When Kiplinger's looked at the costs versus benefits of buying a hybrid two years ago, we concluded that most drivers would see long-term savings only with the smallest, most fuel-efficient models -- namely, the Toyota (TM) Prius and Honda (HMC) Civic Hybrid.

But at that time, gas cost only $2.30 a gallon. Now that gas prices have hit the stratosphere, more hybrids make financial sense. But with some hybrid models, you won't even come close to getting back the premium you pay.