My reasons for buying a Honda Civic Hybrid:

1. Making a small effort at reducing dependency on oil for a variety of environmental, economic, and social reasons (foreign and domestic).

2. Fuel economy- A hedge against future oil price spikes [temporary (terrorism) and possibly permanent (higher costs of extracting oil)].

3. Low emissions- Growing up and living in Southern California, I know how important it is to regulate emissions. I'm doing my part with the AT PZEV rating of my HCH.

4. Cost- My HCH was $5-10K less than the other cars I was considering (Acura TL, Audi A3, Honda Accord V6, Subaru WRX) and the maintenance requirements are less frequent (10K between oil changes). The $2,000 federal tax deduction is nice too. Gas fillups cost less.

5. Convenience- Fewer trips to the gas station than my previous car and with a smaller gas tank, less time spent when I actually have to fill up. Not the quickest car around, but it can navigate the streets of L.A. and orange county, CA as well as conventional cars - "no compromise."

6. Technology- Supporting the tecnhology I believe is a stopgap between internal combustion engines (ICE) and the next big thing (hydrogen, cold fusion [?!]). Helping push the auto industry away from the antiquated ICE via the market.

7. Stealth- Looks just like a normal Civic other than the "hybrid" badge, roof antenna, and odd looking wheels.

8. Looks- Yes, the HCH actually looks awesome with a Magnesium Metallic paintjob and a two tone grey/black interior. My mom actually thought I had a BMW 3 series sitting in my driveway the first time she saw it from behind. The LCD gauges and chrome like shifter base and gauge bezels are a nice touch too.