I am looking to buy my first hybrid car, but have really no idea about where to go for the best infromation. Frankly, the general the information, the better - as I really have no clue what I'm doing! The only resource on hybrids and other fuel-efficient cars that I've found that is as general as I would like is http://fuelfriendlycars.com but I would like some other hybrid car resources as well. Any suggestions? Thanks -

Ronny

Right Here!

I have been all over the web, and the best information is here. You just have to dig a little deeper into the forums to find it. Look into some of the techinical discussions that interest you and pertain to your requirements -- you will find it all, both good and bad.

Good luck on your search.

It is the ignorant among us that will eventually destroy us all.

Look in some of the model-specific forums. As a Prius owner I can point you directly to Prius forums:

www.priuschat.com (the more active of the two)
www.priusonline.com

I can't tell you about forums for the other models, but a Google search should find them if they're out there.

The model-specific forums, as you might expect, have a few zealots that are convinced their model is the only one. Certainly there is a bias, but most folks are helpful and interested in helping you make the right decision. Study the forums for awhile and you'll start to get a handle on whose and which advice is credible.

Also look at www.hybridchat.com. Not real active, but maybe helpful nonetheless.

Here or elsewhere, let folks know what you're looking for in a car (besides a hybrid) and your typical driving situation, and you'll get more specific guidance.

Jim

Lifetime fuel mileage:

After learning how to hypermile:

I think you should go look at the cars. It costs nothing but time, and it's always fun - just ignore the pushy salesmen.

You may want to first decide what it is you need:
Compact car - Honda Civic Hybrid
Midsize car - Prius, Camry Hybrid, Altima Hybrid
SUV - Toyota Highlander Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid, Mazda version of same, Saturn Vue.
Pickup - Chev.

Then go look at and test drive them all in your desired catagory.

Note that the Toyota system is used in the Altima, and the Ford system was developed on its' own, but ended up being almost the same as the Toyota system (and is licensed from Toyota for that reason).
The GM system in the Chev and Saturn line is their own and not quite as fully "hybrid" as the Toyota and Honda systems.

If you put on lots of miles each year, the hybrids can easily pay for themselves quickly. Otherwise, don't buy to save money, buy to reduce your impact on the environment (and for the fun of owning one).

Pearl is a
2007 Driftwood Pearl Prius
Package "B" (everything but leather, nav, and rear camera)

FastMover's right - this is a great source of real-world info from owners.

I also like the DOE's site http://www.fueleconomy.gov, as it provides existing and updated mileage information, emissions and overall petroleum footprint, and links to information about tax incentives. You can also do side-by-side comparisons of vehicles.

One of the things the press likes to harp on is the time it takes to recoup your investment on a hybrid based on the cost difference between your hybrid and the equivalent non-hybrid vehicle. But who would actually go out and buy that equivalent vehicle? You're probably more likely to want to compare it to your own vehicle, or another hybrid - the DOE's site is pretty helpful there.

Uh.... I was considering a Civic LX and EX when I bought my HCH-II. I think lots of people make this comparison. In the end, it saved a bit of money over 7 years or so but that will go away if the HCH's resale is lower b/c of battery concerns.

Fair point, 300TTto545... I was just thinking about (as I wrote that post) a LOT of my friends who've been looking at hybrids for their next car, and they all were looking to switch from an SUV or a mid-size+ sedan to conserve fuel. In that context, they're probably looking for a vehicle that's more in line with their current one.