Hottest Hybrids For 2006

There's no question gasoline/electric hybrid vehicles are heating up — manufacturers continue to announce multiple new models.

Already, Toyota has its Camry Hybrid and Lexus GS 450h hybrid sedan in the pipeline. Hybrid variants of the Ford Fusion, Mazda Tribute and Nissan Altima models are in the works. Ford says it will bring hybrid power to half of its vehicles over the next five years. GM, DaimlerChrysler and BMW are jointly working on a full-hybrid system for their models, with GM committed to bringing hybrid power to some of its large-platform vehicles in 2008. A joint development effort by Audi, VW and Porsche will surely find hybrid vehicles in these automakers' camps in the coming years.

The thing is they're just getting started. That's why our hot list is so scant. But stay tuned, more exciting hybrid vehicles are expected in the coming months.

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Honda Civic Hybrid

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Mercury Mariner Hybrid