for the two-wheel drive version and $28,595 for four-wheel drive.
- 2006 Mariner Hybrid $29,840 (four wheel drive is standard.)
- 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid begins at $33,030 for the two-wheel drive version and $34,430 for four-wheel drive.
- 2006 Lexus RX400h $49,060.
Don't forget, though, these are just the MSRP for the base model. Any additional features will increase the cost.
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