With fuel costs rising, it's no wonder that more and more people are turning to hybrid cars 2005 to save money. The hybrid cars 2005 lineup includes the Toyota Prius, one of the top-selling hybrids on the market, and the Honda Civic Hybrid. There are a few more hybrid cars 2005 models coming down the pike.

Sports-utility vehicles are notorious gas guzzlers, with EPA ratings almost to the single-digits. There are increasingly more and more sport-utility hybrid cars 2005 coming into the market. For example, the Lexus RX is the first luxury hybrid SUV, and is coming out for the higher-end car buyer. The Ford Escape hybrid and the Toyota Highlander are also out on the hybrid cars 2005 market for the rest of us commoners. The Ford Escape hybrid, which was the first hybrid sports-utility vehicle released, can run exclusively on electric power at low speed and does not even engage the gas engine provided the battery has enough charge. It is also the same size as the regular Ford Escape, so there is no need to sacrifice wiggle room for fuel efficiency.

Hybrid vehicles go beyond savings at the fuel pump. Purchasing hybrid cars 2005 makes a statement about a decreased reliance on foreign oil dependency. For the future-focused consumer, hybrid cars 2005 reduce pollutants in the environment, enabling our families and children to reap the benefits.

What are the best hybrid model choices? To satisfy an immediate hybrid vehicle hunger, one of your best choices is the Toyota Prius. The Prius has sold over 100,000 models. Further, it is in its third generation. Common wisdom suggests treading cautiously when purchasing the first generation of a new model, particularly when new technology is involved. The third generation is a bit more refined. Toyota and Honda own the Japanese auto hybrid crown, but Nissan will be joining the party in 2007 with their hybrid version of the popular Altima. Lost in the shuffle of the newer models is the Honda Insight, the very first hybrid to make it onto the United States market. While Prius has outsold Insight, it is the leader in overall fuel efficiency, able to travel about 670 miles on one tank.

In the realm of pick-up trucks, the pickings are slimmer. The Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra are available in hybrid flavors. In 2005, these trucks will only be available in California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska, and Florida, but will be available for the rest of the United States in 2006. How well do they stack up? The Silverado is only about 10 percent more fuel efficient than its gas-only sister. However, there is no sacrifice when it comes to towing capability or performance. The Dodge Ram will also be available as a hybrid and will offer a 15 percent boost in fuel efficiency.