Do Hybrids Last? Consumer Reports Say Long-Term Customers are Happy

Toyota Prius Owners Rate Their Hybrid Cars Highest in Owner Satisfaction

So you're interested in buying a gasoline-electric hybrid, like Toyota's Prius, Honda's Civic Hybrid or new Accord Hybrid, Ford's

The honeymoon is over and it appears that long time hybrid customers are still happy with their vehicles. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

Escape Hybrid or the powerful new Lexus RX 400h, but you've got concerns about reliability over the long haul.

You're not alone. After all, the technology is relatively new, with the first Honda Insight and Toyota Prius models having arrived in North America only six years ago. Therefore, it only makes sense that the majority of consumers would be hesitant to do their part in "saving the planet".

As it turns out, however, the previous six year "honeymoon" has blossomed into strong marriages between hybrids and their owners, with most still happy with their purchases

The Toyota Prius garnered a 94 percent approval rating when 1,640 owners were asked if they would buy another one. (Photo: Toyota Canada)

according to Consumer Report's latest owner satisfaction survey.

Top of the list was the Toyota Prius, which garnered a 94 percent approval rating when 1,640 owners were asked if they would buy another one. This score was good enough to best Toyota's luxury division flagship, the LS 430, which achieved a 92 percent retention rating.

According to the senior director of Consumer Reports' auto test center David Champion, "There's a honeymoon period," for new technologies. "If reliability is not good, then (satisfaction is) going to go down. These hybrid systems have been very reliable."