This Could Be The Catalyst

Amidst the gloomy and doomy economic news of the past week comes this shot-in-the-arm for the American auto industry.

USA Today writes: "OK, let's just get it out there: The 2010 Ford Fusion hybrid is the best gasoline-electric hybrid yet. What makes it best is a top-drawer blend of an already very good midsize sedan with the industry's smoothest, best-integrated gas-electric power system. It's so well-done that you have to look to the $107,000 Lexus LS 600h hybrid to come close."

I’m in the market for a car and have been seriously looking at the Prius because of its fuel economy and greeniness. However, I’d like to “buy American” given half the chance. I might even overlook the rule—sadly confirmed by many a bad experience---against buying a product in its first year of production. The extended warranty may be the answer, as long as the warrantor will be around to service it. These decisions are so complicated.