Hybrid Cars-would like Your Opinion

2 things to consider:

When it's time to replace the power unit (battery) it can be very expensive - it's down the road - but from what I understand the cost is expected to be between $4,000 - $7,000 depending on the model. That's a huge "repair cost" when the car is getting older and you're trying to decide whether to sell or repair. I have to imagine that it would be hard to sell when it's due to have a new power unit.

If you're doing this to be green, research the manufacturing process and location of the battery / power unit - although there is one or two factories in the US that make these power unit most are made in India, Indonesia, etc - where OSHA and environemental laws are nearly non-existent. So while you may be doing this for a good reason, the manufacturing process may be causing much bigger workplace & environmental hazards than we realize.

I've been considering a hybrid but don't feel certain on either of these accounts yet - so my "jury is still out" on hyrbids. Keeping my almost 10 year old car is still more environmentally friendly since the resources needed to manufacutre it 10 years ago hasn't been needed needed again.

I'd be curious to see if any other posts here have answers for these questions.

Overall, Iove my Prius. I have only two issues with it. The charger outlets will stop working and do not always charge my electronics. I have to un plug and replug often.

There is also an indicator light for when the car loses traction, I have never had one of these before, and it does come on frequently when you drive on gravel, especially if it is gravel on a paved road. I am not sure if all cars lose traction, and I never knew it, or if this one is more prone, but it comes on several times a week for a second or so.

All in all, it is fun to drive, gets great mpg, and is more roomy than I anticipated. The back holds a lot! Incedentally, if you put the seats down, you can get 71 cases of Girl scout cookies in one...just in case you need to know!

M.

I bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid a year ago and I seriously love this car. Look up the consumer reports details and you will see that it is a highly ranked car. I feel that it drives better and is more comfortable that the Prius or Camry. We also looked into the Honda hybrid (Accord I think). We spent A LOT of time researching and driving as this was a major purchase for us.

I also wanted to buy from an American company....I most of the manufacturing is in Mexico, but I still wanted to support those US workers who do have jobs related to the car.

I have a 2007 Toyota Camry and I love it. The only drawback is that the batteries take up some of the trunk space.

I agree 100% with Susan. If you truly want to be "green" don't buy a hybrid. The manufacturing process for the batteries, their disposal and replacement is extraordinarily bad for the environment.

To get the "green" tax credit and still get similar or better mileage as a Prius consider a VW Golf TDI model. The diesel engine is an otherwise normal engine, it uses diesel gas which is typically not much more expensive than regular gas (and its higher cost will offset any premium you will pay for buying a hybrid), but they get upwards of 50MPG. It's not hard on the environment, the diesel is clean, and it sips gas the way a Prius would.

For a full detail on hybrid manufacture click here: http://hubpages.com/hub/Prius

On a personal note: I drove a Prius on a long road trip once....it's very warbly at a maintained speed. Meaning the engine starting and braking as it re-charges gives the car a not so smooth feeling at sustained speed. It bugged me to no end. My friend didn't notice it, much.

Happy car hunting!!

I have the Highlander Hybrid and I love it. I have never had any problems. I had an SUV before it, so I was very happy to not lose much space and be able to drive around for three weeks before needing gas. Both of my neighbors have the Prius and they are also very happy with it and my brother has the Camry. I can only speak for myself, but I would recommend it. I do not think that anyone would notice the feel or drive of the car being any different from any gas only powered vehicle. I have the same acceleration, power, and speed as anyone else on the road.
Good luck,
C.

MUST UPDATE REGARDING BEING "GREEN"
Hybrid vehicles reduce emissions and reduce our relience on fossil fuels. The amount of nickel used in hybrid cars comprise less than 1% of the globes annual consumption. It is a miniscule amount and the story that they are bad for the environment is an urban myth. "All the hybrids on the market use NiMH (Nickel-Metal Hydride) batteries, which contain no heavy metals (so they're not hazardous waste, like the Pb-A batteries), and are easily recycled." The batteries are generally warrantied for 10 years or 200,000 miles and are actually expected to last for the life of the vehicle.
The Jetta Diesel does not get anything close 50 mpg (according to VW, it is 42 highway tops), but it is a great car.
As for the manufacturing process, the largets battery plant used is in Michigan. I looked and looked an did not find any info regarding Indonesian production in US cars.
Sorry, I just don't want misinformation to keep going around.

My whole family owns priuses. I'm not kidding. My husband has one, my MIL has one, my brother has one, and my parents have two. Obviously, we're fans! My parents have owned priuses (priai?) the longest - my father bought one second generation, and they are now on fourth or fifth generation (I'm not sure). No one has ever had to replace a battery and we've never had any electric problems (or any problems). We live in an area that is basically entirely interstates, so I can tell you that it works and drives nicely at high speeds, and the gas mileage is great (we did the math, and because of the distance my husband drives to work, we've already broken even on what we paid for it vs. gas!) It's fun and easy to drive, especially if you're familiar with Toyotas. Highly recommended! Plus, they are so spacious!