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kevin_psx,

I'd bet more hybrid drivers intend to keep their vehicle at least five years than the general public - I generally do.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

I bought it because I'm cheap. I got my magic SUV that uses less than half the gas of the non-magic type, for a little more money.

I concur, I plan to own my FEH for around 10 years. I had the '95 Explorer until 2005, I can't really see this one lasting any less.

First 4WD Hypermiler

Have you read the FEH FAQ?

Live in Michigan? Let it be known in Michigan Roll Call

Read My Automotive Blog at Rich Rambles

I had my last vehicle - an '89 Ranger - for sixteen years. Perhaps it is too much to ask for the same from my FEH, but I can hope.

'06 FEH 2WD "Sainte Marie"

I liked the article, thank you for sharing. I have always believed a car was an extension of one's personality and belief system. When I used to conduct training classes, as an Ice Breaker, I would always ask the question - "If you could be any car - what would you be and why?" This always brought out some interesting answers and helped me understand the personality of the participants.

My brother and his wife have two Chevy Tahoes - these vehicles represent their belief system perfectly, while the Honda Civic Hybrid fits mine.

Bill

From the Valley of the Sun. -Phoenix, AZ

Ahh...finally, an article that identifies Hybrid owners as more than just granola-crunchin' tree huggers. Yes, the car is a part of ones own personality - or an extension of it.

Yesterday, we traded in my 01 Insight which I felt was my personality on wheels, for a first generation 2002 Prius as my commuter vehicle. It is just more practical all-round considering the baby on the way. Sure, my new little commuter car is fantastic - but I just can't help feel that I lost a part of myself with the Insight.

Oh well, in time I'll get over it, knowing that I grew up just a little and finally used a little common sense.

Rich, Jennie & Boston (with little Piper on the way in April 2006)

2005 Toyota Prius (Driftwood Pearl #4) - 54 mpg average


2002 Toyota Prius (Silver Gen-1) - 51 mpg average

After you have had your Prius awhile, please compare the driving experience with it an the Insight.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

Ah, the ever-present and never-ending quest to group us all into a profile. Good grief. Cars are a reflection of what is important to the life of the buyer, and that will vary all over the place (status, practicality, best they could do with what they had, maybe they just liked how it looked). I don't subscribe to the idea that Hybrid Buyer = X type of person. The panel would probably be stunned to find out religion even played a role in my buying decision (financial responsibility, good stewardship of finances and environment). Bet you won't find that question on the survey. :-)

*** Retired after 65,000 outstanding miles ***

I'd like to venture more than an average number of hybrid drivers are less self-centered and community-oriented, like mini-van drivers.

61.5mpg lifetime - 82mpg in recent months

Best Run >
www.cleanmpg.com

"fanatic" is what the lazy call the dedicated

I understand your motivation and I would guess that you are right that religion - and many other usually ignored factors - played a role in decisions to get a hybrid.

But suppose I am trying to make and sell a particular model - say a hybrid. Might it be reasonable to promote it in some religious-oriented media?

One of the problems in trying to determine an "average demographic" is that it could be that no one is average. The resulting picture could be quite misleading. I suspect that this is true of hybrid drivers.

'06 FEH 2WD "Sainte Marie"