Hybrid Car Review

A list of the top ten hybrid cars is pretty easy to make, given that there are only 10 hybrid cars (and suvs) available on the market today.

1. Toyota Prius -- the Prius has become synonymous with hybrid cars. One of the first modern hybrids available, its still the best seller and the best family hybrid car for the money available on the market.  And the next generation Prius is rumoured to get over 90 mpg.
   


2. Honda Insight -- The only other hybrid-only car available, it still gets the best mileage even though it was the first hybrid car available on the market. But, if you're into small two-seaters that get great gas mileage, you better get one fast. Production of the Insight has been set to end in September.


3. Toyota Camry Hybrid -- By taking one of the most popular cars on the road and hybridizing it, Toyota created the second most popular hybrid car available today. The Camry is said to be taking hybrids into the mainstream.  Although, given the number of Prius on the road today, I'd say hybrids are already there.
   


4. Ford Escape Hybrid (SUV) -- The Ford Escape Hybrid was the first SUV hybrid on the road, and it still gets the best fuel economy in its hybrid class. Not only that, its the only hybrid Kermit the frog endorses.


5. Toyota Highlander Hybrid (SUV) -- Built with quality in mind, it was the second best selling hybrid, at least until the Toyota Camry hybrid came along.  Its also a midsize SUV, for anyone who wants something larger than the compact Escape.
   


6. Honda Civic Hybrid -- Designed to maximize efficiency and mass marketing, this hybrid has done well by its maker. Just don't expect any of your tall friends to ride for long periods in the backseat.


7. Lexus GS 450h -- A luxury midsize sedan with hybrid 'green' rep. Not only do you get to look good, you get to feel good about driving this flagship of the Lexus division. But don't expect such good feelings to come cheaply. The starting price is over $50K


8. Lexus RX 400h (SUV) -- A luxury SUV you don't have to feel bad about driving. The only way you can tell you're driving a hybrid is by looking for that tiny hybrid badge on the rear. But you'll know its there. If you have to ask how much this one starts at, you can't afford it.


9. Honda Accord -- The Performance hybrid that just hasn't performed for Honda. This electric section of this hybrid engine was designed to assist the gas engine, giving it more power than the conventional Accord. But, consumers are asking if the premium price is worth it.


10. Mercury Mariner (SUV) -- The luxury sister of the Ford Escape, I'm not sure the 'upgrades' are worth the extra money.

I'm not including the current Sierra or Silverado, as they are 'mild' hybrids. I've also excluded the Saturn Vue Green Line, as it is not available, yet.

The ranking was fairly arbitrary, based on my own opinion of what each car is worth. Given that I can't afford the luxury hybrids, they ranked lower on my scale. The Prius and Insight were given preference for being the first two modern hybrids available (see the Woods Dual Power), but the Insight was never very practical. I'm also not very excited by the Accord, although recent news about software upgrades was certainly welcome.

If you want to know more about hybrids (or just want to see another list), might I suggest the pros and cons of hybrid cars.