[aigel]

They make perfect sense for people who love 1 hour each way stop and go commutes. This type of commuting is very common in L.A. and the Bay Area. Of course living like that makes no sense to me to start with, but it is a reality and does not appear to affect these individuals.

Other metro areas may involve long commutes also, i.e. from satellite suburban areas to the centers, but here the traffic still flows considerably well and a regular gas saver car will be sufficient. Also, gas will be 20% less in these areas, so many may care less abut fuel mileage.

I really think the average person nowadays buys a hybrid in CA. It isn't at all about smugness, the environment etc. It is a decent mid size commuter car with the best mileage. Just an appliance like any other Japanese mid size car.

G