When I was shopping for my hybrid, the bank qualified me for a Ford Escape. But the $600/mo. payment was more than I thought my budget could handle. Instead, I bought a used, 2003 Prius and the $300/mo car payment works. Better still, the $30-40/mo. fuel savings over the Ford Escape helps too.

What doesn't make sense is Ford had 'family plan' pricing on all but two vehicles this year: (1) Mustang and (2) Escape hybrid. Mary Ann did good!