RE: Are hybrids worth the extra-cost?
Yes. We bought a Ford Fusion Hybrid. Paid extra for a wrapped warranty, so we are good for 100K miles, including battery. The car is, for lack of a better word, perfect. Never in the shop, just oil changes and tire rotations sofar. It runs great and gets about 38 MPG in mixed driving in the spring through fall, and about 35 MPG winter. Plenty of power, an excellent road car, and great integrated SYNC / Microsoft system.