Year Of The Hybrid?
So, I'm taking Abbe to school today and I pass not one, not two (where am I going with this?), but three Toyota Prius's. And not the funky-looking first version, I'm talking about the recent jobbie. I also passed two '06 Civics (not the 2006 Hybrid Civic. Man, I think gas-saving folks are going to be pretty happy letting those two battle out who has the best real-world fuel economy. I personally like the styling of the '06 Civic better but I like the hatchness of the Prius (Prius is bigger inside, too). And it looks like Nissan will have their act together for the hybrid Altima for next year so I'm officially predicting 2007 ('06 models are already out) will not be the year of the hybrid. Oh, some may have said it was a year or two ago, but I don't think it's here quite yet. There needs to be a wider choice of vehicles and there are really just a few. We needs Accords, Camrys, Altimas, Focuses, Fusions, Impalas (good luck there!), Priuses, Civics, Jettas, Passats – you name it. Oh, a Mini Cooper hybrid would be cool, too. Which hybrid you gonna buy?
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I own a 2005 Toyota Prius, and it is without doubt the most fabulous car that I’ve ever owned, and I’ve literally lost count of the cars I’ve owned in over 30 years of driving.
Yes, I also think that hybrids will be “mainstreamed” by about 2007, and don’t forget that Hyundai (a real up-and-coming car company) is also going to introduce hybrids, as will their part-owned junior partner, Kia, in 2007.
A lot of people are hoping for crossover and minivan hybrids, and I think (?) that Toyota may be first with the minivan hybrids for the US by late 2007 or early 2008, hopefully. Families need to save, too!
Actually, if anyone only needs up to five seats, the Prius is fantastic. Let’s put it this way – my adult Newfoundland dog is very comfortable in back, she has plenty of room, and loves going in the Prius (of course, her loving the Prius involves my stopping and taking her for a walk or a swim).