I bought a hybrid 4 months ago & I'm really glad I did! (I bought the hybrid Honda Civic). I miss my Nissan Pathfinder - especially the sitting-up-high-&-seeing-everything! - but I don't miss the lousy gas mileage. I now get 40 - 44 MPG!!
A friend bought a Toyota Prius a couple years ago and loves it. It gets terrific gas mileage, is very quiet and actually has a good deal of room inside despite being a compact car. Toyotas are built well also.