Hybrid Cars: Choices are finally emerging

Today, hybrid car shopping is pretty easy. It's all about the Prius hybrid.

While the Prius is a wonderful car, having only one hybrid car option isn't much of an option.

Yes, I know, you could also choose the Honda Civic Hybrid, or the Honda Insight, but those choices still don't quite equal Toyota's hybrid phenomenon. Both Hondas are compacts, while the Toyota is closer to a Sedan, aside from the hybrid powertrain differences between the autos (the Toyota dominates).

Nonetheless, all this is about to change with the entry of Honda's Accord Hybrid. The Honda, which will hit showrooms across the U.S. on December 3, is also a Sedan. This means that those seeking a mid-sized hybrid car, but that do not like the look of the Prius, have an option. Further, the Accord provides decision-making criteria, based on driving habits, to compare and contrast with the Prius.

For example, if you are an urban dweller, and spend much time in traffic - starting-and-stopping - both cars are a good solution, but the Prius hybrid is a better match. The Prius actually achieves it's best fuel efficiency in these conditions. On the contrary, the Accord hybrid, achieves it's best fuel efficiency on the highway.

Not interested in a car, but would still like a hybrid vehicle?

If you prefer an SUV, but feel guilty about the gas-guzzling nature of such autos, 3 new hybrid SUVs are just around the corner for you to keep in mind.

Already out in limited numbers, with more to hit showrooms in the summer of 2005, the Ford Escape Hybrid is "the world's first hybrid SUV". While Ford did have to lease some of it's hybrid technology from Toyota, the Escape is the first significant hybrid step for an American automaker.

Not long after the Escape becomes widely available, it will be joined by two Toyota hybrid SUVs. The Toyota Highlander hybrid SUV, and the Lexus RX400h hybrid SUV will be hitting dealerships in the Fall of 2005.

The Highlander Hybrid should provide direct competition to the the Escape, while the Lexus hybrid SUV should appease high-end buyers.

While the Prius is a fabulous car, a little competition will be good for the space. Choices will help the hybrid model knock the internal combustion into the stone ages - where it belongs.