Chris, Honda began using a different battery pack in the Civic Hybrid in 2012, and I believe the same applies to the Insight. There have been no major issues reported with the new pack thus far.

Wayne, the data is from TTI, and the study (in all of its extended detail) is linked in the body of the article. While breaking it down over 240 days worked makes it seem insignificant, look at it another way - the average commuter will give up nearly a "full" working week (38 hours) sitting in traffic each year.

Reid, I own neither but have driven both. I'm a huge fan of the Volt, and one of the reasons is its entertainment value and long-distance comfort.

The Prius Plug-In is neither entertaining (in my opinion) nor comfortable to drive on long road trips.

I've driven a Volt from NYC to Detroit, and it was no big deal. After driving a Prius Plug-In from Jacksonville to Miami, I was glad to get out of the car.

Glen, even if the tires are rated "all season," we strongly suggest running a winter tire if you live where it snows. Not only do these provide better traction in snow and on ice, they provide better grip in cold weather, too.

Johnny, my guess is "no." Instead, Cadillac hopes to lure the same demographic that's snapping up its ATS, CTS and SRX models: the younger, more affluent ones.

Gubbins, mea culpa. Good catch, sir.

Wrenchead, keep in mind that the '67 Stingray didn't have to worry about things like emission control, nor did it deliver anywhere close to 26 mpg.

John, in the long term, you're correct - but my current appliances bleed me to death slowly. An investment of $3,500 these days is as likely as an investment of $35,000.

Xiaolong, the cost to upgrade all appliances alone is beyond most household budgets (mine included), and that's a fraction of the cost of installing solar panels.

It costs a lot of money, apparently, to save money.

Lev, don't blame the American people - blame our elected leaders, whose job it is to save us from ourselves.