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With the recent spikes in fuel prices, everybody has been thinking of getting a hybrid. Well, don’t get your hopes up. When I say everybody, I mean EVERYBODY. So… Yeah. Wait in line. Many dealerships have waiting lines – Toyota has a list of up to 60 names who want the Prius in their garage instead of yours.

These hybrids are selling like pancakes. They sell the minute they arrive at the dealerships. But, mind you, these things don’t come cheap. According to the LA Times, even second hand hybrids are selling. Several vehicles like the Prius and the Civic are sold at premium prices (In spite of second hand condition).

At last check, Hybrids accounted for only 2% of America’s total car sales. But that is changing at an unprecedented rate. This year, sales climbed from a 25% growth to a whopping 58% growth, in a span of five months.

Rising fuel prices are pressuring the consumer to make economic choices. This is good. This will have positive externalities for the environment and technology. Think about it, if the growth rates of buyers continue to increase, it’ll be enough to swing heads. Manufacturers will see it as a more lucrative opportunity. So in a way it’ll pressure them to invest in fuel-efficient technologies. This means less fuel, less carbon emissions, more for the rest of us. In a way the pressure of rising fuel prices has a good effect.

Now, I want a hybrid. I’m pretty sure you do too. So, I took the liberty of gathering the best choices. According to the experts, these are the top 5 fuel-efficient vehicles:

1)      Toyota Prius

2)      Honda Civic Hybrid

3)      Nissan Altima Hybrid

4)      Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD, Mercury Mariner Hybrid 4WD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid 4WD

5)      Toyota Camry Hybrid

Of course, you can go and check all the others. But these are what the experts like. Do you notice anything? American manufacturers only account to one name on the list. I think its about time they see the light. Don’t you think so?

Sources: About.com