Not too long ago, in the mid-2000s, eco-conscious car buyers had only a handful of gas/electric hybrids to choose from. But in recent years, nearly every major automaker has jumped into the green waters. More than 30 hybrid models are available for 2011, and many more will be rolled out in upcoming years.

Due to the oil crisis of 2007-08, which pushed gas prices over $4 a gallon, automakers rushed development of gas/electric hybrid vehicles. These hybrid cars, SUVs, and pickups have offered terrific gas mileage but have sticker-shocked consumers in the showrooms. With gas prices low in 2009 and ’10, hybrids did not make economic sense. But gas prices are on the rise again in ’11, and it appears that at least some hybrid vehicles could become economically worthwhile in the long run.

In cities across America, taxicab companies are employing fleets of Prius vehicles--not to make an eco statement but to improve their bottom line. If gas prices surpass and stay above $3.50 a gallon, and you do a lot of city driving, the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Hyundai Sonata Hybrid likely will save you money over the lifetime of your car when compared to similar trim levels (Fusion SEL and Sonata 2.4 SE).

However, most hybrids are still very pricey and will hurt instead of help your bottom line . . . unless, perhaps, if gas prices soar well above $4 a gallon. And if gas ever zooms past $5, you might be better off skipping hybrids altogether and doing what Bob Dylan did in 1965: go electric.

New for 2011

Automakers continue to ride the green wave. Not only did none of the 2010 hybrids get the axe, but nine 2011 hybrids made their showroom debuts. The Hyundai Sonata, Kia Optima, Lincoln MKZ, and BMW 7-Series now come with hybrid models, while the Honda CR-Z premieres as a 2-passenger, sport-themed dedicated hybrid. The Chevrolet Volt, a plug-in hybrid that approaches 100 mpg while in electric mode, makes its much-anticipated debut. Volkswagen and Porsche have rolled out their first-ever hybrids, but each with a twist: The Volkswagen Touareg and Porsche Cayenne hybrids come with supercharged V6 engines.