It’s not because I’m anti-environment.
For over a year, I planned to buy a hybrid as my next car. I’m a technophile — I love having high-tech stuff. And while I’m not convinced that anthropogenic global warming is as bad as Al Gore says, getting excellent gas mileage is a good thing (especially if Iran starts playing hardball with oil prices.)
So last December, I seriously considered buying a hybrid. (The reason for the timing was I wanted to take advantage of the tax breaks for hybrid vehicles.) I went and test-drove a Honda Civic Hybrid and a Toyota Prius.
And I cam away disappointed, as I didn’t feel like either one was a vehicle I could buy.
The Civic Hybrid didn’t quite seem ready for prime time. There was a noticeable jerk as the engine switched between gas and electric modes. And I found the “sport seat” uncomfortable.
The Prius engine was very smooth and amazingly quiet. Overall, I found it a very cool car, with one huge flaw: the rear visibility is significantly obstructed. Now, for parking purpose that isn’t a problem, as there’s a rear-view camera that lets you see what’s behind you. (I told you it was cool!) But for driving purposes, I did not feel comfortable with that level of visibility. (I feel the same way in Sebring convertibles with the top up. With the top down, rear visibility is great!)
So that’s why I’m not buying a hybrid.