They used to be a faintly eccentric imported quirk, these cars that had two sources of power. They looked like beetles -- not the German kind - and they were largely reserved for those who had few of the obligations of the Great American Middle Class. If you had a kid or a dog, well, hybrids just weren't for you. They were impracticality defined by great gas mileage, but then back in the nineties people didn't even buy hybrids for the fuel economy: they bought to save a tree. Or maybe a bush.

No longer. Turns out that Honda and Toyota were right all along, and as we stretch into 2005, hybrids have merged into mainstream USA. They are now a great idea for those who drive big cars and SUVs out of necessity, because they save at the pump, reduce emissions and offer it all in exactly the same package as any other car - almost. Pretty soon, hybrid powertrains will be part of every vehicle model lineup. The choice is yours, and as the choice grows the price goes down.

There are already quite a few hybrids to choose from, and the choice doesn't just come down to body style: there are real differences on the road now. Should you desire the best fuel economy, the Honda Insight is still your best bet. If convenience is right up there with fuel economy, look at the Ford Escape Hybrid or the upcoming Toyota Highlander Hybrid. If you like the idea of saving gas but want more performance, put the Honda Accord Hybrid on your list. If you're looking for an ideal commuter car with great gas mileage and a low price tag, check out the Civic Hybrid.

And of course there is always the Prius, the darling of the Jet set and the car that put hybrids in the headlines. Toyota has recently committed to doubling production of the Prius, so while the lines will get shorter it's likely to remain popular. Classified as a mid-size sedan, the Prius is roomy and fuel miserly. And let's face it - the Prius has style.

But then all hybrids are getting hip. And while we all can thank the Prius for that, who would have thought, ten years ago, that Ford would be the one to bring the hybrid choice to Main St. USA. Sure, Ford's debut of the Escape Hybrid was just moments ahead of Toyota's own hybrid SUV, but that first SUV means more than the meek introduction of a compact car that simply gets greater gas mileage. It has made hybrid an option for all of us.

This is the start. It promises to get exciting from here on out, as hybrid vehicles fit themselves permanently into the American automotive landscape.