[Fern]

Haku, good point about the batteries; they're a hazardous mateiral, but are they better than spewing more carbon dioxide into the air? I don't know.

From a cost/benefit analysis, i think most will agree that the slighlty lower mpg of a conventional vehicle will save more $$ than a hybrid eaking out about 10 mpg more.

I've been weighing these things on my mind for some time now, in preparation for the day about 5 years from now (i have a '99 Civic with 75K) when i'll need to decide which way to go. Right now, i'm leaning toward a Prius, despite the higher cost. It would tickle me to no end to get 60 mpg. I'm pretty sure that the right choice will become much clearer as hybrid tech either matures as a viable alternative or doesn't. I think it's here to stay.