Welcome Donald,
That's a big font you've got there! Good luck on your hybrid quest. Are you thinking a 2006? Or an earlier version?

Eric Powers

MHG Organizer - www.MadisonHybridGroup.com
Hybridfest - A Hybrid Electric Car Show and More! www.hybridfest.com
Third weekend in July
Madison, WI

I thought someone had mentioned Subaru was developing a hybrid? Time to scour the forums! Perhaps, I heard it on another forum? I'll post whatever I come up with.

Oh, and welcome!

<Best Tank Economy!><Best Tank Endurance!>

Eric,
Thanks for the note back. I'm wainting to test drive an '06 HCH. Our local dealer does not have any yet. Hopefully 12/06. I did test drive a Prius - I did not like the view through the rear window. I'm hoping to negotiage installation on a few accessories free! Our Toyota dealer is charging above list price for a Prius. The font was larger than I thought it would be.
Don

Keith,
I haven't asked my Subaru dealer, but I haven't seen any articles on a Subaru Hybrid. They recently came out with a new 7 psgr vehicle - something I wanted when I had 4 kids at home. Thanks for the note.
Don

I just went through the buying/comparing process a few months ago, and although there are new and different options now, my research is probably not completely out of date yet.

The reasons I bought a 2005 HCH instead of a Prius are:
1) the rear view/ fin being blocked in the Prius (HCH has normal rear visibility)
2) the price difference (HCH is much cheaper)
3) not actually very different gas mileage reported (despite Prius' higher rating)
4) safety rating (HCH was a bit better)
5) that stalling-at-high-speeds issue (in the news about Prius- you've probably heard about it)
6) the difference in waiting time (when I was looking, Prius was 4 months and HCH was zero, although I ended up waiting 2 weeks to get the color I wanted).
7) driveability (HCH is just more like a normal car)

I guess Prius is more of a statement, because of its style and publicity, and it's a bit bigger car (but if you want bigger, Honda Accord hybrid could be an option). If you like the navigation feature, that would be a plus, although I think the HCH 06 has it, too.

Hope this helps.