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I am a civic fan, and I am intrigued by the hybrid. I think the hybrid and civic are a good match. However what is the long-term outlook on the real cost savings for going this route? I am not looking to do it just to trick myself into feeling better. If I am going to sacrifice a significant level of performance I want to be doing it for a reason.

So does anyone know the cost/benefit analysis of the hybrid?

 
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Its huge. But its not completely about the consumer saving money, i believe its more about saving the environment. Thats where the real savings are.

I dont care if I dont save a cent, its the environment that is going to benefit if we all start using hybrid cars.

 
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Unfortunately I am not that altruistic, and I don't think most people are either. There needs to be some tangible benefit, I believe for most people. As it stands now it seems like hybrids end up being more expensive over the long run.

 
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Thats why they havent completely taken off yet.
I still believe they are cheaper to run than a normal car, but the marketing guys havent pushed that enough yet to win over the consumer.

 
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Yup. I have realized we are a while away from a genuine alternative where there is real value, real environmental savings, and little hassle.

Right now there is modest environmental benefit, added cost, and huge hassle.

 
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With more and more hybrid models coming to market and pressure from the government to get MPG ratings down, I think the public will be force fed hybrids in an increasing number. The US companies are getting into it too, but with efforts like the Ford Escape, I am not sure they will have any real impact.

 
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The Ford Escape.. thats a big hulking tank isn't it? Or has it changed now?

I think it will be 20 years AT LEAST until they would even start thinking about forcing people to drive hybrid cars.

Actually it would be alot longer than that, you'd virtually have to wait until all normal cars are off the road through old age etc.

 
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I think we should all wan to do our part to help the environment. So if we can do it for the same price we should all focus on these newer cars that are friendly to our friends the trees.

 
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hehe they arent friendly to trees

The idea of hybrid is to cut down on emissions and therefore slow down the vastly increasing hole in the ozone layer.
The only threat to trees are commercial loggers, not cars.

 
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Yes but if the ozone depletes and it inhibits oxygen which means the trees have to work hader. Plus the pollution is not good when it gets recycled in the rain and lands on the trees!

 
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yes blueangel you are right on the money there.
trees are the lifeblood of humans, but most people just dont know this and take it for granted.

 
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The "Save the environment" slogan will not go far without the other tangible benefits...I am with the others on the board that says, "hey cool, that's nice and all...huge a tree....save the forest...don't harpoon the whale...but leave me more cash in my pocket while you are at it."

 
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Thats right.. everyone wants something for themself. They want to see benefits for THEM. Thats just human nature, and anyone who says otherwise is lying