Are Hybrid Cars Worth It?

One sunny summer day back in 2002, my husband and I bought a beautiful Toyota Landcruiser. And, boy, did we love that vehicle. We took it on scenic road trips, to dessert outlet shopping sprees and even, on one adventurous weekend, to a sandy beachside dog park. But all that changed the year gas prices skyrocketed. Suddenly we were paying double for our typical fill up. We fell out of love with our beloved behemoth.

Our only choice, it seemed was a hybrid and-truth be told-I was not happy. I'd driven a few tin can-like vehicles that rattled and paused during my freeway on ramp test drive. I was not a fan of the thin upholstery, the clunky dashboard masquerading as a sporty coup. I wanted performance-something most SUVs lack.

In 2010, it was time for the inevitable decision. Off we went to our local Toyota dealership and test drove a Highlander Hybrid. Miracle of miracles, it out-performed all of my judgments and expectations. Within minutes of my freeway drive, I felt a thrill as a car pulled in front and practically dared me to shoot ahead. Yes! The gas pedal actually worked. The steering was tight and the luxury suspension made the ride comfortable for both driver and passenger.

We opted for the after-market DVD player-which I would not recommend. Both of us agree that the mounting of the aftermarket player creates an uncomfortable blind spot. My recommendation is to get the headrest DVD player. Although it could be an issue if a repair is ever needed, the convenience of a free sight-line is well worth the risk. Other than that, the options are great. The battery transition is smooth and the maintenance is the same cost as a non-hybrid version.

The only other issue I have is with the tires. The stock tires wear extremely quickly and, even with normal driving they had to be replaced within a year of our purchase. A much better choice is a tire upgrade which should be researched at your local tire store.

With gas prices rounding up to almost $5 a gallon, the hybrid makes more sense than it ever did before. The gas mileage ranges from 21-26 MPG which creates peace of mind in our household. The car has a great safety record and, even though we bought the first model of the new Highlander series, the car is great.