ROI may be long, but long-term dependability is a plus. Would be best if the Prius were diesel-electric, but US market regs... grrrr....

Comparison is fair, but you have to note that the Prius is a compact car, while the Echo is a sub-compact. :D

I'm willing to bet a fair percentage of new cars over the next decade will be 'hybrids' like the new Escape Hybrid... normal cars with an electric-assist... as this is the easiest way to go for now.