[Kaite H.]

Are hybrid cars good. Not as in eco friendly, but reliable. Do i have to charge it or pump gas every some odd miles? Also i heard the still have some kinks they need to fix? should i get one?

[Norman O]

Hybrid cars are great, especially the Toyota Prius. They have been proven in Japan for many years. They are extremely reliable! But, the real question is does it pay for you to buy one? As an example, you can buy a new Corolla for about $14,000.oo and it can get up to 35 MPG. The Prius gets up to 50 MPG but costs over $25,000.00. How many miles do you drive a year? How long will you keep the car? How much is gas in your area? With these answered, you will probably find that it may take you up to 10 years to save money. Is it worth it?

Norm

[Stupid Flanders]

Most Hybrids are as reliable or more reliable than any gas powered vehicle.
They also get get great gas mileage (I average 50-51 in the summer and 44 in the winter in my 2007 Toyota Prius)

You never have to charge a hybrid and you need to pump gas in it just like any other car. Hybrid means part electric and part gas. The battery powers itself as you drive (regenerates when you use your brakes, which is why you generally will get better city mileage than highway mileage in a Prius).

Don't worry about the battery. None have failed in the US on the Prius since they introduced them in 2001. And as they become more common, their prices will come down.

They are more expensive than a gas powered vehicle and it will take a few years to break even, but as the price of gas goes up, the break-even point goes down.