Article Courtesy of:  BY SHERYLL ALEXANDER

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California – CLICK HERE for Sheryll’s Home Page

For me, hybrid engine technology really took off in 2007 with the Lexus GS450h. It’s a wonder how Lexus took its super sports car GS and gave it a truly powerful rear drive, two-mode hybrid engine. Now in 2009, Lexus has unveiled its $100,000+ LS 600h, which comes with a 5 liter, 438 hp V8 gas-electric drivetrain.

Hybrid vehicles are more available than ever before. Truly, hybrids aren’t the answer for everyone, some hybrid vehicles do save money in fuel costs and yet still have perhaps thousands of dollars in upfront initial costs. And while subcompact and compact cars are now being built with super fuel-efficient, gasoline-powered engines, hybrid motors are perfectly suited for mid- and full-sized sedans, CUVs and SUVs.

2009 also marks the year of the more fuel-efficient large SUV hybrid with four models including the Cadillac Escalade Hybrid, Chrysler Aspen Hybrid, Dodge Durango Hybrid and a beefed up Saturn Vue Hybrid.

I’ve tested just about every hybrid vehicle on the market today. And although I haven’t yet driven all of the 2009 model year hybrids below. Here are some good notes for those considering a hybrid vehicle purchase:

Least Expensive Hybrid: 2009 Chevy Malibu

GM’s 2009 Chevy Malibu is the nation’s least expensive hybrid at an MSRP of about $25,000. In 2009, the Chevy Malibu actually has improved the fuel economy on its 2.4-liter Ecotec engine a few points to 34 mpg highway and 26 mpg city. But this sedan has more going for it than a fuel-efficient hybrid powertrain. The exterior and interior on the 2009 Chevy Malibu are both stylish, modern, sporty and luxurious.

Best Compact SUVs: 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid & 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid

I couldn’t narrow it down to just one mid-sized hybrid SUV because I love both the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid and the 2009 Saturn VUE Hybrid as all-around great picks. The 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid bring class-leading fuel economy at 33 mpg overall, a long list of standard features, above average driving characteristics, good styling inside and out and Ford’s cool SYNC technology. I’m quite fond of the Saturn Vue as an overall good buy, so the 2009 Saturn Vue 2 Mode Hybrid portends to be a winner with 50 percent better fuel economy over last year’s non-hybrid V6 model with a driving range of 500 miles on one tank of gasoline.

Best Subcompact: 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE

OK, I’m gonna throw you for a loop here. Most subcompacts aren’t made with hybrid engines because small engines already get above average fuel efficiency and low emissions. The 2.2 liter, four-cylinder 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt XFE gets 37 mpg highway, surpassing most hybrid vehicles. And if that’s not incentive enough to buy the 2009 Chevy Cobalt XFE, the car comes with a long list of standard features, lots of options packages, an excellent powertrain warranty (five years/100,000 miles), five-star safety ratings and environmental stature as an ultra low emissions vehicle. GM’s Pontiac G5 XFE also gets 37 mpg highway.

Best Hybrid Sedan: 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Recently, Consumer Reports announced the 2009 Toyota Camry Hybrid (34 mpg overall) saves the most money ($4,250) over five years compared to the conventional Toyota Camry (24 mpg overall). Now, there’s a lot of great hybrid sedans out there, including Toyota’s No. 1-selling hybrid: The Prius. However, there’s nothing like a super stylish, great driving, luxurious Camry to get around town.

Best Luxury SUV: 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid

Finally, celebrities, music stars, captains of business and perhaps a presidential candidate or two can drive the world’s first full-sized luxury SUV with an environmentally-friendly hybrid engine. GM’s advanced two-mode V8 engine has achieved a 50 percent improvement in city fuel economy. But at around $72,000 for a base model (with tons of standard features), the 2009 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid is pricey.

Best Large SUV & Truck Hybrid: 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and GMC Sierra Hybrid

This spring, I drove both the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid and the 2009 GMC Sierra Hybrid on a road test. I was surprised to find a noiseless, highly powerful 6-liter V8 gas-electric engine that gets 22 mpg overall. Plus, both of these large hybrids can tow 6,200 pounds and provide the same seating capacity, versatile cargo and luxury amenities as their non-hybrid counterparts. However, I do have to admit that I have yet to road test two other new, large SUV hybrid releases: the Chrysler Aspen Hybrid and the Dodge Durango Hybrid.

Best Retro Hybrid: 2009 Honda Insight

Hybrid-powered car have only been around for a few years. So, how can there already be a retro model? The Honda Insight, which started the whole hybrid craze five year ago, will be completely re-designed and available at dealerships this spring. Built and marketed to compete against Toyota’s Prius, the five-seater 2009 Honda Insight will be priced as the “world’s cheapest hybrid” at around $19,000. The new Insight’s exterior styling actually looks quite similar to the Prius, which I believe is a wrong move for Honda since the goofy-looking styling of the Prius isn’t super appealing.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, California.