Hybrid Car Review

According to the latest Consumer Reports Poll, nearly seventy percent of those who planned to purchase a new car during the coming year would be looking for a more fuel efficient vehicle than their current model. Nearly half of them would consider a diesel, hybrid or flex-fuel vehicle, even though only one in nine primarily drive one now.

Half would give up size or capacity (52%), range (49%), performance (48%) or amenities (44%) for higher fuel efficiency. 42% were willing to pay more for a fuel-efficient car, while 31% were willing to pay more for a special fuel.

Looks like the current high gas prices are affecting the way people are thinking about shopping for their next car. I saw similar polls last year when gas prices sky-rocketed, and since then there has been a slow erosion in the largest vehicle market and a small increase in the small car market. We'll have to see if this means we'll see an even larger move in that direction.