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Which Hybrid Car is Right For You?

by: Amy Cottrell

Posted on: Tuesday, August 12th, 2008 at 7:30 pm by: Amy Cottrell
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If you have finally decided to go green with your vehicle and buy a hybrid car, you will soon be faced with a difficult choice. Which model is right for you? Although there isn’t currently an abundant amount of hybrid cars to choose from, you do have some options that could make the difference between a wise investment and buyer’s remorse.

Before you set out to buy the hybrid, you need to determine what your driving habits are and what kind of performance you need from the car. What will you be using this hybrid vehicle for? Will this be strictly for single-person work commutes, weekend trips with the family or do you need something large and rugged? Hybrids are available in a wide range of sizes, from compact sedans to large SUVs. Most models are in the mid-size sedan range, however.

When hybrid vehicles first hit the market, passenger space was limited due to the large battery that powered the car. However, manufacturers have been fine-tuning hybrids over the years and now there are full-size SUVs that can accommodate even the largest families. In fact, both the GMC Yukon and Chevy Tahoe have hybrid versions that seat up to nine people.

Size and performance are major factors in determining which hybrid is right for you, though your first concern may be the price tag. Typically, hybrid vehicles are more expensive than all-gas cars of comparable size. Although this may change in the future as consumer demand increases, the “ideal” hybrid vehicle may not currently fit into your budget. The smaller, economy hybrids run in the low $20K range, while a luxury hybrid can cost six figures.

If you are looking for the most fuel-efficient hybrid vehicle on the market, the two leaders are currently the Toyota Prius (averages 55 MPG) and the Honda Civic Hybrid (averages 50 MPG). The Prius is a mid-size sedan, while the Civic is a smaller compact sedan. Although not large in size, they are big savers in annual fuel costs, as the average driver will spend less than $1,000 a year when driving either model. Both cars are perfect for work commutes.

When choosing the perfect hybrid car for your needs, you must weigh cost concerns against size and performance. Since hybrids have become more mainstream over the past several years, it is now possible to find a pre-owned hybrid vehicle that may fit into your budget a little easier. Research is key to choosing the perfect hybrid and no one knows more about the subject than other hybrid enthusiasts. Online communities like Hybrid Forums, offering both articles and public message boards, are here to help consumers with this choice. Not only is buying a hybrid vehicle a major investment, it is a huge step toward making your community a healthier place to live.