So last night took the plunge and purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry hybrid. Over the next few weeks and months I will post my findings here. I look forward to seeing what my actual gas mileage is over time. I have heard mixed results on the mileage of some of the hybrid cars.
So far my impressions are very good. The car rides very well and is very quiet. It's taking a little bit to get used to driving a hybrid. The first time you're sitting at a stoplight and you realize that the car is no longer running is pretty cool. It's also interesting to be driving along a highway at 65 miles an hour, having the engine turn on and off when I coast for long periods. I did notice it with a hybrid you lose a little bit of trunk space and I suspect I will lose the capability to fold-down the backseats to maximize space. There appears to be an air intake for the battery units that extends into the interior of the car and connects to the batteries on the floor of the trunk. I have a feeling that we'll be right in the way of laying the seats down flat. For the mileage that I anticipate that is a very small price to pay.
Check back for more updates over the next few weeks.