There is an article in USAToday about the new 2009 Honda Civic Hybrid. I love my Honda Civic Hybrid, and if I would purchase a new car again, I'd buy another. The Honda Hybrid price is in $22-25,000 range. That is very reasonable for a new car that will save you gasoline and money.
The new Chevrolet Volt is due to roll out in 2010. The proposed price is $40,000 but I think that price is over the top. It puts the car out of reach for most Americans. If American car designers want to make cars that people will buy, they need to make cars that people can afford.
If you've driven around your town, you are very aware that the local car dealerships are still flooded with hundreds of SUV's. The SUV's are like dinosaurs. It might be a good idea for the big car manufacturers to make American car buyers offers they can't refuse---- reduce the prices dramatically to get them off the lots. Sure, the cars makers will lose some money, but they are not making money with the cars remaining on the lots.