Just a note about gas prices and fuel costs possible from switching to a Hybrid from an SUV:

I kept gas receipts for all my purchases in 2003-2004. I created a spreadsheet to calculate my fuel costs. I was driving a 2002 Chevy Avalanche Z71, and I lived about 32 miles from work, a longish highway commute every day. I was driving about 425 miles a week.

From July 3rd 2003 through October 17 2003, I spent:
$624
on fueling my Avalanche.

Bought my 2004 MT HCH on July 10th 2004. I have moved closer to work, my commute being about 10 miles TOTAL now, and I drive about 238 miles a week now.

From July 11th 2004 through October 21 2004, I spent:
$130.62
on fueling my HCH.

Quite the difference, Eh?

P.S. An additional mindblower:

Even if the MILES DRIVEN WERE REVERSED and I had driven 6375 miles in the HCH and only 3322 miles in the Avalanche, I still would have spent less money on gas in the HCH: $325.56 for the AV and $248.63 for the HCH.