The evolution of the gas-electric hybrid car has been ongoing in the United States since the advent of the first Honda Insight hybrid coupe in December of 1999. Toyota soon followed with its four-door sedan, the Prius, which came to these shores in 2001. Honda countered in 2003 with its Civic hybrid sedan, while Toyota produced a far more usable second-generation Prius, also in 2003 as a 2004 model. The initial Insight and Prius were definitely on the severe side, offering air conditioning, … [Read more...]