For long-distance commuters like myself, I don't see the "use" of a hybrid. For the days I cruise right on in, I'm already at the most ideal conditions (constant highway speed and no real sudden acceleration). I don't think I'm saving "that" much by switching right now.
Plus, the Focus and other newer vehicles are already low, ultra-low, or zero-emission vehicles. In essence, they have kinda flogged a dead horse on this matter of emissions.
The cost savings...well, I think I could have spent $10K in gas already in the past few years. But as it's implied, you have other things that factor in like increased wear & tear on the car, and increased depreciation of the vehicle. The "normal" person probably still would look at the $10K difference as...a $10K difference. And especially if someone leased the car, they probably wouldn't even see any recovery of costs.
Just did a search:
Hidden Costs of Hybrids (Globe & Mail) 
