I was just curious as to how many people own a hybrid car primarily because it saves money, and how many own a hybrid primarily for the environmental benefits?

Do you have other reasons?

Personally, I enjoy the mileage, but my reasoning is primarily environment-related.

Ethics? I see no moral code in driving a Hybrid.

For me, buying the Fusion Hybrid, was an economic decision. Cuts my gas bill in half. Gave me a $3,400 tax credit. Lower cost of ownership. Higher resale value.

I like that it helps the environment, provides conversation interest, looks and drives beautifully but that was not the decision maker. I guess we were fortunate to make the financial decision, because this is one of the finest automobiles we have ever owned, and we have had lots of them.

Red

Neither really. I'm just a sucker for gadgets and new technology. What Toyota has done with these hybrids is nothing short of amazing. The fact that they also produce very little emissions is equally amazing, but not quite smug-forming.

If you haven't already seen it, South Park did a most excellent and thorough job of addressing this issue a few years back.

Some people shop only at local markets because they feel they have an ethical responsibility to make environmentally positive choices. Driving a Hybrid is one of these choices.

That's all I meant by "ethics".

I haven't seen the South Park, I don't believe! I'm sure they'd do a good job of illustrating the situation, haha.

I have to say, the gadgetry is definitely an appealing aspect - I can't lie. I'd like to say that I do it solely for the environment, but there's something about that Hybrid hum that I really dig.

For me, Accord Hybrid was going to end up same price as the Accord EXV6-6MT I had bought just before HAH, after the state tax credit, so I figured I might as well enjoy fuel efficiency of 4-cylinder with the power of 6 cylinders and be more environment-friendly to boot. I would have paid a little more even, for being able to use less of a dwindling resource and put less pollutants in the air. I guess, that means I bought hybrid more for "ethics".

Silver Frost Metallic Hybrid


Sapphire Blue Pearl EX-V6 6MT

Interesting! I think that I'd be willing to pay more, as well, if I could receive a vehicle with a smaller "carbon footprint".

I'm glad to see that no one has said "Screw the environment! I love fuel efficiency!"

I grew up in the 70's, when carbureted, mechanically timed, leaded gasoline burning, catalyst free, 28 foot land yachts roamed the Earth. Compared to those carcinogenic hell beasts, almost ANY modern car from the last ten years is a 99%+ improvement. And out of consideration for all of our environment, I will not drive a car that produces unnecessary amounts of pollution... no matter how much I miss my old Chevelle from my teen years. I just don't think that over the full life cycle of the car, that hybrids necessarily represent a quantum improvement over other modern, efficient cars.

When I see 'ethical' and 'hybrid' together it evokes images of the 'Save Tibet' and 'Free the Whales' crowd. I'm not that guy. Just a tech nerd.

Why an either-or question? My answer is "both". And, it's a fun toy.

Reducing environment-harming emissions and saving money, both at the same time, is a classical "win-win".

Of course it can be both. Just wanted to attract anyone who was adamant about either side!

It's definitely a win-win!