“I like the Ford Fusion Hybrid, I will say.”
Why do you like it. Seriously. I have not owned a hybrid but that propulsion system seems like a nice idea, and the Prius has been a success long enough that it can’t be a flash in the pan.
It is comfortable, economical, well-balanced and responsive. It is easy to maintain. The engine, even after 110,000 miles, burns zero oil (might be the super-efficient air filter it uses). It is quiet and has a nice higher-end stereo system. You can find it for around/under $8,000 used in good condition with 80,000 - 90,000 miles. We bought one (2012) used a year ago for $8,800 (84,000 miles) and loved it so much that we bought a second one (2010) at 96,000 miles for $6,000.
The cars will last a good, long, time and the batteries this model uses are magnesium, which Ford has shown to last over 260,000 miles and still not need replacement.