Most of the hybrids seem to be disappointing as far as actually being able to get good mileage, especially the ones that are large-car or SUV based. There are plenty of reasonable cars that aren’t hybrids and aren’t econo-boxes that get better mileage (Look at Audi, those are far from lightweight econo, and they get excellent mileage, my roomie with his A4 gets better mileage than my Focus). I’m not a big fan of the way hybrids are done these days. Maybe if they were electric-drive only, and they had some sort of efficient fuel-burning generator setup to charge the batteries when needed (sterling, turbine, diesel even, anything more efficient than an engine designed for moving a car). It just seems like keeping the fuel-engine directly connected to the drivetrain limits the type of engine that you can use.

I don’t think the public will take any hit on their power and acceleration. I think that is the problem. It seems wrong to me too that the Lexus SUV hybrid for example has similar MPG to a large family car.

I think this trend will only get worse. As hybrid becomes a buzzword and a checklist item for new car buyers the manufacturers will start to redefine the meaning of the term.

For example, a big truck using a hefty electric motor/generator in place of an alternator. It can be used to provide a bit of boost and thereby is something of a hybrid.

Like the term “natural ingredients” I think we are going to wish there was a little regulation in what constitutes a true hybrid.