All 2006 Hybrid Models Beat Total Cost of Ownership
Over Traditional Gas Vehicle Models

A recent survey reveal that the twenty-two hybrid vehicles currently on the market save their owners more money than the traditional gas-guzzling vehicles in respective classes.

Interestingly, James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com and administrator of the survey, discovered that all hybrids on the market have a better total cost of ownership (TCO) over the short period of five years (or 70,000 miles) than those vehicles against which they compete.

"With the number of hybrids now on the market, the end of 2006 was an opportune time to examine the cost performance of each hybrid model with respect to the rest of the vehicles in their peer group," said Bell.

Aside from lower fuel costs, other factors playing a role in hybrids' cost performance are better-than-expected depreciation and resale value. Also, contrary to skeptics and critics, repair and maintenance costs haven't proven to be higher than those of other traditional vehicles.

"Up to now," Bell added, "The Prius has been the darling of the hybrid set, and it remains our highest rated value for hybrid vehicles. But this survey validates the cost performance of the other many hybrid models that are currently on the market."

Here's how the costs of owning a hybrid added up: