Overhaulin'

What's a good hybrid car to buy?

I'm looking at buying a new car and a hybrid car (electricity + petrol) I have in mind. The only one I know of is Toyota Prius. Is it any good? I've driven a couple of Toyota's before and don't particularly like or dislike the make. I like something that accelerates instantly and brakes instantly ie. obedient, makes sharp turns smoothly, and is efficient in terms of fuel consumption. Any particular hybrid car fits this description? (and preferrably not too expensive) Thanks.

Public Comments

1. Most hybrids are built for economy first. Don't expect snappy acceleration from a hybrid like the Prius. There are some hybrids which use the electric motor more for acceleration boost as opposed to fuel economy gains but those are usually the more luxury oriented hybrids such as the Lexus GS450h.
2. chevy tahoe hybrid - Tahoe made its hybrid electric debut in fall, 2007. In January, 2008, starting price was USD$50,540.The starting price of the 2009 model was increased to USD$51,405. The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid uses a combination of its 6.0-liter V8 engine and two electric motors that charge a 300-volt nickel-metal hydride battery. The vehicle can run on either gasoline, electricity or a mixture of the two using an automatic system that monitors the vehicle's torque, and state of the battery to choose the most efficient source of power. The battery is charged either directly by generating electricity through driving one or both electric motors using the gasoline engine (while the vehicle is coasting or being driven by the gasoline engine), or by the wheels driving one or both electric motors through what is called "Regenerative Braking" when the vehicle is decelerating, thus regaining a small amount of the energy invested in forward momentum. The Tahoe is considered a strong hybrid, in that it can run entirely on the battery (for a limited range) at low speeds. In city driving, the EPA rating of fuel consumption for the 2WD version of the hybrid is 21 mpg - a number that rivals mid-sized sedans like the Toyota Camry. In comparison, non-hybrid varieties of the Tahoe are rated no higher than 15 mpg in city driving.
3. honda insight, its brand new not much higher priced then the prius and according to most of the car reviews its pretty quick for its small engine, my dad works for honda and yesterday he got to drive one and he liked it and we might be getting one
4. Avoid the Prius. It is a very boring car that is way overrated. It also has an ugly steering wheel and interior. The Honda Civic Hybrid, the 2001-2006 Honda Insight or 2010 Honda Insight. The Honda's are cheaper to maintain and fix. Cheaper to insure. The 2001-2006 Insight is the most fuel efficient gas-electric Hybrid car ever made, but only seats two people. The 2010 Insight is all new and seats 5 people. It looks almost the same as the Toyota Prius, but it has a better interior design and it is more fun to drive and handles better. The Honda Civic looks most like a normal car and drives most like a normal car so I think it is the best Hybrid car.