Popularity Contest

Whether you're a granola-crunching hippie or an off-road loving king of the road, chances are in the next five years you're going to be driving a hybrid car...That is if you believe the experts quoted in Wired magazine's Autopia blog.

They say that an average of 62% of new car buyers are considering purchasing hybrid vehicles this year, up from 50% last year. That number is only likely to rise.

"Fuel prices and awareness of the technology are driving the train," Mike Marshall of J.D. Power and Associates told Wired. Hybrids have become a part of the mainstream and people are no longer thinking, "Ooooh.... it's funky technology. Let's let someone else try it."

If none of the 13 hybrid models available on the market today appeal to you, don't worry. Some experts estimate that by 2013 there will be more than 80 different hybrid models out on the market. So, if the Toyota Prius or the Mazda Tribute ain't your thang, chances are one of the major car manufactures will soon be producing the hybrid of your dreams. We're still waiting to see if it will be too much of an oxymoron to produce a hybrid Hummer.

Tell us about the pros and cons of driving a hybrid in your mind. Are you hesitant to get one? What is preventing you from taking the plunge? [Wired]