Are Hybrids Worth It? A Look at the Toyota Prius, Honda Insight & Honda Civic

In a society that is increasingly more aware of environmental pollution, it is important for consumers to consider modes of transportation that serve to decrease adverse effects on our natural environment. Gas powered vehicles emit a substantial amount of toxins known as greenhouse gases into the atmosphere each year which are widely thought to cause environmental issues such as global warming. When debating on future transportation, including possibly purchasing more fuel-efficient cars, it is important to decide for ourselves whether the purchase of a hybrid vehicle is actually of some value. A hybrid vehicle is an automobile that uses a combination of gas or diesel power with electric power or another alternative power source. Overall, the positives of a hybrid vehicle do not outweigh the added costs and baggage that come with them, based on the car’s usage, cost savings, possible tax incentives, performance, and environmental effects. 

When purchasing a new automobile, a potential buy must consider the basis for the purchase. Determining the vehicles purpose and uses is the first logical step to making such a decision. With this in mind, most working class Americans will find themselves with commuting jobs, which potentially could lead to a significant amount of highway miles on the new car.  This will most likely be the dominant portion of the car’s mileage. For instance, the average American commute to work is 24.4 minutes or 48.8 minutes a day (Buckner para. 1).This highly favors the hybrid, because the top three hybrid vehicles, the Honda Insight, the Toyota Prius, and the Honda Civic, all have highway miles per gallon in excess of 50 (“Gas Mileage”).