Hybrid Car Buyer's Guide

So, you've decided that you want to do something to help reduce foreign oil-dependency, or to help the environment? Maybe you're just a technology buff and you believe that hybrid cars are a bridge to fuel cells? The point is, you have your reasons for buying a hybrid, but not all hybrid vehicles address those issues equally.

So, why do you want a hybrid?

If you want to use as little gas as possible, then the Toyota Prius or the Honda Civic hybrid are best. These hybrid vehicles look very different and they feel very different. Both hybrids are in the same price range, but the Prius is a bit of a better performer, at least in terms of pure fuel efficiency.

The Prius, and all Toyota hybrids, have larger hybrid batteries making them capable of using only electric power at lower speeds. While the second generation Civic hybrid did increase the size of its hybrid batteries, it still offers less electric power than the Prius.
Recently, tax credits for the Prius have been reduced to 50 percent of the full credit.
If a two-seat vehicle is an option for you, then consider the Honda Insight hybrid.
If you need a little more performance, a little more pizzazz, then the best fuel efficient hybrid car for you might be the Toyota Camry hybrid. The Camry hybrid will be built upon the redesigned 2007 Camry, but offer fuel efficiency that is 25 - 30% better than the conventional Camry.
Both the conventional Camry and the hybrid Camry were named Motortrend's Vehicle of the year for 2007..
Also, in early 2007 Nissan will begin to offer the Altima hybrid, which should compare well to the Camry hybrid.
The Honda Accord hybrid is a different breed of hybrid, but it is best of breed when it comes to Accords. The Accord hybrid is faster, more powerful, and significantly more fuel efficient than its conventional cousin. In urban, stop-and-go traffic, the hybrid Accord is the least efficient of all the hybrids. This hybrid is a highway vehicle.

Hybrid SUVs
Perhaps a car just isn't an option? Do you have to have an SUV? Fortunately for you, the hybrid SUV segment offers a number of choices. 
You won't save nearly as much gas as with the Prius or Civic hybrid, but the Ford Escape hybrid is the most fuel efficient hybrid SUV. 
Then comes the Toyota Highlander hybrid, offering slightly less fuel efficiency than the Escape hybrid, but more seating and more power. In fact, some Highlanders offer 3rd row seating which can accommodate 7 passengers.

Thus, for a large family, the Highlander hybrid is probably the best choice because it will seat up to seven.
Still, it is important to remember that the Highlander hybrid was not built purely for fuel economy. This is a hybrid SUV that provides V6 performance with V4 fuel economy. If a fuel efficient SUV is critical, then the Highlander hybrid might not be your best pick.
If; however, the Escape hybrid is more to your liking, but the styling just isn't quite right, then you should check out the Mercury Mariner hybrid. The hybrid Mariner is essentially a luxury Escape hybrid.

Luxury hybrids
Of course, maybe you have to have a luxury hybrid SUV?

The Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV is the least efficient of the SUV bunch, but by far the most powerful, as well as the most luxurious. This luxury hybrid is faster than its conventional cousin, significantly more fuel efficient, and emits far less pollution. Of course this performance has costs and the hybrid Lexus is priced over $10,000 more than a standard RX330.
If you prefer a luxury sedan, check out the Lexus GS 450h hybrid or the LS 600h L hybrid, which will be available this Spring.

Each one of these hybrids is a good investment in the future. Even if you choose a lesser fuel efficient hybrid, your are still investing in the future of hybrid technology. 

Buying a hybrid vehicle doesn't have to be difficult, just choose the hybrid that best fits your requirements. Hopefully, this hybrid cars buying guide as helped you.