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Honda Civic Hybrid

The Toyota Prius is without a doubt the most popular hybrid car on the roads these days. Nearly one million of the vehicles have been sold in America since the green car was introduced in 2000, making it by far the best-selling hybrid of all-time.

As the old saying goes: one million satisfied customers couldn't be wrong. Or can they?

The 2010 Toyota Prius returns with more room, improved agility and enhanced horsepower. It also improves on fuel efficiency, with an estimated combined mileage of 51 mpg. The closest competitor to this figure is the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid, which serves up a combined fuel efficiency of 42 mpg.

So why, then would anyone want to skip over the 2010 Toyota Prius in favor of another hybrid? There are lots of reasons, actually. And though the Toyota Prius does plenty of things right, it's not the hybrid car for everyone. If you're considering buying a hybrid, here are some reasons why you shouldn't buy the 2010 Toyota Prius:

You're Main Selling Point Isn't Fuel Efficiency

Yes, all hybrid shoppers want a vehicle with good fuel efficiency (that's the whole point). However, fuel efficiency is only one of many vehicle features that factor into a purchase decision. Simply put, there are several hybrid vehicles that offer a complete package that is just as good (if not better) than the Toyota Prius.

For example, the general consensus is that the 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid and 2010 Mercury Milan Hybrid offer a more refined driving experience than the Prius. While improvements have been made over the 2009 Toyota Prius, the interior environment still may feel a little too "economical" for some. And if price is the most important factor to you, then the 2010 Honda Insight may be a better choice.

You Want a Sportier Feel

One of the few complaints routinely sighted about the Toyota Prius is a stodgy steering system. Toyota has addressed this complaint to some degree on the 2010 Prius, but the fact remains that there are sportier-feeling hybrids available from competitors. Most notably, is the 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid. With a more traditional body style, the Civic Hybrid invokes a completely different aesthetic than the Toyota Prius. Similarly, if the vehicle's large rear end makes you turn up your nose at the 2010 Prius, then the Toyota Camry hybrid may also be a better match for you.

You Want a Hybrid With Bells and Whistles

If you know what you want, and don't mind paying for it, then the 2010 Toyota Prius is likely to disappoint. While upgrade packages add a number of appealing features, the Prius simply can't compete with the healthy crop of luxury 2010 hybrids. For similar styling and performance to the Prius, consider the refined Lexus LS 600h. Crisp features include LED lighting, 4-zone automatic climate control and voice-activated GPS. Other notable luxury hybrids include the performance-tuned BMW 335d and the elegant Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec.

You Need More Cargo Space

Whether your cargo is a stack of lumber or a pack of kids, the 2010 Toyota Prius probably isn't the best hybrid option. Though the mid-sized Prius comfortably seats up to five passengers, there are several hybrid SUVs that would better suit your extra baggage. The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid does an excellent job of balancing fuel efficiency with interior cabin space. The GMC Yukon Hybrid offers even more space, while keeping fuel efficiency above 20 mpg (which is good for its class). On the higher end, top 2010 hybrid luxury SUVs include the BMW X6 ActiveHybrid and Lexus RX 450h.

For 2010, green cars are getting more diversified. Yes, there’s some high-priced electric vehicles (EVs) on the market like the Chevrolet Volt and Fisker Karma, but there’s also some awesome gas-electric hybrids and even some truly clean diesels (most of which qualify for big tax credits).

So, are you still thinking about going green? 2010 is the best model year yet to buy a hybrid. What about diesel? VW is bringing its super fuel efficient and low emissions Jetta and Golf TDI models for Americans to enjoy too.

• The 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid (41 mpg city, 36 mpg hwy) just has it all: a low price, excellent fuel economy, a roomy and comfortable interior with quality materials and seriously fun performance. However, the Fusion garnered the No. 1 spot because of Ford’s way cool SYNC connectivity system.
• The third generation 2010 Toyota Prius (51 mpg city, 48 mpg hwy) has garnered much acclaim because this mid-sized sedan is still the most fuel efficient car on the road today. Plus, the 2010 Prius is a good deal with its rather low price, quirky design, high quality, zippy performance, top safety rankings and advanced technology.
• The 2010 Honda Civic Hybrid (45 mpg hwy, 40 mpg city) has been at the top of many green car lists because the Civic is just such a good overall buy with zippy performance, excellent reliability and above average design both inside and out.
• The 2010 Honda Insight (40 mpg city, 43 mpg hwy) is one of the top contenders against the best selling Toyota Prius, but the sexy exterior and interior design of this compact car make it an excellent overall buy.
• The 2010 Lexus HS 250h (35 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy) is the first luxury hybrid sedan to be built from the ground up as a hybrid. Starting at a base MSRP of around $34,000, the first-generation Lexus HS 250h has all of Lexus’ signature Euro-Asian sophistication, great design, smooth performance and advanced safety and telematics technology.
• The 2010 Volkswagen Jetta TDI (estimated 41 combined mpg) is at the top of my list for fun-to-drive, fuel-efficient and super low emissions car. Yes, VW’s TDI Jetta and Golf models are not hybrids, but powered by clean diesel fuel.
• The 2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI (estimated 41 combined mpg) is hot in Europe and for good reason since diesel fuel now has gained ultra clean emissions and lost that noisy ping-ping sound. The 2010 VW Golf TDI offers great fuel economy, performance, quality and design.
• The 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid (34 mpg city, 31 mpg hwy) is a mid-sized, five-seater SUV and not a car, but that’s what makes this vehicle so functional, especially for busy families or outdoor types.
• The 2010 Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 mpg city, 34 mpg hwy) is a good choice for those who love the Camry’s luxury, reliability and design, yet want a fuel efficient mid-sized sedan.
• The 2010 Nissan Altima Hybrid (estimated 35 mpg city, 33 mpg hwy) is a popular hybrid because the Nissan Altima is just a fun-to-drive sedan with a stylish exterior and interior.
• The 2010 Chevrolet Aveo is not only fuel efficient (35 mpg hwy, 27 mpg city), but was rated by the Ecology Center as the No. 1 least toxic car in America. Plus, the 2010 Chevy Aveo is one of the lowest-priced new cars you can buy at just MSRP of just $11,965.

Sheryll Alexander is a lifestyles writer based in Costa Mesa, Calif. Follow me! @sheryllalexande