. Toyota Prius

. Ford Escape Hybrid

. Honda Accord Hybrid

. Honda Insight

. Toyota Highlander Hybrid

. Lexus RX400h

. GMC Sierra 1500 SLE Hybrid

. Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LS Hybrid


Hybrid car buyers are lured to the car's highly touted benefits - a fairly clean alternative that is easy at the pumps. As an added bonus, if the hybrid buyer lives in British Columbia, Ontario or Prince Edward Island, a partial sales tax rebate is also available.

The hybrid's popularity, however, extends beyond the driver. Insurance companies are getting in on the act. In the US a number of insurers offer insurance premium discounts for hybrid owners. In Canada, there are now at least three companies that offer hybrid owners an insurance discount - usually about 10%.

Like any new kid on the block, there is much talk about how much hybrids cost and what they're like. While fuel efficiency is certainly a bonus, hybrids are slightly more expensive than their non-hybrid version - often from $5000 to $6350.

Rumours abound about the cost to maintain hybrids. It's often thought they cost more to upkeep. To offset this perception-and to put their money where their mouth is so to speak-some manufactures offer warranties that extend beyond the basic coverage. Toyota for example, offers an 8-year (or 130,000 km) warranty coverage on their Prius and Highlander hybrid-related components. Warranty aside, it's also been reported that a hybrid's regular preventative maintenance costs are comparable to its gas-powered counterpart.

If you're in the market for a new car and are interested in the hybrid, auto makers are coming out with more hybrids every year. And as gas prices continue to rise Canadian consumers are buying them.