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As gasoline prices continue to rise at the pump, more consumers are steering toward hybrid car purchases.

Sales were up 38 percent in 2007 to more than 350,000 vehicles, according to a study done by R.L. Polk & Co., an automotive research company.

The Toyota Prius remained the best-selling hybrid, according to Polk, with 51 percent of all hybrid sales, which is up from 43 percent of market share in 2006 despite an influx of new hybrid models from other automakers.

But consumers looking to purchase a Prius should be prepared for a long wait, said Rashawn Jackson, salesman for the Honda/Toyota Performance Automotive Network in Fairfield.

"It's about a two-week to six-month wait, especially if you are color- or package-specific," Jackson said.

To test drive a Prius, Jackson suggested renting one. To buy one, he suggested leaving a deposit with a dealership to guarantee a car.

Overall, automotive sales have taken a hit from increasing fuel prices. More consumers are demanding better fuel efficiency, and fewer are buying the typical gas-guzzlers such as trucks and sport utility vehicles, said Gary Stouffer, a car salesman at Hamilton Fairfield Dodge Jeep.

More options and fewer misconceptions about hybrids also may be fueling the surge in purchases, according to "The Essential Hybrid Car Handbook," by Nick Yost and David Friedman, which notes that hybrids have more power than previously thought, easily accelerating to highway speeds.

Hybrid Cars

Toyota Prius: 46 mpg, $20,900 MSRP

Honda Civic Hybrid: 42 mpg, $22,600 MSRP

Nissan Altima Hybrid: 34 mpg, $25,100 MSRP

Toyota Camry Hybrid: 33 mpg, $25,200 MSRP

Ford Escape Hybrid: 32 mpg, $26,300 MSRP

On the way:

Saturn Vue Green Line Two-Mode: 33 mpg

Hyundai Accent Hybrid: 45 mpg

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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