I'm not sure I wanted to SHOW that I'm driving a hybrid so much. I certainly didn't want to enough to buy a Prius or Insight, instead of my HCH-II. But I absolutely do not MIND telling people about my hybrid experience, and letting them know the positives there are about them, and squashing the false negatives.

My MAIN reason for buying the HCH-II was economic-based.

Over 100K miles, which vehicle (that I would consider owning) is likely to have the least TCO (Total Cost of Ownership). By my calculations/estimations, the HCH-II won out slightly over the regular Civic EX. Depending on the near-future price of gas, this difference could be quite small or pretty significant ($5/gallon gasoline will make the numbers favor the HCH-II much more quickly and substantially).

Since the HCH-II appeared to be at least a slight economic winner, I jumped on it, because using less fuel to boot (another pretty strong conviction of mine) made it a no-brainer for me.

Much cleaner emissions? A bonus (and a good thing).

Steve

STOP terrorism - Drive a HYBRID

Vehicles:
350 miles a week ------------ 2006 HCH II, Magnetic Pearl, w/NAVI (born on May 25, 2006)
350 miles a month ---------- 2003 Mazda Tribute ES-V6
350 miles a year (for now) - 1986 Mercedes 560SL