Subarus have a good reputation. I wouldn't be hesitant to buy one if I needed another car, and one was an option.
I would probably, out of curiosity and technical interest, get the Escape Hybrid. I had a Honda Insight for about a year, and liked it. It worked well, and got GREAT gas mileage. Turns out I just live too close to work for it to 'stretch it's legs'. Sadly, it gets the best efficiency on trips of about 15 miles or more. I live 2 miles from work.
I would suppose the Escape would be a similar situation. It needs some cruising at speed to regenerate completely. So if you're mostly going to use it for very short stop-and-go, it may not be as efficient as it could be.
Just a little input.
