Hybrid technology only really works for city and rural folk who spend a lot of time in traffic or slow speed commutes. I personally love seeing these guys tool down the highway under the speed limit staring at the display. Cars requiring fuel will only get so much in economy from an internal combustion engine. The only advantage a Prius has is aerodynamics, certainly not weight savings. Zero gain really for driving down the highway. City on the other hand, you'd be crazy not to own one.
I will say that marketing has really pulled the sheet over us. They keep claiming of increased fuel economy every year. Why is it that entry level economy cars are getting the same if not worse economy than my 97' Corolla I owned years ago? Sure power is up alittle but nothing to tought over in something aimed at 40mpg. Keep tacking on luxury items like auto climate and nav. Combined with more airbags, these things are only getting heavier.
I personally do not like the Prius but it sure did pave the way for the technology within that segment. This makes everyone win...including the planet
Now if I could just find the article about Googlemaps taking down images which exposed how Toyota destroyed certain areas mining for precious metals...