Tips on Buying Cars: Hybrid Cars, weather questions, adequate job

Question
My fiance and I are going to be buying a car by May and we were thinking about buying a hybrid. What is your opinion on these cars and which one would you recommend? We don't need a larger car, we are not planning on having children soon. Also, he is stationed in NE, what will be able to handle the cold and be safe in ice and snow? (I am a SC native, Im not used to ice, much less snow)

Answer
Hi Misty and thanks for the excellent and interesting question.  Since you mention stationed, I assume he is in the military.  Thanks to him and all others like him for serving our country.  Any of the current crop of hybrids have advantages and disadvantages.  They are relatively expensive for what they provide, but they are very good at the job they are designed for.  As time goes on, the price will go down somewhat and the value will go up, but this is still the story of supply and demand.  Do your research by going to a site, edmunds.com is my choice, that will let you look at all the vehicles and their prices.  As to the icy and snow, most of the vehicles produced today will do an adequate job unless you are going off road or to some remote area.  4 wheel drive is best, front wheel drive is next and rear while drive is not quite as good FOR TRACTION ONLY. After you do your research let me know if you have specific questions.  Bear in mind that I live in Florida so weather questions may or may not be applicable.  Best of luck to you and your finance.  Bud