And while the Civic Hybrid is a landmark vehicle in the application of hybrid technology, it's still a Civic - and regular Civics already perform at a high level of fuel efficiency. What's new now is even bigger, and strikes directly at what the market needs: a hybrid SUV. The Ford Escape hybrid carries with it a realistic miles per gallon of about 28 -- significantly better than the existing Escape. This is a full hybrid, able to run on either its gasoline engine and/or the electric motor depending on which delivers the most efficient fuel performance, and is available in front-wheel and all-wheel drive configurations.

Not a bad start – and there’s more on the way, namely Toyota’s third-row Highlander Hybrid (coming this summer) and the just-released Lexus RX 400h. Both vehicles are virtually identical, and will use a more powerful version of the Prius’ synergy Drive system. After that, there will be a deluge of hybrid vehicles, with more coming from Honda, Toyota, Ford and perhaps even General Motors. While The General has yeet to enter the hybrid contest, they have long been promising consumer hybrid powertrains for the Saturn Vue, Chevrolet Malibu, Tahoe and Silverado. When these cars make it to dealer lots is anyone’s guess – and it may well be too late in the game for GM to get involved in the chase for hybrid customers. That’s becoming a significant market, too, considering the appeal of the Prius and Ford Escape Hybrid.