by Joe Corn

Created on: October 07, 2010   Last Updated: October 11, 2010

With the increase in gas prices, many families are considering turning toward hybrid cars, those vehicles that a few years ago seemed like a futuristic choice for a few. These days, parents who are both cost- and environmentally-conscious are considering how they can make the switch from the SUV and minivan family car to something that has additional benefits.   

The Toyota Prius is the number one selling hybrid available.  Toyota debuted their first hybrid in 1997; however it seems that the car has only recently become the new trend in the United States.  If gradually the world converts to hybrids, there will be a lower dependency on gas.  Which prices are always on the rise.

Hybrid cars are intended to reduce the use of fuel, therefore helping the environment and saving drivers gas money.  According to www.hybridcars.com, by switching from a gas guzzler to a hybrid, you can literally save the earth a couple of tons of greenhouse gases.

There are two types of hybrids: full and partial.  Full vehicle hybrids use two separate power sources to propel: gas for high speeds, electric for low speeds.  Once the car reaches 15 miles per hour, the gas engine kicks in.  For instance, the Prius has both a small gasoline engine and an electric motor.

A partial hybrid, such as the Honda Accord hybrid, has an engine that shuts off at lights or whenever the driver makes a stop.  This helps save gas, especially in bumper-to-bumper traffic.  Hybrids get better ratings for city driving, this is due to the constant stopping and going

Hybrids aren’t cheap, of course. They tend to be $4,000 to $7,000 more than a non-hybrid.  According to www.hybridcars.com, in a 2007 survey by Topline Strategy Group of 118 Prius drivers, 71 percent of respondents earned more than $100,000 per year. J.D. Power’s 2007 review of auto industry marketing showed that only 2 percent of hybrid owners are 24 or younger; 26 percent are between 25 and 44; 29 percent are between 45 and 54; and 33 percent are 55 and older.  Parents are a handful of these drivers.  

If you’re looking for a larger car for your family, the Ford Escape hybrid is the most fuel-efficient and affordable SUV on the road.  According to www.hybridcars.com, the two-wheel drive gets approximately 36 miles per gallon city and 31 miles per gallon highway.  The four-wheel drive gets approximately 33 miles per gallon city and 29 miles

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