However, it is possible to compare a Toyota Camry Hybrid to a "regular Camry."

The Camry Hybrid is powered by a 4-cylinder engine, but for comparison purposes, Toyota spokesman John McCandless claims that, "if you take into account the equipment level of the Camry Hybrid -- and that it has the performance of a V-6 -- the best apples-to-apples comparison is to compare the hybrid to a V-6 Camry LE. Those base prices are less than $2,000 apart -- $23,640 for the Camry V6 LE, vs. $25,000 for the Hybrid."

Toyota reports that the Camry Hybrid's fuel economy rating is 33 mpg city/34 mpg highway. Meanwhile, the Camry V6 gets 21/31 mpg, city/hwy.

For purposes of comparison, McCandless used a combined fuel economy rating, splitting the difference between highway and city mileage.

"So if you drive 15,000 miles a year, and you buy the Hybrid version, you'll be using about 454 gallons a year," says McCandless. "Meanwhile, if you get the V6 LE, you'll be burning 635 gallons a year. At $3.20 a gallon, that's a fuel-cost saving of about $547 a year. So it should take you three or four years to recoup the up-front premium you paid to buy the Hybrid. Plus, you get the satisfaction that you are easing the emission imprint on the planet."

I purchased a 2008 Camry hybrid in December and I love it. Metallic blue paint, leather, alloy wheels, navigation system, voice commands, Bluetooth phone connection, killer sound system, and awesome gas mileage. I'm averaging about 35 miles a gallon and getting around 475 miles to the tank! It has the same footprint as a normal Camry, though the truck is about 2/3's the size because thats where the batteries are located. The car is alot more responsive than a Prius is, and all of the controls are not driven by the touch screen.

I didn't go out looking for a hybrid either. Having a sexy wife with a masters in Mechanical Engineering changes you car buying experience thats for sure. She could throw down on gearing ratios and torque with the best of them! First I looked for any cars with the highest safety ratings from the government and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. Next I looked for cars that got greater than 30 MPG. That weeded the field down a bunch. After that, I looked for something that wasn't hideous, and had options that I wanted (leather seats, good sound system, and a navigation system). The Camry Hybrid was one of the only cars that fit that bill!

All and all I am extremely happy with my Camry and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for a new car.

I (heart) Huckebees (as well as my Camry Hybrid)