Hybrid Cars Reviews

Hybrid cars boost fuel economy by supplementing a gas engine with an electric motor. (Be aware that ConsumerSearch is covering hybrid SUVs in a separate report.) We found the most detailed comparison of the Toyota Prius and Honda Civic hybrids at Motor Trend. Both cars have previously won the prestigious Motor Trend Car of the Year award. The newest review at Motor Trend compares the Altima, Aura and Camry, the main contenders in the midsize hybrid category. Automobile.com also comparatively tests the Altima, Camry and Aura hybrids.

Consumer Reports does not compare hybrid cars against each other, but rates and reviews them as individual vehicles along with their gasoline-powered counterparts. Still, their article on current hybrid cars includes links to detailed road tests and reviews with a wealth of information, including the results of annual reliability surveys. Consumer Reports also published an informative article titled "The dollars & sense of hybrids," which addresses the financial aspects of owning a hybrid car, a topic covered by some other reviewers as well. We found other comprehensive reviews of hybrid cars at Consumer Guide, Cars.com and Edmunds.com. We also found value-based vehicle rankings at Motor Trend's IntelliChoice, which seeks to predict long-term cost of ownership.

The Toyota Prius (*est. $21,100) is the bestselling hybrid car, and until recently, prospective buyers faced a waiting list just to buy one. Now that the Prius has competition, there's no longer a wait, but some reviews indicate that the Prius has lost some of its cachet nonetheless. While it's still the best choice for those whose primary motivation is to save money at the pump, other reviewers seem willing to trade a little fuel economy for a car that behaves more like a standard sedan. For the 2008 model year, several critics give the edge to the pricier Toyota Camry Hybrid (*est. $25,350), mainly because it drives and feels more like a regular gas-powered Camry, with fewer compromises in comfort.

Our Consensus Report shows how many times products are top-ranked by reviewers included in our
All The Reviews Reviewed chart.

Since hybrid cars fit into a wide range of sizes and classes, it's hard to make apples-to-apples comparisons. Critics still like the Prius hatchback, and it gets the best gas mileage. The Civic comes close in terms of fuel consumption, but the Camry Hybrid sedan is more comfortable and roomy (though it's less efficient). The mild-hybrid Malibu and Aura Green Line aren't as competitive. Some reviewers like the Nissan Altima Hybrid, but its expensive options packages turn off many reviewers who say the Camry is a better value. The two Lexus hybrid sedans are in a class of their own at this point, appealing to a subset of buyers who want a luxury car but also want to display their concern for energy conservation.