PROS:

Reduce Fuel Consumption: A hybrid will use less fuel than an ordinary comparable car which ultimately results in more miles per gallon. You'll find yourself spending less time and money at the pump. This is a great feature that will help cut down the impact of the rise in gas prices as well as reduces our dependency on foreign fuel.

Less Pollution: Because the power of gasoline/electric hybrids is split between an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, when the hybrid is idle in traffic it will shut down the internal combustion engine. This reduces the amount of pollutants released from the gas engine.

Tax Credit: The government gives a tax incentive for those that by hybrids. I hear this phases out once a manufacturer has sold 60,000 hybrids. Keep in mind that everyone does not qualify for this tax credit. It wouldn't be wise to count your eggs before they hatch. In short, check first. Click here for Washington state tax incentives.

Local & Company Perks: Some states like Virginia and California offer drivers of hybrid cars HOV access and in some cases free parking. Companies have also been known to provide incentives for their employees to buy hybrid cars. This is on a state by state and company by company basis. Never hurts to check.

CONS:

Expensive: Hybrids are more expensive to develop to a manufacturer which ultimately means the added cost is carried on to the consumer. I have not come across a hybrid that is economically feasible for the money conscious consumer. If you can muster up $22,000 - $25,000 you're good to go, anything under that and your not likely going to find anything unless it's used. Keep in mind; you won't get the tax credit on a used vehicle either.

Maintenance: Although they are claimed to be more reliable and require less maintenance the repairs tend to cost more when it's all said and done. Within a hybrid are three systems all working together and when one system fails, they all do.

Safety: Manufacturers make the batteries shut down in the even of an accident however electricity can still pose a threat and batteries can malfunction. There's also the fact of batteries being very expensive to replace though they are said to last a very long time.


A noteworthy alternative to hybrid vehicles is the Ford Focus, according to The Consumer Reports. The engine qualifies for Partial Zero-Emission Vehicle status, get's up to 36mpg highway and are priced around $13,000 which is considerably lower than the least expensive hybrid. 




Top 5 most fuel efficient cars:
1. Toyota Prius- 45/48 mpg
2. Honda Civic Hybrid- 45/40 mpg
3. Nissan Altima Hybrid- 33/35 mpg
4. Toyota Camry Hybrid- 34/33 mpg
5. Toyota Yaris- 36/29 mpg


At the end of the day one must always keep in mind what is most important to them in a car and how much they are willing to pay for it. I think hybrids are a great alternative to traditional vehicles in our quest for a healthier planet; however it may not be the best option for everyone. If you can't afford the hybrid option, there is always public transportation, and alternate means of transportation such as walking, biking and good ol' fashioned carpooling. Pick what option suites you the best and like Tim Gunn says "Make it work".



Aaron Fields writes for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are his.