Robert,

Just wanted to add that as a HAH and a HiHY owner, I would highly recommend the HiHy based on your described driving pattern. Also, stated EPA mpg's are all "relative". No one gets near what the EPA says (hybrid or non hybrid) and before all of us started micromanaging our mileage by posting to this site, I am not sure that anyone really cared that much (until they got the sticker shock of filling their cars at $2.50 a gallon).

Personally, if I had the choice between the HAH and HiHY when I was car shopping, the HiHY would have won hands down. (With the exception of the Honda navigation vs the Toyota navigation system, which I would give Honda a 10 and the Toyota about a 6). I also know that alot of people say they don't need navigation, but trust me, it is one of those things that can be really helpful, not only if you happen to be driving out of your "comfort" area, but also they both give you a clearer way to monitor your driving style). My biggest gripe about the Toyota system is that you have to be stopped in order to engage the driving directions. While that is really a fine safety feature if you are the only person in the car, but your passenger cannot even do it for you in the Toyota, you can in the Honda.

The HiHY is a very nicely decked out vehicle with a lot of space. It drives like a car and not a truck, to me it looks like a station wagon because it is smaller than the Explorer that you are considering. I am also not sure you can put a $ value on the reliablility of Toyota over Ford (sorry Ford owners). Volvos are know for their safety. I won't dispute that.

Good luck in your decision. We will all be interested in what you decide to do.