Yes interest picking up all around. I was waiting for diesels (had one in Europe) as were my car nut buddies, but at $4.59 per gallon I thought a gas powered HEV car made sense ($3.70). Even if a diesel could do 40mpg the extra up front cost would negate things.

Here in CT buying a hybrid was a no brainer. I got a Nissan Altima after test driving it and getting nearly 40mpg (filling it up myself). No sales tax (1650) , rebate (1250), discount (2500) and federal credit (2350) . Loaded with every option the cost to an equivalent car is 25500 as a result. Thats with Leather, NAV, Moonroof, Bluetooth, XM, Bose and Toyota electrical components. Nissan was a better driving car to Camry by quite a bit.

Car is very fast and does really well in suburban driving (not city) 80/ highway 20.

Friend has one with 9000 miles and commutes from Northern NY suburbs to Suffolk County Long Island Sections of trip at 80mph and then countless miles of stop and go - 34mpg in a big, safe car. 200 miles per day. That put me over the edge to buy a HEV. Thought too complicated.

Wanted Saturn Vue (dual mode), Ford Escape, but none available (when will Detroit get it right)????