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Love, Peace, and Higher Fuel Efficiency: Viva La Hybrid Revolution.

If you were youthfully minded in the summer of 1969 you probably carried your own rolling papers in your trouser pocket, and drove a VW bus or Karmann Ghia. In the summer of 2006, you are probably now carrying an Apple iPod in your pocket, and driving or at least thinking of purchasing a hybrid vehicle.

Purchasing a hybrid is the modern day equivalent of living the Jetsons' lifestyle while giving the finger to higher gas prices. There are eight hybrids on the market today. Toyota leads the way with the second generation Prius posting the highest fuel efficiency at the lowest cost. For MSRP of $21,725 you get fuel efficiency of 60 mpg city/51mpg hwy. This practical, yet sophisticatedly designed four-door, five-passenger automobile makes a statement. It says "green-mobile" anywhere you go. The endless surge of energy provided by its notably silent, but fuel efficient engine will make you feel elated as you drive mile after mile with the fuel gauge stuck on full - seemingly its permanent position. In addition, the spaciously interior, exceptionally comfortable seats, outstanding build quality and original styling make the Toyota Prius an excellent buy in any category. The 2006 Prius is the complete Jetsons' vehicle available today. Rejoice, as the future we once yearned for is finally here.

Depending on your personality, you now have the choice between a hybrid that looks like a traditional car or not. Unlike the distinctive Toyota Prius, the Honda Accord Hybrid does not shout "environmentalist" by design; rather it blends in with the environment. For those of you who prefer the stealth mode of a wolf in sheep's clothing, consider the Honda Accord Hybrid your next automobile. The Accord's luxuriously appointed cabin, with its host of amenities such as retractable sunroof, navigation system and LED lights makes this hybrid the perfect choice for those seeking a refined but economical sedan. Fuel efficiency of 29 mpg city/37 hwy and a MSRP of $30,500 make the Honda Accord Hybrid one hot buy.

If you are looking for a compact hybrid that conserves space as well as fuel, consider Honda's Insight or the Civic Hybrid. The Insight, with a MSRP of $21,530 attains 57 mpg city/56 mpg hwy, and features a two-door/two-passenger cabin. Its sleek exterior design and the assortment of exterior colors further enhance its desirability as a niche vehicle. The compact design however means limited storage capacity. Alternatively, the Honda Civic Hybrid at a MSRP of $21,850 is within the same price range as the Insight, and like its higher priced Accord Hybrid sibling, its contemporary looks make it blend in with other cars on the road while attaining a respectful 49 mpg city/51 mpg hwy. The Civic Hybrid is unique because it looks and drives like a regular car while posting outstanding fuel efficiency numbers. Aftermarket tweaks can further enhance the mileage. Both the Insight and Civic Hybrid have cult-like followings among compact car drivers who love the lure of hybrid technology.

For enthusiasts who prefer greater towing and carrying capacity in their vehicles, there are four SUV hybrids available in 2006. The Ford Escape Hybrid, for example, leads the way with an unprecedented 36 mpg city/31 mpg hwy at a MSRP of $26,900. The Escape Hybrid features a 155 horsepower engine and a luxuriously updated interior making this vehicle a good buy in this hotly sought after market. The Lexus RX 400h pushes the envelope of luxury with an even more spacious interior and a powerful 3.3 Liter V6 268 horsepower engine. The four-door, five-passenger, Lexus RX 400h gets 33 mpg city/28mpg hwy and costs considerably more than the Ford Escape with a MSRP of $44,660. The sumptuous sport utility segment is further enhanced with the presence of Mercury Mariner Hybrid with its 2.3 Liter engine that churns out 133 horsepower with a fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/29 mpg hwy. With a MSRP of $29,225, the Mercury Mariner is competitively priced and a welcome alternative to the higher priced "luxury" hybrids. Topping off the list is the sure-footed Toyota Highlander Hybrid featuring a 3.3 liter V6, 268 horsepower engine with the highest towing capacity of all hybrid SUVs. The Highlander features a well-appointed cabin and fuel efficiency of 33 mpg city/28 mpg hwy. At a MSRP of $33,030 the Highlander is the right choice for travelers who highly value torque and towing capacity in their hybrid SUV.

As you explore the wide open roads of the beautiful country in the new Mercury Mariner Hybrid, or the cul-de-sacs of suburbs in the 2006 Honda Accord Hybrid, or the alleys of city in the Toyota Prius, you will be excited that you are saving on fuel without compromising your need for living. The admiring glances from passersby will confirm your belief that a change is surely happening.